Orthostatic Hypotension: Causes, Medications, and How to Manage It
When you stand up too fast and feel like the room is spinning, that’s often orthostatic hypotension, a drop in blood pressure upon standing that causes dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting. Also known as postural hypotension, it’s not just an annoyance—it’s a signal your body isn’t adjusting blood flow the way it should. This isn’t rare. Up to 30% of people over 70 experience it, and it’s even more common if you’re on certain medications—like blood pressure pills, diuretics, or antidepressants.
Medication side effects, especially from drugs that lower blood pressure or affect fluid balance are one of the top causes. SSRIs, nitroglycerin, and even some Parkinson’s meds can trigger it. It’s not always about the drug itself—it’s how your body reacts over time. That’s why low blood pressure, when it happens suddenly upon standing isn’t just a number on a chart. It’s a functional problem. Your heart and blood vessels need to respond in milliseconds when you rise, and if they don’t, you pay for it with dizziness, blurred vision, or a fall.
It’s not just older adults. People with diabetes, kidney disease, or heart conditions are at higher risk. Even dehydration or standing still for too long can make it worse. The good news? You can often manage it without new meds. Simple moves—like standing up slowly, drinking more water, wearing compression socks, or avoiding hot showers—can make a real difference. And if you’re on multiple prescriptions, it’s worth asking your pharmacist or doctor if any of them are contributing to the problem.
What you’ll find below are real, practical posts that dig into how medications cause this drop, how to spot the warning signs before you fall, and what to do when your current treatment isn’t working. From how SSRIs affect sodium levels to how diuretics and salt balance play into it, these articles connect the dots between what you’re taking and how you feel when you stand up.
