ADHD ENLARGED HEART

[MAW911]

Hi my son is 11 yrs old and was diagnosed with adhd when he was 5-6 yrs old. I was told recently the left side of his heart is enlarged. I was told its level 3 and he needs more tests. I was also told to keep him off all stimulants. Im freakin out, is this as serious  as it sounds? Does adhd meds like concerta cause this condition ?       please help, a scared maw

[thejoyofmotherhood]

Concerta does not cause the enlarged heart, but definitely increases the heart rate and causes other chest pains, so cardiovascular monitoring is a MUST with all the ADHD-drug taking children.

My son has a 5-6 mm hole in his heart and we get Eco every year, just because he is taking Concerta. So far, we were lucky and did not have to suspend taking it.

If they say it - keep him off of it. I am sorry to say that.

[specialmom]

Yes, concerta's pi talks of many cardiac adverse reactions.  An example would be hypertension which is known to enlarge a heart.  If your son had an underlying heart condition ---- and any child for that matter-----  adhd meds would exacerbate (is that how you spell that, I'm tired . . .) it.  That is why these medications need to be administered with much thought and caution.  Good luck with your son!

[FrustratedMom326]

Yes, these medications can enlarge the heart, which is why a good doctor would tell you off the bat that an EKG should be done every 2 years at minimum!  My son has been on ADHD medication since he was 5 years old.  I've read every book, manual, talked to hundreds of doctors, researched online, you name it I've done it!  And I've made sure that he gets an EKG every 2 years at least, so that a problem like this can be picked up early.

[dollyn]

This should help you,God bless your son and your family.

mportant information about Concerta

Do not use Concerta if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you use Concerta before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body. Do not use Concerta if you are allergic to methylphenidate or if you have glaucoma, overactive thyroid, severe high blood pressure, tics or Tourette's syndrome, angina, heart failure, heart rhythm disorder, recent heart attack, a hereditary condition such as fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption, or sucrase-isomaltase deficiency, or severe anxiety, tension, or agitation. Methylphenidate may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Concerta should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Concerta?

Do not take Concerta if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you use Concerta before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

Do not use Concerta if you are allergic to methylphenidate or if you have:

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      glaucoma;
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      overactive thyroid;
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      severe high blood pressure;
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      angina (chest pain), heart failure, heart rhythm disorder, or recent heart attack;
    *

      a personal or family history of tics (muscle twitches) or Tourette's syndrome;
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      severe anxiety, tension, or agitation (methylphenidate can make these symptoms worse); or
    *

      a hereditary condition such as fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption, or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency.

Some stimulants have caused sudden death in children and adolescents with serious heart problems or congenital heart defects. Tell your doctor if you have a congenital heart defect.

If you have certain other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Concerta. Before using Concerta, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

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      a congenital heart defect;
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      a personal or family history of mental illness, psychotic disorder, bipolar illness, depression, or suicide attempt;
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      epilepsy or other seizure disorder; or
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      a history of drug or alcohol addiction.