<p>So i take Adderall and it really helps, but I can't take the doses that would be optimal for me due to the tachycardia that I get from Adderall. So I'm thinking of asking for a prescription of either beta blockers or ACE inhibitors. My blood pressure is fine (105/70)ish. Some studies have shown that ACE inhibitors can reduce heart rate at the high end, so I'm partial to them, but i'm not sure if my psychiatrist would be convinced (plus they might reduce my blood pressure to low levels). Beta blockers are more convincing (as they're more well-tested), although they increase blood glucose levels (and any increase in blood glucose above 85 mg/dl is associated with increased mortality). In the end, I'm considering biting the bullet and taking beta blockers for a couple of years, but I'd like to think of other solutions.</p>
<p>but wikipedia says this:
[quote]
Beta blockers must not be used in the treatment of cocaine, amphetamine, or other alpha adrenergic stimulant overdose. The blockade of only beta receptors increases hypertension, reduces coronary blood flow, left ventricular function, and cardiac output and tissue perfusion by means of leaving the alpha adrenergic system stimulation unopposed.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>So I'm really somewhat concerned. My heart is supposedly normal but I got two false positives, and the presence of false positives may still be more potentially troublesome than the presence of no false positives. I really don't want to have cardiac enlargement or sudden death, but most of the time, I'm academically nonfunctional without stimulants. But chronic tachycardia might cause this too.</p>
<p>I’m in my 30s, and I’ve been taking Adderall for about 6 months. I have hypertension. ANd I take meds for it…years. It’s hereditary and most likely from drinking and smoking too much during my youth. </p>
<p>For me, Adderall is a miracle drug. Foolishly but honestly, I’d rather take the negative physical effects and long-term issues over not taking Adderall and the accompanied cognitive “dulling”. As my dosing increased, so did my heart rate and blood pressure. In fact, I started having small “panic-attacks.” The way it was explained, being all jacked-up and focused, I began having some weird thoughts about mortality, and they were reinforced by the physical effects. My wife who is an ER nurse got me a BP machine, and compulsively, I started taking it three times or more a day. Once at 10pm, while chilling out and watching TV but dwelling on a serious stack of unfinished reading, my heart rate was 117 with BP of 170/108. I freaked out.</p>
<p>Anyhow, long story (sort of) short, I told my Dr about it, and he put me on Bystine (a beta-blocker without the soft ‘noodle’ issues). Honestly, I was pushing for a BB since they are known for calmness in high stress situations. It worked, big time.</p>
<p>I too read the wiki article, but according to my BP and HR, I’m in way better shape than before. And my Dr did prescribe it, but he’ll do just about anything my wife tells him to prescribe. Hope that helps.</p>
<p>Wow Maxoverdrive, thanks so much for the reply!!! I really appreciate it - it was like the reply I was really looking for. I’m glad that BBs really helped mitigate your Adderall-induced side effects. What are the “soft noodle” issues?</p>