Best medication

[Dolphin06]

Hi

I was diagnosed with adhd last week and prescribed Xaggitin, I did three days on 18mg and felt they made a significant positive difference. The plan was/is that I progress to 36mg in a couple of weeks.

However, During the diagnosis process the doctor asked if there was a family history of heart condions and I said no... But yesterday my mum got ecg results back and she has an irregular heart beat and it turns out my dad has the same (I didn't know). Turns out my dad has known about his heart for about 15 years and my mum has just found out, they are in thier mid sixties.

I've emailed the clinic to tell them because obviously I don't want the medication to put me at any risk ...but...I'm worried now they will take me off it, I really felt it was going to work for me and for the short period I was on it I was impressed with the difference it made . I wear a fitness tracker and my heart rate is fine, also I was checking my blood pressure and pulse for the days I was on medication and it was always OK. I suppose i was wondering what the chances are of them taking me off stimulant meds now I've disclosed my family history re irregular heartbeat and what alternatives they might recommend and how effective they are likely to be? I'm confused and conflicted, I'd be grateful for any information, perspectives or advice. Thank you.

[BlessedLady]

It really depends on your doctor. Your doctor may or may not require you to see a cardiologist. It is not uncommon for doctors to not prescribe stimulants to those with heart conditions and/or those with a family history of heart conditions.

[Dolphin06 in reply to BlessedLady]

Thank you, you are right, I've told them so I will have to wait and see. I just wish I'd have known before the assessment as I hadn't realised how much the medication would help me and now I'm a bit gutted at the thought of losing it, but safety first I suppose.

[GrowandSew]

As has already been said, it really depends on the psychiatrist that’s doing your titration. I had a stroke last year just before my diagnosis & so they’ve been very careful with me but never refused to give me ADHD medication . I was on short acting methylphenidate (medikinet) to start with, just to see how my body tolerated it. It pushed my blood pressure up dangerously so I had to come off my meds. I’m now taking medication for my blood pressure & that has lowered my BP to a safe level so they’re happy to try again. I’ve now been switched over to xaggatin as it’s one of the safer ones for use for people at risk of heart & stroke problems. I imagine they will just want you to be checked out & keep an eye on you more closely.

[Dolphin06]

Thank you, this is reassuring. Apologies if I've asked a vauge questions, I think I've only ever had about a handful of prescriptions in my life time and never been on longer term medication. It's a fortunate problem to have on reflection but it also means I feel a bit clueless at times! I'm glad you they found you a medication that suits you.