Midodrine and Dizziness: What Users Say

• Ben...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 22, 2022

For Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome "Again, unfortunately, not all drugs work well in some. I am 91 years old and was put on midodrine x 3 daily for hypotension (the doctors have only realized I have an underactive thyroid). Side effects of midodrine were dizziness and falling over (broke my back and knee; was told it was age-related), severe anxiety and confusion (was told I have the beginning of dementia), couldn't talk due to breathlessness (was told I have heart failure and COPD - never smoked or drank), and had a heart scan and X-ray 1 month before starting midodrine, no heart problems. Burning all over, insomnia (walking around the house in the middle of the night confused), cramps all over my body (was told I have osteoarthritis), lack of appetite (was told it was age-related). It's a shame doctors, etc., don't want to know or help when you reach a certain age and just tell me I have heart problems, dementia, and osteoarthritis. My grandson stopped the midodrine, and within two days, ALL the above symptoms magically disappeared."

• Anonymous
• July 20, 2011

For Hypotension "I have been on this medicine for thirteen years (since age 17) without issue. Taking this medicine enables me to live my life with only the occasional (rather than inevitable) fainting, dizziness, and exhaustion. My doctor tried to switch me to lower doses, but my symptoms immediately kick in and make it difficult to function. Regular doses have made all the difference in my life."

• Liz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 14, 2019

For Hypotension "This medication raised my heart rate, and it dropped my blood pressure and landed me in the emergency room for 3 days! I remember taking it and feeling the urge to pee, then I have this burning sensation all over my body, then the dry mouth kicked in, and then convulsions and weak legs, then the tachycardia and faint feeling, then the panic set in, and the flushing and burning in my ears, severe pressure in my head, abdominal cramping, and finally severe dizziness. It was the worst thing I had ever tried...! I was very upset at the way I reacted to it."

• 18...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2021

For Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome "I love it! Only positive effects for me. Helps my anxiety and dizziness/spotty vision. Also helps with my energy levels too! So helpful! 10/10. Only thing is how often I have to take it: every 4 hours."

• Lsi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 26, 2021

For Hypotension "I was prescribed this for my low blood pressure. I was hoping it would work (which it did not). I tried it, and it gave me such bad chills, a prickling sensation, and goosebumps all over my body for several hours straight, up to almost 10 hours. My dose was 5 mg TID (three times a day). It made my nerve damage worse by making it hurt and have a pinching sensation. For the side effects, it was not worth it, even if there was a chance it would have worked, I still would not have taken this drug. It was awful, and I felt like I was being tortured. It was horrendous and up there with the most painful and yuckiest side effects one could experience from a drug. I am lost and have tried more pills, salt, and compression stockings. I am currently waiting for my insurance to approve another drug that is supposed to help with increasing my blood pressure, but I'm not having luck. Until then, I have to deal with the lows and being symptomatic sometimes, which is fatigue, palpitations, dizziness, or near passing out."

• Roc...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 20, 2020

For Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome "I was doing well on midodrine for my POTS, but also take propranolol and fludricortisone for it. After a few years, my blood pressure got too high, and my doctor had me stop the midodrine. My POTS is now running my life. I can't even walk around the house without being extremely dizzy."

• MrM...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 14, 2023

For Dysautonomia "I was diagnosed with dysautonomia in 2020. At the time, I was having horrendous symptoms: fainting, vagus nerve triggers, profuse sweating, nausea, dizziness, heat intolerance. It was a horrible time as whatever triggered the reaction always just spiraled out of control, causing either severe sickness or passing out. After a tilt table test confirmed dysautonomia, I was put on Midodrine. What a huge improvement to my quality of life. I haven't passed out even once since starting Midodrine. I still have some of the symptoms, but they are drastically milder and more manageable. Prior to Midodrine, once an incident was triggered, it ruined the rest of the day, reducing me to a prone position while waiting for the symptoms to subside."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 5, 2023

For Hypotension "I have glaucoma, and my eyesight has worsened to the point of not seeing. Very dizzy most of the time, and I use a walker and get disoriented."