Expert: David Richardson - 7/5/2009

Question
I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask, but I'm seventeen, and I have low
blood pressure, something along the lines of 90/60. I'm about 126 pounds
and 5'6. I am currently taking 100 mg sertraline for depression/anxiety,
which is a completely different issue here.
Upon standing up too fast, I will get a head rush, but sometimes I will pass
out for around two seconds, or; this is kind of hard to explain, I'm sorry;
Sometimes I will kind of go into a state of semi-consciousness where, if I'm
walking, I will continue, but I will stumble around and not be even aware of it.
Sometimes I can hear this sound that kind of sounds like when you're in a
public place, and you can hear several people talking over one another, but
you can't make out anything anyone is saying. Quite recently, also, I was in
the middle of a conversation, and I got up too fast, went into that
semi-conscious state, and involuntarily repeated the last thing I said, or at
least I could have sworn I have. This doesn't go far past fainting or getting a
head rush too often, but I'm just wondering if this is normal for someone with
low blood pressure, or if I should discuss this with a mental specialist.
Thanks,
Kitty.

Answer
Dear Kitty,

Please stop the sertraline, which can cause low blood pressure, unless ALL of your symptoms preceded the sertraline.

After two days free of sertraline, take your blood pressure seated and then standing quietly for 1,3 and 5 minutes.  If your blood pressure goes below 80, go to an internist or cardiologist for help about orthostatic hypotension, the doctors' slang for low blood pressure when you're standing.  Meanwhile, eat lots of salt and drink lots of water.

Please write back if this note doesn't answer all your questions, and PLEASE let me know what you fin out.

David Richardson