ADHD Stimulant Medication Alert
Mr Jacob Wooderson – aged 28, RIP 2024
Consequently, there is a risk that patients may not recall verbal advice regarding the adverse side effects of Elvanse, particularly if it is only given at the outset of treatment or is not followed up in writing
The practice of remote consultations may mean that prescribers are reliant upon patients providing heart rate and blood pressure data outside of the consultation.
Consequently, there is the potential for clinical decisions to be based on unreliable observations.
In light of the very sad news that a patient has died on Elvanse 70mg, we here at the Fiona Project are issuing the following statement to all patients taking ADHD stimulant medications.
NICE Guidance states that ADHD Stimulant Medications such as Methlyphenidate and Lisdexamfetamine should not be taken by anyone with a heart condition or hereditary family history of heart conditions.
Patients need to have their Blood Pressure Monitored in between every prescription and will NOT be issued a prescription without it.
Blood Pressure should be withing 130/85 and treated with caution and close monitoring if outside of these readings.
Patients need to monitor their pulse to be under 95bpm and should seek advice form their prescriber if this is raised.
All increases in ADHD stimulant medication require a treatment review.
All patients can review medication instructions on our site and will be receiving a written letter of instruction when commencing treatment.
All patients who do not provide BP and Pulse readings will be refused a prescription. All patients will be asked to take their own blood pressure at their video review appointments.
Instructions for Starting Medication for ADHD
Starting ADHD Stimulant Medication.
- Lisdexamfetamine as Elvanse or
- Lisdexamfetamine or Amfexa, or
- Methylphenidate as Concerta,
- Xaggating,
- Affenid or
- other brands containing these medications.
Stimulant medications can raise your resting heart rate, this is normally temporary and it usually settles within a few days.
When starting your medication – monitor your blood pressure at home and note how your baseline reading (the reading you provided at assessment) is affected. If you baseline reading is 125/75 for blood pressure you may see a slight increase. A slight increase would be 128/79 for example. Your pulse rate can also rise by a small amount so a normal resting pulse at baseline may be 75 and it may rise to 79, this should settle.
But if it isn’t settling or is higher you must contact your prescriber.
- Do not start an exercise regime without discussing this with your prescriber.
- Do not start or take other stimulants without discussing this with your prescriber.
- Do not drink energy drinks.
- Limit caffeine intake when on stimulant medication.
If in doubt STOP your medication immediately and contact your prescriber.
Even some cold and flu remedies contain caffeine – please contact your prescriber or tell the pharmacist you are on a stimulant medication.
If you are having cardiac symptoms, trouble sleeping or feeling exhausted, losing weight or feeling unwell – STOP your medication and be seen by a healthcare professional.