People with heart/blood vessel disease, problems with heart structure (valve problems) or a history of heart attack or stroke should not take stimulant medication. If you have any of these conditions, you should tell your physician before using this type of medication. In addition, you should discuss with your doctor if you have high blood pressure, if you have a family history of sudden death, or irregular heartbeat or rhythm. For these conditions, your doctor may require additional tests and monitoring before beginning medication.
Sources:
Ritalin,Oral, Health Central Drug Information Database
Strock, Margaret (2006). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Retrieved November 09, 2006, from National Institute of Mental Health.
Nissen,MD, Steven (2006, April 6). ADHD Drugs and Cardiovascular Risk. The New England Journal of Medicine, 354:1445-1448, Retrieved November 08, 2006.
(2006,Feb 10). Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee Meeting. Retrieved November 13, 2006, from U.S. Food and Drug Administration Web site.
