Posted by Questionmark on May 19, 2003, at 1:09:16
In reply to Selegiline and methylphenidate, posted by Rubena on May 17, 2003, at 1:35:38
> I've been taking selegiline (an MAOI), 25 mg, for 12 years, and methylphenidate-SR, 40 mg bid, for 4 years. About two years ago I found myself unable to get back into condition after several weeks interruption of my lifelong jogging habit. The "deconditioning" has persisted, with main problem a rapid heart rate with minimal exercise. Resting heart rate is still 60 or below, and blood pressure is low (not too low). Pulmonary workup: A-OK. Cardio workup: EKG and echo basically normal, heart structurally normal, good strong contractions with exercise. . . but tachycardia most of the time except first thing in morning before getting up. I now get winded climbing single flight of stairs. Cardiologist suggests meds are the culprit. The methylphenidate I can reduce or eliminate, but numerous attempts to taper selegiline (e.g., - 2.5 mg every fourth day) have always brought on immobilization that prompted antidepressant use originally. Is it plausible that the medication(s) are the source of the problem? I always thought that hypertension was the side effect to watch out for, and that has not occurred. Thanks.
Hm, strange. That's too bad. i would suggest reducing your methylphenidate dose until you find that this effect subsides-- maybe even eliminating the drug. You might have to taper somewhat gradually though since you've been on it daily for 4 years. So if you can, a gradual ease into the jogging again with a gradual ease off of the methyphenidate.
Hope this helps and isn't just stating the obvious. Good luck.
poster:Questionmark
thread:227174
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030514/msgs/227573.html