Posted by Ritch on May 31, 2002, at 23:25:30
In reply to Re: Concerta vs Adderall and mood swings, posted by JuniperF on May 31, 2002, at 13:45:45
> The other thing I am wondering about with Adderall and ADHD stimulant meds is the long term effects. There is this website ritalindeath.com, I think it is, where a patient had an enlarged heart because of long term ritalin use. He died because of this. I never worried about this before. I know to avoid meds that affect blood pressure, like decongestants for example, but I get my blood pressure checked regularly anyway and it is fine. What are your thoughts on this?
If you have a doctor who is checking your cardiac condition fairly regularly I wouldn't be that concerned (you might want to see a cardiologist every year or two and get an EKG, etc.). I think the heart condition most talked about related to long-term stimulant use is mitral valve prolapse. They pulled fenfluramine off the market (I think) due to this problem. So, it isn't limited to just methylphenidate. Also, you can minimize the risks of that problem by keeping the dosage as low as you can and still maintain reasonable efficacy.Mitch
poster:Ritch
thread:108092
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020525/msgs/108277.html