I have recently started taking Midodrine at 5 mg. three times per day, and it really helps me along with compression knee-high socks. My Dr. told me that I could increase the dosage to 10 mg. three times per day if I didn't have any bad side affects.

My question is, can I person's nervous system become used to Midodrine, with the result being that the Midodrine no longer works for them.

At the 5 mg., I always can go higher if that dosage fails to work after a prolonged period, but at 10 mg. increasing it further might not be a good idea.

I know that many of you have been on this med for a long time, so thanks for sharing.

PEACE

I have been on midodrine for the last 3 yrs on 10mg 4x's a day. They had changed it down to 2x's a day and now they had to stop it all together, because I now have hypertension. So over a long period of time being on it it can change your system. I think I got to the point of it not working but then I was still taking it and between the midodrine and florinef my blood pressure started running high now. They dont know why but I go to the ep cardiologist on wed and hopefully they can tell me why I have hypertension now when its always been hypotension. The dosages and freqency really depends on the person everyone is different, but it did help me for the last 3 yrs up till recently when the bp decided to start running high.

Thanks so much Misty. I 'm sorry to hear that you have developed hypertension. Perhaps now you just need to get off the meds, wear compressions hose, and then if hypotension develops, add salt and water. Meds may be needed later. Of course, your doctor knows more than me. I hope that he has some answers for you.

You say that you think that the Midodrine quit working. Did you feel more blood pooling?

Thanks

In the last year, I would get my blood pressure checked and even on midodrine my blood pressure was really low. Thats why my doctors kept playing with my dosage. Yes you will feel the blood pooling, at least I did. And I started having blackouts again. I think a lot of people over time will develop an ammunity to a medication. Like I said I was on since 2004. But everyone is different you may be able to take it for several years without building an ammunity to it. Depends on your system.

Thanks Misty. Hmmm. Makes me wonder if compression hose are a better answer. Food for thought.

Have you tried compression hose?

Mine's low on midodrine too, but it keeps it from falling lower. I use compression hose at work along with the midodrine and drinking a lot of water. It's a poor fix as my heart rate has been up more lately, 130s most of the day yesterday - in fact. Largest dose I take is 7.5mg as I don't want to risk it triggering a headache.

It's too bad the stuff doesn't give me the "boost" the very first dose did - at that time I felt great, fixed even.

I started at 15mg 3x/day in 1997 - which was the recommended therapeutic dosage at the time. Was on Florinef too, can't recall how much. The Florinef was phased out a few years back because I was third-spacing way too much fluid. (edema)I also must add that IF I do not take atenolol 12.5 mg bkfst & dinner w/ the mid., I will get angina (Prinzmetal's), and the pain will make me crash. I have been able to reduce mid. to 10mg 3x/day still have the atenolol. I could not do compression stockings or hose - it made me sick (nausea/vomiting), stockings caused unbearable pain, ridiculous edema above the stocking top. Anyways, my BP averages now about 110/70 - 80 sitting, usually will adjust to 100/60 - 70 standing, for a time. Lying down runs the same as sitting; but all that stability can be interrupted if pain levels in my body get too high. Knocking on wood, I have managed to avoid the ER for Dys - pain issues since 6/03. I always advise to go with what you and your doc figure out what works best for you, so you can have a life. C.

i was put on midodrine a few mths ago, i seemed to work well for a couple of weeks, then it started to do the opposite (lowering my bp and incresing my hr) it makes me feel worse now, but i have to countinue to take it because in order to be in the study group (which im suppose to start this week) the reqirements are that im am to be currently taking the med until 2 days prior to testing the new med. the new med is suppose to be for those who dont tolerate midodrine for one reason or another. although they have not given me the name of the new drug, some of us on here kinda have an idea of it. the dr said that when i took the midodrine, i could possibly have to be treated for high bp. this new med is suppose to have fewer side effects than midodrine. i just pray that i make it thru the testing part so that i get the med this week, it is suppose to arrive here (arkansas) by mid week. it is a phase 3 drug, so im not to worried.

quote:

Originally posted by krissie: although they have not given me the name of the new drug, some of us on here kinda have an idea of it.

Maybe someone else has mentioned the name of it to you? The only one I know of that's currently in phase III trials, and there's even a study group in Oklahoma City going on (not in on it myself), is Droxidopa. A drug that's been used in Japan since 1989. Isn't it nice how far behind the US and Europe is on treatment options?..

yesa strange wings thats the med im refering to. although i dont have the name inhand, i do think its the one, but i wont know for sure until i go in to get the tests and sign forms, which should be this week.

Thanks everyone. It is so difficult for us, isn't it?