Stace915 Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 Hi everyone, I went for my first appointment with a dysautonomia specialist on Monday.. after a very thorough examination we decided that the next step is to try another drug called clonidine. I have to be admitted to the hospital for probably 2 nights b/c the doctor said it will either make me feel fantastic or worse than I have ever felt so I need to be monitored for the entire time. I had never heard of this medication before and upon some research it says that its often used for high blood pressure which is the opposite of my problem. Has anyon tried it to treat neurocardiogenic syncope or orthostatic hypertension??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ernie Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 HI,I tried it for 3 weeks and I was fainting my more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poohbear Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 I have not tried it yet but I have a feeling that will be one of the things Vanderbilt will try on me.It has been listed as an option to try by the Mayo clinic but they basically said I could try it because it's one of the very few I haven't tried but given my symptoms they feel I would be worse on it. Some people do have success with it though, especially in combination with other meds. I think it's worth you giving it a try and it's nice to know you will be in the hospital monitored so they will be able to help you right away if it makes you feel worse.Keep us posted on what you decide and how it works for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
morgan617 Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 I used the patch for awhile, the reason being that it delivers a steadier dose with less peaks and valleys. However I had an allergic reaction to the adhesive. I din't take the pills, but had no side effects other than skin reaction, however it didn't seem to help either. morgan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corina Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 Hi,I've tried clonidine and it made me feel a bit better, but didn't make me do any better. Good luck on trying this!Corina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunfish Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 stace - i don't have any knowledge of the med, but it's great that you hvae a doc willing to work with you; that is key. and while hospitals are no fun, i think it's a good plan for trying a new med. i'm playing with some new med doses at the moment which is making everyone a bit nervous as i'm on my own....good luck!:-)melissa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChiariMSwithPOTS Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 Hi,For me, I've had some positive outcomes from it, and also negative outcomes. On the positive side, my heart rate really calmed down and my blood pressure was beautiful. As far as negative goes, I was more anxious and cried at the drop of a hat, so it messed with my emotions. And just recently, my POTS doc is weaning me off of it because it may have cause my phlebitis, because it started at the same time. But it's just a hunch. I'd say it's worth a try. See how you do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
worththewords Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 I would definitely say give it a shot - especially since they are going to monitor you in the hospital. I wish they would have done that for me! They gave it to me for POTS though. My first few doses gave me head rushes and close to fainting. I have heard that others have had success with it though! I hope it works for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom4cem Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 Glad to hear he was willing to help. At least he is being cautious and wants you to try it out first in the hospital. Keeping my fingers crossed it helps you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DancingLight Posted October 6, 2005 Report Share Posted October 6, 2005 I had great success with clonidine the first time around (pre-GB surgery) and a horrible time the second time around (post GB surgery).I like that your dr. will be supervising you.I think what kept me from having a horrible reaction though when it did work was going on it really slowly--starting with 1/2 tablet.It was my miracle drug the first time around. I loved it. (Have you read old posts on it? I recommend doing a search for Clonidine and reading up on it...I know that morgan and I have both written on it in-depth in the past).The second time around, not so much...couldn't tolerate even 1/4 of a tablet and after surgery when I was still on the full tablet I had major bp drops at night on it...Let me know if you find the old posts helpful or still need some more info...Hope this helps and hope the med works for you! I loved it and wish it hadn't stopped working for me!Emily Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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