Orthostatic Hypotension: Causes, Risks, and Medications That Can Make It Worse
When you stand up too fast and feel like the room is spinning, that’s orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure that happens when standing up from sitting or lying down. Also known as postural hypotension, it’s not just a quick dizzy spell—it’s your body struggling to keep blood flowing to your brain fast enough. This isn’t normal aging. It’s a signal that something in your system is off—maybe your nerves, your heart, or the meds you’re taking.
Many common drugs can trigger or worsen orthostatic hypotension. First-generation antihistamines, like Benadryl, block acetylcholine and slow down your body’s ability to adjust blood pressure. Blood pressure meds, including ACE inhibitors and ARBs, are meant to lower pressure—but sometimes they lower it too much when you move. Even diabetes medications, like insulin or sulfonylureas, can cause blood sugar to crash when you stand, making dizziness worse. These aren’t rare side effects. They’re common enough that doctors miss them all the time.
It’s not just about the meds. Your autonomic nervous system controls how your body responds to position changes. If it’s damaged by diabetes, Parkinson’s, or just years of wear and tear, your body doesn’t tighten blood vessels fast enough when you stand. That’s when you get lightheaded, blurry vision, or even faint. The risk goes up after 65, but younger people on multiple meds are just as vulnerable. And if you’re already taking something that causes drowsiness or dry mouth, you’re stacking the deck against yourself.
What you need isn’t just a diagnosis—it’s awareness. Knowing which drugs to question, when to move slowly, and how to spot the warning signs can prevent falls, injuries, and hospital visits. Below, you’ll find real posts that break down exactly which medications cause this problem, how to tell if it’s the drug or something deeper, and what to do next to protect yourself.
Autonomic Neuropathy: Understanding Blood Pressure Drops and GI Symptoms
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