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Questions posted in the
Heart Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
Question Title: Heart Transplant medicationsForum: The Heart Forum
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My son had a heart-transplant April, 97. He is not the same person he was before his transplant. I think possibly it may be side effects of the medications he is having to take to supress his immune system. He has become unreasonable and I am afraid to ask his cardiologist for this information. I just want to help him and I can't do it unless I understand. He is taking Immuran, Cyclosporine, Prednisone, a high blood pressure medication, and something for migrane headaches. Can you please tell me what the long-term complications are of these medications? He is only 36 years old. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Scott Since your son has had a heart transplant, he will need to be on several immune-suppression drugs for the rest of his life. If he stops taking these medicines, his body will reject his heart and he will die. Over time, it will be possible to decrease the doses he is taking, and this will minimize, though not eliminate possible side effects. When you say your son has become unreasonable, I am not sure what you mean. Prednisone, especially in higher doses, can cause psychotic behavior. Alternatively, having gone through a life-changing experience (the transplant) could have changed your son’s behavior. You should speak with your son’s cardiologist and let him know your concerns and observations regarding your son. I hope this has been useful. Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck. Information provided here is of a general nature. Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F25.
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