What Causes Feeling Fainting In A Diabetic And BP Patient?

Posted on Sat, 28 Jun 2014

Question: Hi! For last couple of months, I feel head reeling. I have noticed it happens typically when I get up fast while sitting or lying or bending.
I have diabetes for last 8 years but well in control with medication on Januvia/Invokana. I also have started taking medicine for high BP for last 1 month. What could be reason? I don't get headaches but during the period head reels, I feel energy drained for next 1 to 2 minutes. This happens 3/4 times a week.

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Possibly related to lisinopril.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic.
The symptoms you describe may be due to a fall in blood pressure that occurs when you move from sitting to standing. This will reduce the blood flow to your brain and cause you to feel faint.
This is a known side effect of lisinopril and can occur in 1 in 100 people.
Another possibility, although I think this is less likely, is that it is a complication of your diabetes. This is called autonomic neuropathy. However, his is not as common as the sod effect from lisinopril.
I suggest you have your blood pressure checked in the lying, sitting and standing positions. If there is a significant drop on standing then I suggest a change of blood pressure medication.
I hope this is of help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB. FRCA

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar