All PD meds LOWER blood pressure!

["Ellis \"Don\" Penny" <Doctorwine@xxxxxxx>]

    There may be exceptions, but it is good to remember that virtually all of
our meds - l-dopa, selegiline, agonists - lower blood pressure.  This may
account for dizziness on (even just) sitting up from lying down, or standing
from sitting.  This is why we must be careful with any blood pressure
lowering meds.  Most with PD who were on bp meds before diagnosis are able to
cut way back on bp meds.  Insist on having your bp checked both lying down
and immediately upon standing ("postural vital signs") ANY time you get your
blood pressure checked.  In addition to adjusting doses, there are othewr
methods of accomodation.  These can include increasing dietary sodium
(generally a no-no, especially in face of high bp) support hose, and rarely,
adding Florinef.
   Switching from sinemet 25/100 to 10/100 lowers only the Carbidopa
component.  This has not been shown to achieve the results you seek.
    Best wishes to all.   Don Penny