Very low blood pressure

We can't recommend an alternative drug as we are not physicians, but we also know nothing of your blood analysis, medical history, co-morbidities, allergies, etc. You really have little choice but to take the prescribed medicine in the dosage prescribed, but make it easy for you to get to the local ER ASAP if you begin to experience symptoms that are alarming. The ER will listen to you, perhaps have some access to your records if a copy is posted on state medical databases, and be able to treat and to advise you of any changes to your prescription that they recommend.

Yes, go to urgent care if you are alarmed due to undesired changes shortly after taking a prescribed drug. Take a list of medications that you are taking under prescription, and include supplements.

How low does your blood pressure go? I have low bp normally. I hear you about drinking water: i should drink a lot more. I put apple juice in it.

One of my kids takes Lamictal for a seizure disorder. I believe it is used for that, for migraines, mood stabilization and some other neuro issues. Is there an alternative medication that you could try? I understand if not: Lamictal was the only one possible for my kid after trying a lot of others.

ps As I remember my kid had to start at a very low dose after having some reactions to the 25mg. They titrated up slowly so that their body could accommodate. Do you think you could start at, say, 5mg (my kid started at 2.5mg as I remember) and increase over time? In consultation with your doctor of course.

Thank you so much for your kind reply!

Thank you so much for your support. I will definitely talk to my doctor about starting on a lower dose of the medication and titrating up very slowly.

Droxidopa (formerly Northera) is another drug designed to raise blood pressure. It is very expensive, but if you get through Mark Cuban Cost Plus pharmacy it is VERY much cheaper than anywhere else. Google it!

Not sure how low my blood pressure is going but it’s normally about 90/40 so I don’t have much room to play around. I bought an at home monitor but it got so tight taking the reading that I had horrible pain. I have fibromyalgia so I can’t take stuff like that. I just bought a regular cuff on Amazon (already have a stethoscope) so I figured I can watch some You Tube videos and figure out how to take it myself.

Please try loosening the cuff, if you haven't already.

You’re at risk of falling and seriously hurting yourself. If your blood pressure is normally 90/40, you’re right, you have no room to play around. I would not take the Lamictal until you’ve talked to your doctor about trying a very low-dose and titrating upward gradually. That often works with medication’s to improve tolerability. Low blood pressure and postural hypotension like your describing can be a sign of Addison’s disease, adrenal insufficiency. This can be checked with a blood test for serum cortisol at 8 AM. If it is low, you should be under the care of an endocrinologist. It’s also important , in addition to drinking plenty of fluid to increase your salt intake. salt helps you retain the water you drink in your blood which raises your blood pressure. I hope this information helps.

Thank you! I had heard about Addisons disease and wondered if I have it. Couldn’t get in to see the doctor until December 7th so I’ll talk to her about it then. In the meantime, thanks for the advice!

@meryw at one point I had mild adrenal insufficiency and my functional medicine doctor said to hold off on treatment and let the thyroid improve. He said the thyroid was affecting the adrenals. I don't remember details. Just mentioning in case it's relevant. Has your thyroid been checked?