Posted by mike99 on February 10, 2006, at 15:49:29
In reply to Reflections on the Value of Stimulants » SLS, posted by AC75 on February 10, 2006, at 13:13:03
So the FDA says there were 79 serious cardiovascular incidents w/ stimulants from 99-2003. 25 deaths, 19 of them children.
I am a healthy 28 year old. I took Ritalin for several months starting at age 25, but it gave me chest pain.
Stopped and had my heart checked for an underlying condition (EKG, echocardiogram). Everything OK.
Tried Strattera. Didn't help.
Switched to adderall--had to call an ambulance after taking less than 20 mgs total over 3 days.
Had my heart checked again, but this time more in depth and by 2 different cardiologists. MRI, stress echo. All good.
Switched to Dex... 15 mgs over 3 days landed me in the ER. My heart was just about pounding out of my chest... heart rate over 160, high blood pressure. They had to rule out a heart attack/stroke.
A week later EKG showed sinus arrythmia and incomplete right bundle branch block. Echo was normal except for "minor hypertrophic focus". Doc says nothing to worry about, but I still don't like the findings.
I am in a very competitive graduate program. The only time I've ever really been able to focus in my life has been on stimulants.
Nonetheless, I am thankful I have not exhausted my nine lives as some of the people did as referenced by this new report. My unmedicated life w/ ADHD is not easy, but I'm thankful to be alive and healthy.
I'm not against stimulants, but will personally never touch another. Of course all drugs have risks. However, IMHO I don't believe for a second, for example, that stimulants are safer than say NSAIDS, which are the cause of many injuries and deaths themselves.
I guess I really don't have a singular point to make, but just wanted to post my experience. I'm glad stims help many people but I also think it is important to continuously evaluate all data regarding their safety, especially given the recent increase in age, time duration and number of people taking them.
GIVEN THE PREVALENCE OF ADHD AND MARKET FOR IT'S TREATMENTS, I HOPE THE PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES CAN COME UP WITH NEW ADHD DRUGS WITH SAFER CARDIOVASCULAR PROFILES. I have personally been trying to get enrolled in such trials (ABT-089 by Abott and CX-717 by Cortex Pharmaceuticals).
I think stims are probably safe for lots of people and should stay on the market. However, the risks should not be minimized.
Peace
poster:mike99
thread:608122
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060205/msgs/608401.html