iCliniq Logo
HomeAnswersCardiologydrug side effects

Can Lisdexamfetamine cause a raised heart rate?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I started Lisdexamfetamine for ADHD almost three months ago. Over the last three days, I have been noticing via my smartwatch that my heart rate seems to be going between 100 to 130 BPM when doing very simple things, such as walking to the toilet in my house. Earlier, it hit 157 BPM walking up a set of stairs at my university. My heart rate sitting at my desk (not relaxed) seems to be between 90 and 100 BPM. I am sending myself into a panic attack, worrying that if I take another dose of my medication, I am gonna have a heart attack. Please can you tell me if this is normal or if I need help?

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Wajahat

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Tachycardia, or increased heart rate, is one of the side effects of Lisdexamfetamine. Some patients have it more often, as compared to others, depending upon various factors. Tachycardia is more common while on high doses of the medication and/or having other concomitant medical conditions such as anemia, hyperthyroidism, etc. Tachycardia is also common with Lisdexamfetamine if you are also taking any other medication that can cause increased heart rate, such as salbutamol, thyroxine, etc.

You should contact your healthcare provider regarding this, as your drug dose needs to be adjusted, or it should be changed. Your physician can also add on medication that can keep your heart rate within the desired range. Also, workups such as ECG (electrocardiogram) should be done along with laboratory tests such as CBC (complete blood count), serum electrolytes, and thyroid function tests.

Your healthcare provider will decide which tests are necessary, as per clinical history and examination, and can also ask for an echocardiogram if it is needed. I would recommend a visit to your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Meanwhile, avoid taking any other medication that can also increase the heart rate. Avoid any other common stimulant agents such as nicotine, caffeine, etc.

Take very good care of yourself.

Feel free to ask any further queries.

Regards.

Answered byDr. Wajahat

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At November 23, 2024
Reviewed AtDecember 11, 2025

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Listen to related tracks in our music library

Ask your health query to a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.