Patients use Adderall, a stimulant, to treat narcolepsy or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Stimulants, however, can sometimes have serious side effects that involve your blood pressure or the way your heart beats. Chest tightness, including during exercise, can have a number of causes and needs to be evaluated by a doctor. Only a health care professional can determine if your chest tightness is related to Adderall and whether or not you should continue taking the medication.
Side Effects
Serious Adderall side effects include chest pain or discomfort, increased blood pressure, severe headaches, dizziness, tremors and hallucinations. A patient who experiences any of these side effects should immediately see a doctor. Keep in mind that chest discomfort while you are exercising can have benign causes, but this symptom always requires a medical evaluation. More common and less serious Adderall side effects include mild headaches or dizziness, insomnia, restlessness, dry mouth, diarrhea or constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss and sexual problems.
Risks
When you start taking Adderall, it is very important that you tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking. Some medications can interact with Adderall. For example, if you have taken an MAOI in the past 14 days, life-threatening side effects can occur. Don't take Adderall if you are allergic to amphetamine or dextroamphetamine, the main ingredients of the medication. If you have a heart condition and take Adderall, dangerous side effects can occur, especially during exercise. Inform your doctor about any diagnosed medical conditions you have.
Causes of Chest Tightness
Any kind of chest discomfort, especially during physical activity, could signal a heart problem and should be evaluated by a doctor. You should not be taking Adderall if you have a heart condition. Chest tightness, however, can also be caused by asthma or anxiety. Exercise can initiate an asthma attack, and Adderall can cause anxiety and restlessness. Vocal cords irritated by heartburn can also cause symptoms similar to asthma, including chest tightness.
Adderall and Exercise
A stimulant like Adderall often affects each person differently. It is acceptable, though, to take Adderall during exercise as long as you are healthy and don't have symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain or extreme anxiety. Any of these symptoms can signal other health issues that could lead to chest tightness. Of course, if you have any chest discomfort when you exercise, consult your doctor.
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