Asthma worse after taking ADHD meds

[Ginger2020]

At 65 I have been diagnosed with ADHD. I have taken Rubifen (methylphenidate) for a month but have stopped as my asthma, which is normally mild, worsened considerably after starting the meds, and has now improved now I’ve stopped. Can’t find anything in the medical literature to explain this. Has anyone else had a similar experience?

[Gwalltarian]

I’ve had similar experiences. It’s quite possible to have adverse experience to drugs, foods etc. It’s probably a good idea to back to your GP or whoever prescribed the medicine and see if something you don’t react to can be prescribed. Perhaps have a chat with the nurses you can contact in this website for some support.

[Ginger2020 in reply to Gwalltarian]

Thanks for replying. I have appointments with my GP and psychiatrist in a fortnight, and will try another type of ADHD medication after talking with them.

[Poobah]

It has been recognised that medication for ADHD can effect childhood asthma negatively. It could be that research has only concentrated on childhood. The research states, "Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD such as methylphenidate and amphetamines can exacerbate asthma symptoms in some patients. Providers should closely monitor asthma symptoms in children with ADHD who are taking these medications and consider alternative treatments for ADHD if necessary. Third, healthcare providers need to develop individualized treatment plans for children with both ADHD and asthma. This may involve collaborating with specialists such as pulmonologists, allergists, and behavioural therapists to ensure that all aspects of a child’s health are addressed in the treatment plan."

Ideally, this approach should be followed for any asthmatic being prescribed medications for ADHD. It may be worth discussing this with your prescribing doctor and exploring if they can recommend an alternative ADHD treatment and ensure you're monitored more closely for side effects.

The link to this research: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articl....

[Ginger2020 in reply to Poobah]

Thank you for such an informative response! What I found out since posting is that the possible adverse reactions to Methylphenidate include something called Dyspnea, which I now know is shorthness of breath ie asthma. See here under respiratory effects. medcentral.com/drugs/monogr...

So I think that explains my reaction. Am planning to try other ADHD medicines to find one that doesn’t cause this reaction!

[Poobah in reply to Ginger2020]

Wishing you all the best.

[Patk1]

I'd see Yr dr

[Ginger2020 in reply to Patk1]

thanks, have an appointment in a few weeks

[Patk1 in reply to Ginger2020]

Perhaps make an appointment sooner? X

[MMBJI]

no direct experience of this. I have just been diagnosed with ADHD at age 50, also have severe asthma. I did not know that the meds could have an impact.

There are a fair few meds to try for ADHD- maybe something else would work better for you? Sounds like some trial and error might be needed.

Hope it settles soon.

[PW_R in reply to MMBJI]

How did you get diagnosed?

[MMBJI in reply to PW_R]

Asthma or ADHD?

[PW_R in reply to MMBJI]

Adhd

[MMBJI in reply to PW_R]

I requested “Right to Choose” through my GP. This means you get a private assessment, funded by the NHS. Once you have decided upon treatment options/ gone through the titration process, your care is handed back to your GP. This is important if you need prescription meds.

The standard referral process through the GP had a 5 year waiting list! Going through the Right to Choose pathway has taken me 1 year.

Some GPs only agree to assessment/recognise diagnoses from specific providers, best to check if your practice has a preferred provider, otherwise they won’t agree to share the care later down the line (difficulties getting prescriptions if needed.)

ADHD 360 and Psychiatry-UK were the main options when I looked into it all a year ago.

Unless, of course, you are in a position to pay privately. Again, if you want to go back to the NHS after assessment and titration, it would need to be an approved provider. There are many “providers” who aren’t necessarily qualified/recognised.

All the best.

[Ginger2020 in reply to MMBJI]

Thank you! It has settled now that I’ve stopped the meds. As you say, finding the right treatment for any issue can require trialling something and moving on when it isn’t right, so I will certainly continue looking for a treatment option that works for me!

[MMBJI in reply to Ginger2020]

Thank goodness the effect reversed.

There are other options alongside, or instead of, meds for ADHD. Throughout my life I can now see that was I managing my ADHD through work, activity and other techniques, without knowing it. Then 5 years ago my asthma became severe, then had Covid which became long Covid and am now very debilitated by fatigue. My ADHD now drives me potty ! It is likely that it is greatly impeding my fatigue management and recovery.

Good luck with your mission for balance!

[Njhs]

I am on Elvanse but it’s not effecting my Asthma, actually i feel its making it better, maybe due to the energy effect.

[Ginger2020 in reply to Njhs]

Good to know as I haven’t heard of that medication before, thank you.

[KenFine]

Yep. At 70, I was prescribed finasteride to reduce my prostate in 2023. The drug is also used for baldness. Despite never having had asthma before, I became severely asthmatic some weeks after starting the drug.

There is nothing in the side effects section of the leaflet to suggest that finasteride can cause asthma, but I checked Reddit, and found several posters on there saying that they had become breathless after starting a course of finasteride (usually for baldness).

I stopped taking the drug, and there was an immediate improvement. Within two weeks, I didn't need an inhaler any more. It's scary to think how many commonly prescribed drugs may cause serious side effects that are not listed in the leaflet.

[Ginger2020 in reply to KenFine]

Totally agree about how many common drugs have terrible side effects that aren’t well documented. Many years ago I temporarily had a paralysed vocal cord because of an anti-depressant! Crazy but true, and came right when I stopped the meds. That’s why I always like to do my own research in addition to whatever info the doctor gives me. What I found out since posting is that the possible adverse reactions to Methylphenidate include something called Dyspnea, which I now know (thanks to Google! ) is shorthness of breath ie asthma .

[Patk1]

I would contact yr gp

[Ginger2020 in reply to Patk1]

thanks, have an appointment in a few weeks.