Zyrtec -

[ramakentesh]

Ive been hearing quite often from people that zyrtec has been beneficial for their POTS symptoms and has at least improved their symptoms considerably - whether they suspect that they have a MCAD disorder or otherwise.

Im just interested in asking these people that take it four quick questions:

1. Does your blood pressure tend to rise when standing?

2. In terms of % how much of a difference has it made to your orthostatic symptoms?

3. Where do you believe blood pools in your body (if it does at all)?

4. Do you suffer migraine-type visual symptoms or actual migraines?

thanks - any answers will be very helpful!

[janiedelite]

Zyrtec improves my symptoms during times of the year when there is pollen around that I'd normally react to. I've always had hayfever, but since POTS set in it seems that I have an exaggerated histamine response to anything I was previously allergic to. For me, that means I pool a lot more, get hives, itch, so tired, tachy, very drippy nose, itchy eyes, etc. Some days I have to take zyrtec twice a day. My urine methylhistamine at Mayo was normal, but they said they couldn't completely rule out MCAD.

1. Yes my BP rises on standing.

2. On days when my hayfever is active, zyrtec can improve my symptoms 75%. On other days, it doesn't do much.

3. I pool everywhere. I benefit from leg and abdominal compression. My arms also pool.

4. Yes, I've gotten I think 3 true migraines since POTS. Prior to that, I never had migraines. Along with the migraines I have abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomitting, whole body tremors.

[juliegee]

Im just interested in asking these people that take it four quick questions:

1. Does your blood pressure tend to rise when standing?

-No, it drops

2. In terms of % how much of a difference has it made to your orthostatic symptoms?

Hard to say as it's a part of a treatment protocol for MCAD. I added each med as I needed it. I take zyrtec, ranitidine, singulair, atarax, aspirin and atrovent (via nebulizer) and epi-pen as needed.

3. Where do you believe blood pools in your body (if it does at all)?

Before I was on my MCAD regimen, I had severe blood pooling in my legs, feet, and hands. Since I've been on the regimen, the pooling is much better. My hands and feet are still dark red, but much better than before.

4. Do you suffer migraine-type visual symptoms or actual migraines?

Yes, althought the migraines were worse when I was younger. I got and still occasionally do get visual auras- flashes of light- as a warning a migraine's on its way.