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owkman | 6 months ago

What do you mean by POTS in this context? Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome? Would love to hear more

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mrlongroots|6 months ago

Yep! A short summary of my n=1 findings (currently very speculative, but also sound I think, am meeting with my cardiologist next week to see what he thinks).

The type of ADHD I have seems to have an "autonomic nervous system impairment" component and a symptom profile overlapping with hyperadrenergic POTS.

1. I respond much better to Guanfacine ER (GFC) than stimulants alone (currently complementing with Vyvanse (LDX) 40mg, but I'd rate the Guanfacine as critical)

2. My blood pressure is very volatile, and GFC is supposed to have an impact but did not in my case, at least initially. I'd take GFC at bedtime and LDX in the morning, and on ChatGPT's suggestion, I asked my psych if I could take them together in the morning. Gamechanger for my blood pressure: the explanation seems to be that LDX makes my sympathetic nervous system extra simulated (on top of a poor baseline), and co-timed GFC balances it out.

3. I have poor cardiac endurance, and I find running nearly impossible. I'm a healthy young male who does weights and all. At ChatGPT's suggestion, I wore a Polar H10 and measured my resting heart rate while sitting, and then while standing still. I get a jump from 80bpm to 115bpm-ish, a strong indicator for something orthostatic.

I'm currently exploring rowing (with a concept2). I don't know why but it has a strong impact on my mental state that goes beyond general exercising: something about the rhythmic entrainment it produces, while being recumbent (good for POTS).