Re:POTS/SSRI med/Increased intracranial pressure

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Posted by: " nikkigreig " nikkigreig@... nikkigreig Thu Jan 3, 2008

12:57 pm (PST) I just started taking Prozac 10mg once a day to help with POTS

symptoms. I'm not really sure this is going to help me, but I'm

willing to try. I have noticed that over the last few days, the

pressure headaches have been worse. I normally don't have the

pressure headaches unless I am exerting myself, so this is new for

me to have the headaches while just sitting on the couch or doing

nothing. I was wondering if the Prozac can increase the pressure.

I'm trying to figure out what helps my ACM/POTS symptoms without

having surgery, but I don't want to trade a problem for a problem.

If the SSRI medication does not work out, does anyone know of any

other type of medication that helps with POTS (besides a beta

blocker, which I already take)? I was given a script of Diamox from

Dr. B at TCI, but my dyautonomia problems are so much worse when I

get dehydrated, so I a bit nervous to try that one.

I'm trying to get all of this figured out for the new year. I

really would like to get some relief soon, without the surgery,

which scares to death!

Thanks for the support!

Nikki

Hi Nikki -

I have POTS too - it has now become more mild than it used to be, to the point

I do not take any medication for it anymore. After any type of surgery, it

became MUCH worse for about 2-3 months before settling down.

During those times, I would take Lopressor 12.5 MG 2x a day (a very small

dose) to slow my hear rate down when I stood up. It was such a small dose that

it did not affect my blood pressure. Some POTS patients have both heart rate

issues and BP issues when standing. I used too as well. But now my BP doesn't

change upon standing and my hearr rate increases slightly. But the Lopressor

worked very well for me and had no irritating side affects. I also drank A LOT

of water and consumed about an extra teaspoon of salt a day. I'm sure you know

the key to POTS is not to get dehydrated!!!!!

Different Beta-Blockers work differently for each person, sometimes you have

to try a variety before you find the right one. My neurocardiologist told me

that it is typical for a POTS patient to try more than 4 medications at times to

see which one works.

You may also find that surgery may not " fix " the POTS. If it is a result from

brain stem compression, then relieving the pressure will help. But in some cases

(such as mine) it really has nothing to do with any compression - just autonomic

nervous system dysfunction. My POTS didn't go away after any of my four

surgeries.

Good luck :-)

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