Dysautonomia Treatments

[halbashes]

Since autonomic dysfunction can be so difficult to treat, I was thinking it might be a good idea for us to list all of the possible treatments we are aware of.  So here is my list:

Fludrocortisone/Florinef:
Pros: Helps to keep the body hydrated by retaining salt/water, raises blood pressure,
Cons: Possible contradictory side effects (hypokalemia),

Beta Blockers:
Pros: Reduces adrenalin sensitivity, helps to stabilize autonomic functions,
Cons: Possible contradictory side effects (low blood pressure and heart rate),
Examples: Atenolol/Tenormin, Metoprolol/Toprol XL, Acebutolol/Sectral, etc.

Midodrine/ProAmatine:
Pros: Increases blood pressure, decreases blood pooling by constricting blood vessels, can be taken as needed,
Cons: Wears off quickly, not recommended for individuals with possible Long QT Syndrome,

SSRI's:
Pros: Aids central serotonin regulation, reduces fainting-related anxiety, helpful at very low dosages,
Cons: Generally used for anxiety/depression, suicide warnings,
Examples: Fluoxetine/Prozac, Paroxetine/Paxil, Sertraline/Zoloft, etc.

Methylphenidate/Ritalin:
Pros: Mild vasoconstriction, can raise blood pressure/heart rate,
Cons: Generally used for ADD/ADHD, can be addictive,

Theophylline:
Pros: Mild vasoconstriction, can raise blood pressure/heart rate,
Cons: Possible contradictory side effects (dehydration), chemically similar to caffeine, narrow therapeutic index,

Disopyramide/Norpace:
Pros: Stabilizes heart rate, helpful in severe bradycardia, can be an effective alternative to a pacemaker,
Cons: Life-threatening side effects, not recommended for individuals with possible Long QT Syndrome,

IV Hydration Therapy:
Pros: Helps to keep the body hydrated despite vomiting, raises blood pressure,
Cons: Usually administered through a PICC, time consuming, difficult to obtain permission from a doctor,

Pacemaker:
Pros: Helpful in preventing symptoms directly related to bradycardia,
Cons: Requires surgery, doesn't treat sudden drops in blood pressure, difficult to obtain permission from a doctor,

Supplemental Oxygen:
Pros: Relatively benign treatment, clears brain fog, can be used as needed,
Cons: Difficult to obtain permission from a doctor, difficult to obtain payment from insurance company,

Compression stockings:
Pros: Decreases blood pooling, increases blood pressure, helpful when used as needed
Cons: Extremely uncomfortable, effectiveness fades with continued use,

Tilt Training:
Pros: Can be helpful in preventing symptoms associated with orthostatic intolerance,
Cons: Time consuming, appointment based,

High salt/liquid diet:
Pros: Raises blood pressure without the use of medication,
Cons: Difficult to maintain, probably not entirely healthy,

Physical therapy:
Pros: Improves venous tone, reduces blood pooling,
Cons: Appointment based, time consuming,

[DragonTU84]

Oh, forgot to mention: benzo's also help to balance out and treat the myriad of symptoms associated with Panic attacks and other physicial phenomena that results from people suffering with dysautonomia. It helped both my panic and non-panic related symptomology, and the Toprol helps with the heart rate, blood pressure, most of my chest pains, etc...

I also find that a good vitamin supplement tossed into the equation helps too. :)

[halbashes]

Excellent ideas!  I actually added my original post to our community health pages some time ago, but anyone can feel free to add to it.  It's always great to have new treatment ideas!

A couple of times throughout my life, I've felt like whatever treatment I was on at the time, was the last possible option.  That if it didn't work, there was nothing else I could try.  This community has really opened my eyes to other possible treatments.  Thank you for the informative posts!

[DragonTU84]

How about benzodiazephines? I have found them to help with my syncope and chest pains associated with MVPD/MVPS and POTS. It alleviates 90% of my symptoms. The Toprol XL does the rest....

[molly0]

Great list!  I've recently heard of Wellbutrin being used to help with the fatigue.  It probably raises blood pressure too, I think it's a mild stimulent.  I think it's normally used for depression though.