Tachycardia remaining after discontinuing prescription amphetamines.

[Jwright7784]

So, since May I have been prescribed amphetamines for adult ADHD. Prior to usage I had a full cardiac workup by a cardiologist and given a clean bill of health. I was on Adderall for awhile than switched to Dexedrine than finally Vyvanse. While on Vyvanse my pulse rate started reaching near 120 and my psych doc became concerned and decided to stop the amphetamines. I have been off the amphetamines for 4 days as of today. My problem, the tachycardia persists even though I am no longer on the meds. Based off of the half life of Vyvanse it should be out of my system by now. I never abused my meds and I was on the starter dose of 30 mg once per day. My heart rate isn't at 120 anymore but I frequently hit between 100-107. I know these rates aren't particularly dangerous but it drives me nuts. Admittedly, I did suffer bad withdrawal effects for a few days. I had a very high heart rate (120-140), panic attack state for 3 days and severe burning chest pain. I was in the ER twice. EKG's showed my heart was normal and a chest X-ray showed heart and lungs visually look normal and healthy. Apparently my panic attack caused esophageal spasms which can feel like a heart attack if severe enough. The spasms are gone and the panic attack is over but my heart rate today is in the 100's once again. Interestingly my heart rate was 84 this morning. I'm wondering if I somehow screwed up my body permanently with the ADHD meds. Maybe my body is somehow pumping out too much adrenaline? Also worth noting, a lot of times, but not always, when my heart rate gets high my blood pressure drops. I've been as low as 100/48 but have a pulse of 105. These wild fluctuations and tachycardia have me concerned. I was prescribe propranolol a while back ago for anxiety, if I take one my heart rate drops to the 80's and my blood pressure goes back up to near 115/68 or so. I know my EKG's are fine and I am assured my heart is healthy but it's really bugging me. Does anyone have any experience with amphetamines and discontinuing them? Is my heart permanently stuck in overdrive or will I slowly return to normal? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

[Jwright7784]

That sounds like a reasonable explanation. For awhile there I was freaked out thinking I messed my heart up. My rate has been slowly going down so I'm not as freaked out as I was and the anxiety doesn't help either. I'm now taking some medication for the anxiety. The one thing that is a bit concerning is when I wake up in the morning my heart is beating very fast and my chest hurts a little and I feel palpitations. Tonight I am going to make sure I have my blood pressure monitor next to my bed so I can take my stats to see how fast my heart rate is. I also have a dr. appointment on Friday to discuss my heart issues. It was suggested I get my thyroid checked as stimulants can mess with thyroid and I might get a referral to a cardiologist and probably have to wear a monitor for a few days or so.

[MichelleP_3811]

I don't have experience with amphetamines but suspect that your heart rate will regulate itself over time, it just takes time.  It doesn't take too much to change the rate and it can stay elevate for a while.  it's like the heart muscle has memory.  Not sure why but I had an ablation for svt and it took 3 months for my heart rate to go back to normal.  it sounds like your rate is dropping and will eventually go back to normal but do work on the anxiety.  That could be prolonging the rate being higher.