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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can ADHD Medication Lead To Heart Issues?

7 years ago my 19 year old son was told he needed a pacemaker. But in that same breathe the doctor said that they don t put pacemakers in 19 year olds. I believe this is because he has no insurance. That doctor had run a battery of tests and said that my son s heart kicked in when he needed it too. My question is, My son had a surgery at age 2 (oral reconstruction) and another at age 8 (appendix). Never in the entire 19 years before, were we ever told of a heart problem. He was diagnosed with ADHD at age 7. I am wondering if any of this ADHD medications could have caused his heart condition.
Wed, 13 Feb 2013
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello Shelbyinok,

There are several different types of ADHD medications that may be used alone or in combination. Most of them can cause heart problems or exacerbate an existing condition. I would have loved to know which one he is on right now.
Psychostimulants (also known as stimulants) are the most commonly used ADHD drugs. Although these drugs are called stimulants, they actually have a calming effect on people with ADHD.

These drugs include (which can cause potential heart condition ):
- Amphetamine-dextroamphetamine (Adderall)
- Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)
- Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Dextrostat)
- Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate, Daytrana)

A nonstimulant drug called atomoxetine (Strattera) may work as well as stimulants, and may be less likely to be misused.
Some ADHD medicines have been linked to rare sudden death in children with heart problems. Talk to your doctor about which drug is best for your child.

Hope this answers your question
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Can ADHD Medication Lead To Heart Issues?

Hello Shelbyinok, There are several different types of ADHD medications that may be used alone or in combination. Most of them can cause heart problems or exacerbate an existing condition. I would have loved to know which one he is on right now. Psychostimulants (also known as stimulants) are the most commonly used ADHD drugs. Although these drugs are called stimulants, they actually have a calming effect on people with ADHD. These drugs include (which can cause potential heart condition ): - Amphetamine-dextroamphetamine (Adderall) - Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin) - Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Dextrostat) - Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) - Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate, Daytrana) A nonstimulant drug called atomoxetine (Strattera) may work as well as stimulants, and may be less likely to be misused. Some ADHD medicines have been linked to rare sudden death in children with heart problems. Talk to your doctor about which drug is best for your child. Hope this answers your question