Intermittent Sharp Chest Pain: Is My Medication to Blame?
I am a 24-year-old female, weighing 105 pounds and standing at 5’2”. Currently, I’m prescribed Vyvanse, taking a daily dose of 20mg each morning for my ADHD. In addition, I experience chronic constipation, a condition I’ve dealt with long before starting Vyvanse. Over the years, my bowel issues have remained relatively stable without any notable improvement or deterioration. Apart from Vyvanse, my medical history includes a previous treatment with Dupixent, a biologic medication that is primarily used for conditions like asthma and eczema. At present, I am under the care of a psychiatrist, a gastroenterologist, and my primary care physician. In the last four to five years, I have undergone several diagnostic procedures, including an upper endoscopy, a colonoscopy, and an EKG, all of which yielded no significant findings. Occasionally, I experience a sharp pain when I take a breath, localized near the lower part of my left ribcage and the area around my left pectoral muscle. In my pectoral region, the discomfort manifests as a mild burning sensation, resembling muscle strain, while the sharp pain in my lower ribs is quite distinct when I inhale. This pain used to be rare, but I’ve noticed an increase in frequency over the past six years since I began pharmacological treatment for ADHD. It tends to occur during episodes of constipation but also seems to happen approximately an hour after I’ve taken Vyvanse. Though I hope the discomfort isn’t indicative of a serious health issue, it does create an unsettling experience that can effectively halt my activities for an hour or more until it eventually subsides. I’m uncertain about the best way to address this concern. It feels like the pain isn’t severe enough to warrant additional medical tests, yet I would prefer to be rid of this discomfort and unease. Could the Vyvanse be responsible for this? Is it possible that constipation is somehow pressing against my ribs or lungs? Or might gas explain such intense pain?
Answers (1)
2/8/2026, 8:20:29 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing uncomfortable and concerning symptoms related to intermittent sharp chest pain and discomfort, which you link to taking Vyvanse and your chronic constipation. Understanding the potential interactions and causes is key.
Main Points
- The sharp chest pain you are experiencing can have various causes, including potential side effects of Vyvanse, muscle strain, or issues related to constipation.
- While it's not uncommon for some medications to cause gastrointestinal issues, it’s important to differentiate whether the pain is drug-related or due to abdominal pressure.
Explanation
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) can have side effects, including increased heart rate and gastrointestinal discomfort, which might indirectly relate to your symptoms. Anxiety and muscle tension associated with ADHD might also contribute to chest pain. As for your constipation, severe abdominal issues can sometimes lead to referred pain in the chest, particularly when there is increased pressure in the abdomen.
Specific Next Steps
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Track Your Symptoms: Maintain a symptom diary for a week, noting when the pain occurs, its duration, and any accompanying symptoms (like bowel movements, gas, or after taking Vyvanse). This can help identify patterns.
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Modify Your Diet: Since you have chronic constipation, focus on a high-fiber diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) and maintain adequate hydration to help ease bowel movements. Over-the-counter solutions (like fiber supplements) may also aid regularity.
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Monitor Medication Effects: Pay attention to how your body responds to Vyvanse. If your symptoms consistently worsen after taking it, consider discussing a possible medication adjustment with your prescribing doctor.
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Breathing Techniques: If your symptoms manifest with pain during inhalation, employing relaxation techniques and controlled breathing exercises may help manage discomfort during episodes.
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Check With Your Providers: Share your observations with your healthcare team. They can provide further evaluation and explore whether the symptoms may warrant any adjustments in your treatment plan.
If at any point you notice severe symptoms, such as significant shortness of breath, a feeling of pressure in the chest, or if the pain becomes persistent, it’s important to reach out for immediate medical advice.
You’re not alone in this, and there are practical steps you can take to help manage your discomfort while seeking to understand its root cause better.
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