first drug for orthostatic hypotension, ProAmatin (midodrine)

The FDA just approved the first drug for orthostatic hypotension, ProAmatine (midodrine). It received accelerated approval...similar to important new drugs for AIDS or cancer.

Midodrine is an alpha-1 agonist. It RAISES blood pressure by constricting blood vessels.

The problem is this drug can cause dangerously high blood pressure when these patients sit or lie down. Save ProAmatine for patients with SEVERE symptoms...those whose lives are considerably impaired by dizziness, weakness, and fainting upon standing.