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Is emergency care needed for palpitations from a high stimulant dose?

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

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I took my usual stimulant this morning but at a higher dose (Vyvanse 50 mg rather than the usual 30 mg). In addition to the usual coffee, I have tried for the first time a dietary supplement with caffeine (200 mg), Niacin (10 mg, 50 percent daily value), and vitamin B12 (1000 mcg, 16,667 percent daily value). Now, I am experiencing accelerated heart rate and irregular heartbeat. It was usual with what I have taken so far, and I will not repeat this mistake. However, I would like to understand whether I need urgent care or not. I have attached the ECG reports, and I have recorded them on my mobile device, which has a heartbeat sensor. Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Majid Hanif

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr.Muhammad Majid Hanif is a highly skilled and established physician in the field of Cardiology. He listens to all the patient queries deliberately and is an expert in devising a proper treatment plan.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have thoroughly gone through your case and can understand your health concerns. I want to assure you that everything will be fine if proper care and treatment are opted in. I have seen the heartbeat monitored through your smartphone (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). I do not think this is a medical emergency, and you need not worry much. Relax and sit calmly. I am happy to know that you will not do it again. It is necessary to know that if you do it again and again, it will have a very dangerous effect on the heart and may cause severe damage or heart failure due to enlargement or sudden cardiac death, which occurs in severe cases when the heart gets an abnormal rhythm (arrhythmia). The heartbeats in the mobile sensor are not reliable, but I have seen hundreds of them. So when I decode yours, it is harmless for now. There is nothing significant. When there is a high dose of stimulants, there is an increase in the heart rate due to the effects of the drugs.

It is sensed by the sensors and leads to an increase in parasympathetic activity. This causes a decrease in the heart rate, and thus heartbeats become normal. This is a natural reflex activity that happens in all. It is necessary to know if you do it again, this will result in dangerous effects on the heart due to cardiac enlargement or sudden cardiac death. The heartbeats in the mobile sensor are not reliable. I suggest getting a good rest and plenty of water and refraining from caffeinated drinks.

I hope this helps.

Please revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Answered by
Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana
Published At November 12, 2015
Reviewed At September 25, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr.Muhammad Majid Hanif is a highly skilled and established physician in the field of Cardiology. He listens to all the patient queries deliberately and is an expert in devising a proper treatment plan.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. K. Shobana is a Dental Surgeon specializing in oral health and dental care. She is skilled in preventive dentistry and provides oral hygiene education. She can do restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. She can handle periodontal problems such as gum diseases and periodontitis. She can do root canal treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Dr. Muhammad Majid Hanif

Cardiology

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr.Muhammad Majid Hanif is a highly skilled and established physician in the field of Cardiology. He listens to all the patient queries deliberately and is an expert in devising a proper treatment plan.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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