Posted by ed_uk on August 15, 2005, at 3:43:41
In reply to Re: Dexedrine update » ed_uk, posted by KaraS on August 14, 2005, at 18:59:40
Hi K,
>In my last appointment I told Dr. E. that my resting pulse rate has been in the 80's and 90's so told me he wants me to start on the atenolol (as I knew he would).
Is the tachycardia bothersome? IMHO, sinus tachy can often be left untreated unless it's.......
a) uncomfortable
b) anxiety provoking
or c) severe - severe sustained tachycardia can damage the heart muscle leading to a condition called tachycardiomyopathy, which can cause heart failure. Heart failure due to tachycardiomyopathy can often be reversed by treatment with a beta blocker such as bisoprolol.
90bpm isn't really tachycardia. >100bpm is tachycardia.
I can definately see where your doc's coming from though, it is certainly possible that you'll develop troublesome tachycardia as you increase the dose of Dex. With your family history of heart disease, it makes sense to be extra cautious. IMHO, it would be best to start atenolol at 25mg/day.
>He thinks that the atenolol will solve almost all of my anxiety and depression problems.
It does sometimes help anxiety. I have a friend who finds atenolol very calming, he takes it for Ritalin-induced tachycardia! I've never heard of it helping depression.
>It's difficult for me to believe that a beta blocker alone will give me back my motivation.
It might allow you to tolerate a higher dose of Dex - which may improve your motivation.
>He thinks it would be foolish of me not to take the dexedrine every day. I don't buy this, do you?
It's always surprised me how few docs seem to prescribe 'as required' stimulants. Most people seem to take them every day.
Ed xx
poster:ed_uk
thread:536916
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050811/msgs/541820.html