Question if you or your child takes ADHD meds...

[journeymom]

Heart Test Recommendation

The American Heart Association recommends electrocardiograms for children using Ritalin and the like. (The article doesn't say so but I imagine it wouldn't be a bad idea for adults to get an ecg done as well.)

The AHA says ADHD appears to be more common in children with heart conditions. That's amazing. I did not know that.

A couple of years ago I tried Ritalin for a few days in an attempt to treat my attention deficiencies, but stopped because it made me feel like I was jacked up on caffein. I really didn't like it.

So, if you or your child takes or has taken Ritalin or similar medicine, what has been your experience with side effects? Racing heart?

Do you know if you or your child has a heart condition?

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Cross posting in other threads, as well.

[gingerstar]

I have ADHD, and have been on Ritalin, different forms. My Dr did have an EKG (or whatever...) done first, which I am glad of.

Side effects - for me, I feel calmer, my thoughts flow in a way I can follow them; when I am not on meds, my thoughts are like having about 4 or 5 radios, all tuned to different talk stations. I did have headaches at first, which went away after a short time. I have horrible rebound - where symptoms are much worse after my meds wear off, which is why I try to only use long-acting meds.
IMO, if it makes you feel jacked up, then you should not use it - if your brain actually needs it, you would feel calmed, not hyped.

[journeymom]

Thanks for sharing! I think EKG is the same as ECG..

Someday I'm going to find the right med and have that same Eureka experience and everything will come into focus. :