Clonidine

  • Clonidine is another example of a central sympatholytic agent (similar to Methyldopa) which also works by reducing central sympathetic tone (Lei et al., 2019).

  • In individuals with hyperadrenergic POTS, this medication has been shown to successfully help stabilize both the blood pressure and heart rate (Lei et al., 2019).

  • It has been shown to reduce levels of norepinephrine when standing (which are quite elevated in individuals with hyperadrenergic POTS), and peripheral resistance is reduced; both have been shown to help reduce symptoms of orthostatic intolerance in these individuals (Gaffney et al., 1983).

Sources:

Gaffney, F. A., Lane, L. B., Pettinger, W., & Blomqvist, C. J. (1983). Effects of long-term clonidine administration on the hemodynamic and neuroendocrine postural responses of patients with dysautonomia. Chest Journal, 83(2_Supplement), 436. https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.83.2_supplement.436

Lei, L. Y., Chew, D. S., Sheldon, R. S., & Raj, S. R. (2019). Evaluating and managing postural tachycardia syndrome. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 86(5), 333–344. https://doi.org/10.3949/ccjm.86a.18002