[ProAgonist]

Yesterday in the morning, I've been in a very stressful situation that made my heart beat extremely fast for a minute or two (because of the intense stress).

Later that day, I was having terrible chest pain for a few seconds every time I got excited or have eaten some food. The chest pain reduced a little after a while (I still feel some chest pain, bit much less than yeatetday), and then I started having a fast heart rate (even at rest) that kept me from falling asleep all night (I couldn't sleep at all because of my fast heart rate). The fast heart rate started about 12 hours ago and it's still hasn't disappeared.

Do I need to get checked? When can I expect my fast heart rate to disappear? I am a 16 years old male, if that matters. I take Ritalin on a daily basis to treat my ADHD - can I still take Ritalin right now or it'll worsen my fast heart rate? I didn't take Ritalin yesterday in order to let my heart rest from the stress, but I want to take my Ritalin today and I don't know if it's safe for me right now.

What do you recommend me to do to solve this problem?

Thanks,
-ProAgonist

[Lara]

Hi ProAgonist,
You should discuss this with your parents and in my opinion get a check up from the doctor.

I can't really suggest whether you take your Ritalin or not when you're having problems with your heart beat.

When people are anxious our bodies basically go into fight or flight mode. We react. Our heart beat rises. That's actually a natural thing to happen, but if it stays that high all the time, then it's time to talk with the doctor.

Some people with really bad anxiety issues take medications like beta blockers and they help lower the heart rate and some other things. My daughter takes Propranolol in times of extreme stress. It doesn't help with the actual reason we become anxious, but it helps with the physical symptoms of that built up anxiety.

If I were you I'd talk to parents and then go see the doctor. Suggesting you either take your Ritalin or not take your Ritalin right now on a computer would not be a wise thing to do.

I hope you feel better fast and I hope you let us know how you're doing.

p.s. I know you're working on it, but I hope you're considering getting some counselling for that anxiety. CBT is a very helpful way to do that. It helps us relearn some of our wayward thinking habits (fears and anxiety) and can be very helpful sometimes in combination with a medication.

Lara.

[Kitt]

You should see a doctor. Not something to fool with.

[mrsD]

You should see a doctor ASAP and also have that Ritalin evaluated.

As you reach adulthood, the actions of this drug, may become too difficult for your cardiovascular system. Young children seem more able to tolerate this, than older teens and adults.

In fact your anxiety may also be a side effect of Ritalin.

My son used Ritalin for 5 years, and eventually his neck stiffness and pain (neck pain and headaches) became unbearable, and his anxiety was painful too.

You need to discuss this with your doctor and your parent(s) should be with you at the doctor's as well.

[mrsD]

I also think you should avoid all caffeine intake... energy drinks, coffee, tea, etc.

Decongestants also will be additive with Ritalin.