Medication-Induced OH: Causes, Risks, and What You Need to Know

When your blood pressure drops too fast after standing up, you might feel lightheaded, dizzy, or even pass out. That’s medication-induced OH, a drop in blood pressure caused by drugs that affect how your body regulates circulation. Also known as drug-induced orthostatic hypotension, it’s not just a side effect—it’s a real risk that can lead to falls, injuries, and hospital visits. This isn’t rare. Millions of people on common prescriptions—from high blood pressure pills to antidepressants—experience it without realizing why.

It’s not just one drug. blood pressure meds, including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and alpha-blockers are top culprits. But so are antidepressants, like SSRIs and tricyclics, which interfere with nerve signals that control blood vessel tone. Even Parkinson’s drugs, such as levodopa, can cause sudden drops in pressure. And if you’re taking more than one of these? The risk multiplies. Ginkgo biloba, dapsone, baricitinib, and other supplements or immune-modulating drugs can add to the problem too. It’s not always obvious. You might think you’re just tired, dehydrated, or getting older—but the real trigger could be your medicine cabinet.

What makes medication-induced OH dangerous isn’t the dizziness itself—it’s what happens after. A fall can mean a broken hip, a head injury, or months of recovery. Older adults are especially vulnerable, but younger people on multiple prescriptions aren’t safe either. The good news? You can often fix it. Sometimes it’s as simple as adjusting the time you take a pill, drinking more water, or changing the dose. Other times, switching to a different drug helps. The key is catching it early. If you’ve had a recent dizzy spell after standing, talk to your doctor. Bring your full list of meds—supplements included. Don’t assume it’s normal. It’s not.

Below, you’ll find real, practical guides on drugs that can trigger this, how they interact, and what to do next. From azathioprine and drospirenone to diuretics and antidepressants, we’ve covered the most common offenders. No fluff. No guesswork. Just what you need to protect yourself—and stay upright.