I’m posting this simply because I didn’t have any other place to post it, and I’m hoping I’ll get some sort of cathartic relief by doing so.
I’m 41 years old, and I’ve been taking meds for ADHD for the better part of 10 years. I bounced around with a few different meds before finding that Vyvanse was by far the most effective for me. To say that it changed my life would be a huge understatement.
I’ve recently been diagnosed with high blood pressure. They’re still working on figuring out the cause (genetic, environmental, stress, etc…), but I found out on Tuesday that I’m no longer able to take my Vyvanse until they figure everything out. Even then, there’s a good chance I’ll never be able to go back on meds.
I’m, honestly, pretty devistated right now. I was upset enough when I started having to deal with the high blood pressure stuff (I’m a relatively in-shape person, and a very avid distance runner). Adding this on top of things almost feels like too much to handle at once. I’ve pretty much just sat on the couch these past two days throwing myself a little pity party.
In addition to just being a way to vent my feelings of frustration, I’m also hoping someone here might be able to offer some alternative ways to help manage ADHD symptoms. My biggest area of need has always been with my focus. When I’m not medicated, my motivation to do anything (especially things that need to get done) is near zero.
As a temporary fix till you and your doctor figure something out, try coffee. It helps ADHDers with focus, but can incress stress.
However, caffeine and high blood pressure are also not a great mix.
“Drinking coffee can temporarily increase blood pressure, but its long-term effects on blood pressure are unclear”. mayoclinic.org
People who drink multiple cups of coffee a day may be at higher risk for heart attack. heart.org I’d like to see the actual study they cite. They said one cup is fine, btw.
My non-high blood pressure mom drank coffee all day. Her ADHD was very well masked by it to the point where no one knew she had it, including her. Of my two parents though, she was definitely my source. You could see the signs in her, but only if you already knew what to look for.
BTW, which type of fingerprint do you have? Most people with HBP have whorls. I read this years ago and asked my HBD dad to show me his fingertips. He had whorls. Cool.
"There have been a number of studies showing that certain dermatoglyphic markers are associated with hypertension. This association could be explained if the risk toward developing hypertension later on in life is somehow connected with fetal development of dermatoglyphics."source