ritalin and SVT

    
      Re: Re: ritalin and SVT
    


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Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on September 13, 1998 at 08:04:56:

In Reply to: Re: ritalin and SVT posted by Katie on September 11, 1998 at 20:05:12:
  I was diagnosed just today with supraventricular tachycardia.  I took ritalin for 13 years, and I wonder if that played a part in this whole mess.  I had found that recently, the ritalin made my heart beat too fast, and I felt funny so I switched from the 20 mg sr to the 10 mg, but that still seemed to be too much.  Since I was diagnosed, I have refused to take my ritalin, and have discovered to my amazement that after a period of difficult "withdrawal", I am able to function quite well without it.  If anyone knows how the two are linked, I would really like to know more.  Thank you~
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Dear Katie
First, let me advise anyone reading this letter that it is a potentially dangerous mistake to discontinue medicines, especially ones such as Ritalin, without consulting your doctor.
Ritalin is methylphenidate, a stimulant drug that is chemically related to amphetamine. All stimulant drugs, either illicit or prescribed, can potentially cause palpitations or arrhythmias.
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 F15.