[spondiferous]

This is often prescribed as an anti-anxiety med, though the pharmacist told me it's also used as a heart or blood pressure med as it specifically deals with the symptoms of racing heart beat and elevated blood pressure (among others). Well, I took it yesterday and I will not be taking it again; it caused in me an elevation of the very symptoms it's meant to relieve: my adrenaline spiked, my hands went alternately tingly and numb, and while my heart rate stayed the same, I experienced a feeling of tightness in my head and also I felt very stoned (which I hate). Just my experience, for any of you who may be considering it.

[Inedible]

No one drug works for everyone. The usual side effect - for men in particular - is ED. That would be the famous ED with several drugs on the market. It is also likely to cause dizziness on standing. I can see how the blood pressure drop could have caused all the side effects you describe - lack of circulation, dizziness (headache, feeling stoned). Anyway, the dosage was probably too high and the reduction in blood pressure too sudden. It comes in a generic extended release, too. That helps with making the onset less sudden. It really is a good drug. It sounds like you do not have high blood pressure, however, so the main effect - lowering your blood pressure - was not good. So lower the dose, switch to XR, and take it when you go to bed. Maybe.

[spondiferous]

Maybe. I'm not disputing that it's a good medication. I'm just saying that I'm cautious about it. It's not something that is being prescribed to me as a regular medication, but as a prn. I'm checking in with my psych on Monday so we can discuss it then.

[hamster-bamster]

Originally Posted by Inedible

It is also likely to cause dizziness on standing.

That is part of the BP-lowering side effect, rather than a stand-alone side effect.

Dizziness on standing is called orthostatic hypotension.

You have to be very careful with these drugs if your baseline BP is already low.