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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are Some Tips To Calm Myself Down And Lower My Blood Pressure As My Readings Have Been High Since Starting ADHD Medication?

So I usually have decent blood pressure 102/68 ish but ever since my doctor agreed to put me on ADHD medication, every single time I have my vitals checked they re high. I have anxiety anyways but it doesn t usually give me a problem in the doctor s office in fact i was just at the cardiologist and that s how I know my heart rate and everything are actually healthy. But at my psych Dr I m constantly getting readings of 111 for my HR and 130/80 for my BP. My question is I know I m anxious about getting on this medication wanted that s what s causing slot of this but to you have any tips on how I can calm myself down? I even tried listening to meditation before they took my BP no help argh. Any help wou!d be greatly appreciated
posted on Mon, 4 Sep 2023
Twitter Wed, 15 Oct 2025 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 31 Oct 2025 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

I appreciate you for noticing the link between anxiety, ADHD medicines, and those temporary blood pressure spikes. You are advised to avoid thinking and also avoid conversation about BP right before the reading. Avoid talking or checking your phone while BP is being taken. Do not let your mind spiral into thinking anything about BP.

Warm your hand before BP is taken, rub your palms together for some minutes. Cold hands constrict blood vessels and therefore it raises blood pressure slightly. Maintain adequate water intake because dehydration and high sodium triggers blood pressure. Avoid caffeine and energy drinks. Take plant based proteins. Be mindful of the portion when you eat red meat. Red meat triggers BP. Prefer taking lean meat and fish.

To stay calm, inhale quietly, taking a deep breath according to your capacity, through your nose for 4-5 seconds, hold your breath for 8 seconds. Then exhale slowly through your mouth for 8 seconds. Repeat this breathing exercise 3 to 4 times. Do it regularly in the morning and also whenever you need to calm yourself. Doing this directly stimulates the vagus nerve, lowering heart rate and BP within minutes.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
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What Are Some Tips To Calm Myself Down And Lower My Blood Pressure As My Readings Have Been High Since Starting ADHD Medication?

Hello, I appreciate you for noticing the link between anxiety, ADHD medicines, and those temporary blood pressure spikes. You are advised to avoid thinking and also avoid conversation about BP right before the reading. Avoid talking or checking your phone while BP is being taken. Do not let your mind spiral into thinking anything about BP. Warm your hand before BP is taken, rub your palms together for some minutes. Cold hands constrict blood vessels and therefore it raises blood pressure slightly. Maintain adequate water intake because dehydration and high sodium triggers blood pressure. Avoid caffeine and energy drinks. Take plant based proteins. Be mindful of the portion when you eat red meat. Red meat triggers BP. Prefer taking lean meat and fish. To stay calm, inhale quietly, taking a deep breath according to your capacity, through your nose for 4-5 seconds, hold your breath for 8 seconds. Then exhale slowly through your mouth for 8 seconds. Repeat this breathing exercise 3 to 4 times. Do it regularly in the morning and also whenever you need to calm yourself. Doing this directly stimulates the vagus nerve, lowering heart rate and BP within minutes. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician