Misc A Stimulant Side Effect

[Xynthetic]

So whenever I consume stimulants (methylphenidate, caffeine, marijuana, JWH) these days I tend to get a numb tingly feeling around my chest which causes me to go into panic thinking I have a heart issue (mostly my sternum). I NEVER had an issue like this until after a trip on shrooms which seemed to have caused a panic attack. When i was coming down off the shrooms I got some awkward electrostatic pulses within my body which I've read are rather common with psychedelics.

Recently I had an incident where these side effects persisted for two days straight , which prompted me to seek medical advice. To put this in perspective, I'm 19, have no heart issues within my family, in good shape and am a very moderate intelligent drug user. I'm seeing a doctor tomorrow to verify the issues I've been having. What would be the best way to present this issue to my doctor without mentioning any illicit use, and would it be suspect to think I've conditioned my body to create this feeling in my chest with stimulating drugs? This effect DOES NOT occur when I use drugs which slow my heart rate such a benzodiazepines, alcohol, and opiates.

 

[smneufell]

so thats what theyre called? electrostatic pulses? i been trying to describe the feeling bc i sometimes get these wierd "shocks" that usually start at the head and travel to my extremeties. kinda like being electrocuted. i think its a cns thing. usually happens with fevers and some drugs randomly. but with the stimulant tingling, when i do enough coke ONLY my ring and pinky finger start tingling. never my chest. i think tingling is somewhat normal for stimulants to a certain extent, correct me if im wrong. i dont think my left hand tingling is really normal though, signs of near stroke i think (did some research cant remember). so i avoid stimulants and stick to depressants unless i want an all-nighter. the only psychedelic ive done is salvia. so i cant relate any shocks to psychedelics. sorry.

 

[smneufell]

also i think tingling in the chest might be anxiety or something. ill look it up. any tight breathing or other symptoms?

 

[Xynthetic]

Well I just went to the doctor today and everything seems to be fine. I'm pretty sure it's just some type of neurological manifestation which I'll be able to avoid by not touching any stimulating drugs. I guess I'm stuck using opiates and benzos for awhile.

 

[CotoCole]

When started therapeutical ritalin use, I had a similar chest opression feeling, but I think it was because I read the package insert and got paranoid. The discomfort subsided after some days of regular use.

 

[m060mm]

A similar effect started happening to me. It started with a moderate dose of 4-FA. I'd get a lateral (under my arm) tingly sensation with a little bit of nondescript pressure on my left side. 4-FA made it the worst but I've come to find all stimulants do it now - months later. An occasional irregular heartbeat too, although my understanding is that this isn't entirely uncommon and possibly just the result of my focusing on it. The irregular beats can sometimes hurt a little. Briefly. They're not alarming, just uncomfortable and distracting.

Very moderate use: even 10mg of adderall causes these sensations. I don't generally take more than 20mg at a time (with a redose or two). Happens with and without drinking and I always drink plenty of water, am not severely sleep deprived, etc.

Benzos and alcohol seem to lessen the effects, beta blockers seem slightly less effective (although I'll usually only take 30mg to keep it commensurate with the stimulant dose - maybe I need more?)

Cardio-knowledgeable people: wha happen?

 

[m060mm]

I should have included that - I was taking low doses of DXM at the time.

I never noticed this particular side when I had only taken DXM but I'm nearly certain the DXM exacerbates the problems the stimulants are causing/is part of the problem.

The fact that it happens with stimulants, without DXM (for me at least), makes me think it's a neurological issue rather than a electro-muscular one. (They overlap but you know what I mean: I think the sensations are more idiopathic than they are due to ischemia or contractility issues.)

Someone, give us a hint!

 

[sekio]

Is it a sudden sharp pressure in your chest/heart area? May just be a precordial catch.

An excess of norepinephrine (i.e. DXM + any NDRI like buproprion or ritalin, or even atomoxetine (Strattera)) will definitely cause your chest to feel wierd and cause panic attacks (and likely nausea, vomiting, shakiness, clamminess, general panic reactions) due to its metabolism to adrenaline.

Otherwise, do note that heart irregularities and chest palpitations are normal on stimulants, especially high doses or amphetamine-type stims. If they continue all the time, consider getting an EKG and/or lowering your dose.

 

[Dread calm]

I personally would put it down to a combination of some residual anxiety (definitely subconscious) and normal stimulant vasoconstriction. I've had speed tingles everywhere, from my face (thought i was having a stroke), right down to my legs. Embrace the tingles!!