Adderall/ Heart Palpitations

[cantpayattention]

I have been taking Adderall XR 20mg for about a year. I have taken as directed, etc. However, lately, I have been having heart palpitations. My doctor has checked these twice. My EKG reported "sinus tachycardia" which basically means a fast-but-normal heartbeat.

After a few months of peace, the palpitations returned. I went to the ER in a panic, but again, the EKG reported nothing wrong. I have discussed with my doctor what it is that I think causes these: taking my Adderall after drinking the night before. Even if I drink moderately, which I usually do, I have noticed these in the morning.

So basically, I am at a loss. I don't want to cut out alcohol, because I am a 23 year old with a healthy social life. I don't want to stop taking Adderall, because this medication has really helped me in a job where organization and focus are required. My doctor is not concerned, but he is not a heart specialist.

I have tried everything: drinking lots of water, making sure I get lots of potassium, etc. Does anyone have any thoughts or advice on my racing/irregular beating heart? Its been happening about 1-3 times a week for the past month and it makes me NERVOUS!

Thank You!

[GregAfib]

I am twenty three and have ADHD as well.  I started my aderall regiment when I was a freshman in high school and was cut off when I was a sophmore in college.

I woke up one day and my heart rate was racing as fast as 180 beats a minute irregular as well. I went to the ER and went right to the front of the line...

I had atrialfibrillation and was put in the heart care division of the hospital overnight.  The next morning I woke up at 6 am and went to say hi to the nurses as hospitals are very boring.  They ran out to see why there was an alert on the computer screen.  My heart rate had not subsided overnight and was racing at 190!!! I was givin cardiazem and my rate went down to 80 beats a minute. 15 minutes later the nurse came in to take blood from me as soon as the needle hit my skin my heart stopped beating.

I think I was 19 then and have been hospitalized for the same thing 6 times now. I have been off adderall and all bullsh#t drugs since my first stint and it still continues.

Good Luck!!!  Greg

[Lexito]

Man, you really need to consider your priorities here. Is your job (your financial stability for now and the future) or your drinking (unwinding and having fun) more important to you. I know this is not what you want to hear but sometimes you can't have both. Having both in this case seems to mean sacrificing the health of your heart and without that you may end up with neither. Do what you need to do and take care of yourself. There's no magic answer to this question, the choice is yours. I suggest you hurry up and make it. I will give you a tip though, having a social life is very, very possible without the use of alcohol. You can have fun without booze.

      Best of luck to you,
                              Alex