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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by daizy on April 8, 2003, at 14:16:05
Hi Everyone! Hoping you lot can help!!!
I have increasingly noticed that on standing I get a pulsing in my head which then turns into a full blown headache, its not like a dizzy feeling, more like a build up of pressure feeling. I have heard that TCA's can lower blood pressure, does anyone know if that is true, and if this feeling is due to my meds? (Amitriptyline) TYVM
Posted by medlib on April 8, 2003, at 18:59:21
In reply to Low blood pressure Question???, posted by daizy on April 8, 2003, at 14:16:05
Hi Daizy---
Yes, TCAs frequently cause low blood pressure, particularly orthostatic (postural) hypotension. Changes in body position lead to a temporary drop in blood pressure, usually felt as dizziness and rapid, strong pulse. The drug's blockade of alpha 1 receptors produces overly dilated blood vessels, which are responsible for this effect and the resulting vascular headaches.
Taking caffeine (which is a vasoconstrictor) with your med might help. The body will adjust over time to lessen the severity of side effects...sometimes. If the problem persists, you might want to ask your pdoc to consider switching you to nortriptyline, a TCA which is less likely to cause this problem.
BTW, if your pdoc or pharmacist haven't cautioned you, all TCAs increase your sensitivity to sun; tanning isn't advised!
Hope this helps---medlib
Posted by daizy on April 9, 2003, at 6:25:55
In reply to TCAs and orthostatic hypotension » daizy, posted by medlib on April 8, 2003, at 18:59:21
> Hi Daizy---
>
> Yes, TCAs frequently cause low blood pressure, particularly orthostatic (postural) hypotension. Changes in body position lead to a temporary drop in blood pressure, usually felt as dizziness and rapid, strong pulse. The drug's blockade of alpha 1 receptors produces overly dilated blood vessels, which are responsible for this effect and the resulting vascular headaches.
>
> Taking caffeine (which is a vasoconstrictor) with your med might help. The body will adjust over time to lessen the severity of side effects...sometimes. If the problem persists, you might want to ask your pdoc to consider switching you to nortriptyline, a TCA which is less likely to cause this problem.
>
> BTW, if your pdoc or pharmacist haven't cautioned you, all TCAs increase your sensitivity to sun; tanning isn't advised!
>
> Hope this helps---medlibYes thank you it has helped! And the sun thing, shame its a sunny day today! But I had noticed the sun causing headaches too!
This is the end of the thread.
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