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Sue said: Has anyone's child complained of racing heartbeat or chestpains?

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Both my teenage son and I take concerta extended and I had a similar response to Concerta . The racing heart always happened when the second half of the medicine was released. Turns out that while I had taken my caffeine intake down to one cup of coffee in the early a.m., I was still drinking diet coke with caffeine. I have switched to decaf and all is well.

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My daughter is on the same dose of ritalin and concerta for over 2 years, but in the last couple of months she has complained of "pounding" heartbeat in her chest and throat. Should I be concerned? She has no other symptoms, but chest pain in anyone is scary. I hate to mess with a med cocktail that is working for her.

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Hi. I'm new..I was just lurking,but when I saw this thread I had to answer. My 14 yr old son was taking adderall xr when he started getting chest pains. He went off of that and then tried focalin. Same thing. We took him to a pediatric cardiologist. He didn't find anything wrong with my sons heart but advised us NOT to use anymore stimulants. He said chest pain is NOT normal,even if you have a normal heart(ekg,echo,etc). He said that stimulants are not a "mild' medication. He said that stimulants decrease the flow of blood/oxygen to the heart while at the same time demanding more from the heart. He stated that some people don't ever have any heart problems with stimulants,but some do. He said the chest pains were most likely a warning sign from my sons heart that it isn't getting the blood/oxygen that it needs....and over the years,it could then damage his heart. He stated that there have been kids without any heart problems(as determined by autopsy)that have died from taking adderall xr. SO, not to scare anyone,but if you are experiencing chest pain/racing heart..it wouldn't hurt to stay off until you've went to a cardiologist. I KNEW it was the meds causing my sons problems because on the days he didn't take them,no problems. He has always been mildly ADHD so we are getting by without anything for now. I mentioned strattera to the doctor and he said that is one we could try,but again it does have a tendency to raise bp and pulse so just watch out(at least MY son should be watchful)...not everyone. I agree with the above poster,I'd rather have a son having some difficulties in school than to have to bury my son. I'd never forgive myself after I'd been warned.

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I think we have tried every medication there is......the stimulants are very effective but DO cause chest pain, lack of appetite and seemingly depression and aggression. If he doesn't take the meds he does poorly in school. I also have taken my son to many Dr.s ( including a pediatric cardiologist) that could find nothing wrong. It is so frustrating and scary. I want him to be successful in school, but I am so afraid of all the side effects.

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Sue said: Has anyone's child complained of racing heartbeat or chestpains?

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My doctor didn't place me on Ritalin because I have trouble with a fast heart beat anyway. My meds that I take now don't do that. It sounds like you need to have your meds changed. The heart is nothing to play with.

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My husband took our son to the DR and told him about the racing heartbeat. He has had four episodes. The doctor said next time it happens take a pulse reading. If its 150 or over go to the ER, if he faints take him to the ER. I'm still uneasy. Should I push for an echo cardiogram or am I overacting. Our son is doing well on Daytrana. He tried Strattera and it made him a zombie. He can't swallow pills.

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you need to take your child to a ped cardiologist and at LEAST get a echo. I would also have him tested while on the meds. I feel your dr isn't as concerned as he should be. It may just be the med he is on(maybe another stimulant wouldn't cause this)... I just do not think that a racing heart is good/okay for a child. What is the possible long term effects of his heart doing this? If his rate gets above 150, so you go to the ER...this is okay with your dr? This is an okay side effect in your dr's eyes? I'd consider going to another doctor truely. I really don't mean to scare you,but your sons side effects are not acceptable to me...its just not worth it. I understand it is HARD to go off,you have a "now what" feeling....try another med. What worked for my son? He loves "SCREEN TIME" and if I get an email(or if your son is young enough, elem age, use a chart) from any of his teachers,he loses screen time that day. The teacher email me if he is off task,being silly,spacing off etc...I RARELY get an email now, I have found the one thing that MATTERS to him and misbehavior isn't worth missing screen time....He doesn't spend all night with the screen,he plays outside quite a bit too,but if he can't have ANY screen time,he can't stand it :) good luck

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