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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
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.
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.
Posted by glaciergirl on May 20, 2003, at 9:58:20
In reply to Re:, posted by Questionmark on May 19, 2003, at 1:09:16
I started 36mg of concerta today and I was wondering about exercising on it as well. I didn't exercise this morning, I wanted to see how the med would affect me, if at all, but I usually exercise at about 40-50% of my max heart rate. I'm curious to see if the concerta will affect my ability to workout as hard as I usually do. I will try this tomorrow and let you know!
Brooke
Posted by Rubena on May 20, 2003, at 18:39:27
In reply to Re:, posted by glaciergirl on May 20, 2003, at 9:58:20
> I started 36mg of concerta today and I was wondering about exercising on it as well. I didn't exercise this morning, I wanted to see how the med would affect me, if at all, but I usually exercise at about 40-50% of my max heart rate. I'm curious to see if the concerta will affect my ability to workout as hard as I usually do. I will try this tomorrow and let you know!
> BrookeWell, I did not notice the problem before i had been using the stimulant for about two years. I do not think that ordinarily it has a very dramatic effect on heart rate or exercise output. Good luck with it, and do post back if you noticed any difference in your workout.
Rubena
Posted by glaciergirl on May 21, 2003, at 7:53:33
In reply to Re:, posted by Rubena on May 20, 2003, at 18:39:27
Good Morning! I was too tired to get up this morning and run. I had a bad headache last night when I went to bed...of course, this could just be a "good excuse" not to have to get up and exercise...lol. I tend to do that alot, too! I did lift weights yesterday with no change in normal breathing/heart rate. The reason I am concerned about my HR fluctuating during cardio is because I tend to notice it happening when I take ephedera products or other fat burners during exercise. Does anyone know if stimulants (Concerta, 36mg) would act the same way? Just curious!
Rubena, are you still running, or have you quit? Good luck to ya and I will post if I feel anything weird..(just as soon as I feel up to doing my cardio!)
Later,
Brooke
This is the end of the thread.
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