Posted by kaleidoscope on April 20, 2008, at 15:58:55
In reply to Extremely Low Blood Pressure, posted by 4WD on April 20, 2008, at 14:34:15
Hi Marsha
Your doctor might prescribe a low dose of fludrocortisone to raise your blood pressure. Fludrocortisone cannot be given to anyone with heart disease or peripheral edema (fluid retention eg. in the ankles). Fludrocortisone is a mineralocorticoid hormone which raises blood pressure by retaining sodium. It may cause potassium loss and blood tests will be needed.
Fludrocortisone tends to cause fluid retention initially but this may decrease over time. The dose should be kept as low as is needed to relieve symptoms adequately ie. if BP is still rather low but symptoms are improved the dose should not be increased.
>I am only on 45mg of Nardil and would consider increasing it eventually (after a 10 week trial at 45) but I am afraid I can never increase it.
It doesn't sound like you will need to increase it. Many people require higher doses for optimal benefit but this is only a guide and may not apply to you.
Take care
ed_uk
poster:kaleidoscope
thread:823866
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080420/msgs/824438.html