Cardiovascular Training with ADHD Medication
Greetings, medical professionals. I am a 21-year-old male, standing at 5'11" and weighing 197 pounds, who is re-engaging in rowing as my primary cardio sport. Each morning, I take a daily dose of 40mg of lisdexamfetamine. It has been observed that this medication raises my resting heart rate, pushing it from an approximate 62 beats per minute to nearly 75 beats per minute. Rowing workouts often emphasize maintaining a steady state within the "zone 2 heart rate" range. However, I’ve noticed that my heart rate tends to escalate quite easily during these sessions, even though I can maintain that increased effort for a substantial duration. I am curious about whether this elevation in my resting heart rate should influence the training zones I utilize. Additionally, what other physiological considerations should I keep in mind while on medication during this type of training, beyond the usual benefits of enhanced focus? After a three-year hiatus from rowing, during which I primarily engaged in weightlifting, I am eager to maximize my cardiovascular gains. Unfortunately, I have yet to come across substantial open-access research pertaining to this particular scenario. Thank you for your assistance!
Answers (1)
8/15/2025, 3:11:29 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's great to hear that you're getting back into rowing! Understanding how your medication might influence your cardiovascular training is important for optimizing your workouts and maintaining your health.
Key Points:
- Lisdexamfetamine's Effects: The medication may increase both your resting and active heart rate.
- Training Adjustments: You may need to adjust your training heart rate zones based on your affected heart rate.
- Physiological Considerations: Focus on hydration, recovery, and monitoring how you feel during workouts, especially on medication.
Explanation:
Lisdexamfetamine, a stimulant medication used for ADHD, can increase your heart rate as you've noticed. This isn't uncommon, and many athletes on similar medications experience similar effects. Given your increase in resting heart rate from 62 to 75 beats per minute, it's essential to recalibrate your target heart rate zones for optimal training.
Typically, “Zone 2” training refers to a moderate intensity related to your maximum heart rate. If your heart rate is naturally elevated, aim for a percentage of your maximum heart rate rather than a fixed number—usually around 60-70% of your maximum heart rate can remain a good benchmark. You can estimate your maximum heart rate using 220 minus your age (around 199 beats per minute for you).
Next Steps:
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Adjust Your Heart Rate Zones: Consider recalculating your training zones based on how your resting heart rate has changed. For your training, you might use 60-70% of your estimated maximum heart rate (i.e., around 120-140 bpm) as your new "Zone 2" instead of sticking to standard numbers.
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Monitor Intensity: Keep track of how you feel during workouts. If you notice unusual fatigue, discomfort, or increased heart rates beyond your adjusted zones, take a break or ease off on intensity.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Staying well-hydrated is key, especially with an elevated heart rate. Ensure you're drinking enough water before, during, and after your workouts, and maintain a balanced diet to support your energy needs.
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Post-Workout Recovery: Allow adequate recovery time as your body may respond differently to exertion with the medication. Listen to your body and allow for rest days if needed.
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Regular Self-Monitoring: Keep a workout log detailing your heart rates, effort levels, and how you felt during each session. This can help you spot any patterns or areas to adjust.
Through these steps, you can ensure your training is both effective and safe while considering the unique impacts of your ADHD medication. Enjoy your rowing journey! If you have further questions about your training or how to manage your medication regimen, feel free to ask.
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