Geriatric female with ADHD, has been stable on current list of medications. She takes her anti-hypertensive medication valsartan twice daily and Adderall 20 mg in AM and 15 mg at noon. Recently, she reports SBP and DBP increases of 20 mm Hg around 19:00. She also has L5MTHFR and L-carnitine deficiency. Clinically, she is stable and doing well. Her psychologist recommends stopping Adderall and switching to modafinil. Clinically, do not see much of a difference in blood pressure changes between the two agents. Did discontinue bupropion XL. Any thoughts would be appreciated. No medication changes made other than stopping bupropion XL last week which has reduced blood pressure minimally. When patient measures her blood pressure it is within normal limits throughout the day
What medication would be causing mild elevations in blood pressure?
Question posted by AZPSYINST on 21 Jan 2025
Last updated on 22 January 2025 by masso
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Answers
Adderall:
A very common side effect of this CNS Stimulatnt is "Transient Blood Pressure Elevation" it affects up to 35% of patients being treated with this medication.
Source: Drugs.com
"The term transient hypertension is applied to two types of hy- pertension; that in which the blood pressure may, under resting conditions, fall to normal values in patients who under daytime conditions show markedly elevated values."
Source: Wiley Online Library
Adderall Disease Interactions:
Source and more information:
https://www.drugs.com/disease-interactions/amphetamine-dextroamphetamine,adderall.html
Can Psychologists Prescribe Medications?
In the vast majority of cases, psychologists cannot prescribe medications to their patients. However, there has been a recent push in several states to grant psychologists prescribing privileges, and there are actually already a few places where psychologists do have prescribing privileges.
Professional psychologists gained prescribing privileges in New Mexico in 2002 and Louisiana in 2004. In 2014, Illinois became the third state to grant prescribing powers to psychologists who hold appropriate training. Iowa granted prescriptive authority to psychologists in 2016, and Idaho followed suit in 2017.
American Psychological Association. Idaho becomes fifth state to allow psychologists to prescribe medications.
In such cases, psychologists are required to receive proper training and are permitted to prescribe certain medicines used in the treatment of mental disorders.
Source: Verywell Mind
Our team of experienced mental health professionals join us in our mission to support you on your mental health journey with accurate information and advice. They ensure our content is high-quality, inclusive, and reflects the latest in evidence-based research and health information.
Psychiatrists:
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose and treat mental health disorders through a combination of therapy, medication, and other medical interventions.
They have the authority to prescribe medications and perform medical procedures related to mental health.
They must complete both medical school (to earn an MD) as well as a residency program in psychiatry. So it typically takes 8-10 years of postgraduate study to become a psychiatrist.
Source: UCLA-David Geffen School of Medicine
I suggest she speaks to her DR..
Related topics
adderall, high blood pressure, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (adhd), valsartan, hypertension, medication, blood pressure, female, blood, pressure
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