This article describes possible side effects of midodrine oral tablet. You can explore this overview article to learn more about midodrine, including the drug’s uses, ways to save on cost, and more.
Midodrine oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Orvaten.
Boxed warning: Risk of high blood pressure when lying down
Midodrine oral tablet has a boxed warning for the risk of high blood pressure when lying down. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details, see the “Side effects of midodrine in detail” section below.
Need a diagnosis or prescription quickly? For certain health conditions, Optum Perks offers personalized on-demand care with no appointment required. For $25, answer a few questions online and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from a board certified healthcare professional in 15 minutes or less. Get started here.
More common side effects of midodrine
Midodrine oral tablet may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of midodrine oral tablet include:
- burning, numbness, or prickling sensation sensation of the scalp
- goosebumps
- scalp itchiness
- urinary problems*
- risk of high blood pressure when lying down*†
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of midodrine in detail” section below.
† Midodrine oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
Mild side effects of midodrine
Midodrine may cause certain mild side effects. Typically, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects of midodrine oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
- abdominal pain
- burning, numbness, or prickling sensation of the scalp
- chills
- confusion
- dry mouth
- feeling pressure inside the head
- goosebumps
- headache
- nervousness
- scalp itchiness
- skin flushing
- urinary problems*
- mild allergic reaction*†
Midodrine oral tablet may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of midodrine in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with midodrine oral tablet. But it’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies.
Serious side effects of midodrine
Midodrine may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from midodrine oral tablet, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the FDA approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with midodrine.
Serious side effects of midodrine oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
- slow heart rate*
- urinary retention (not being able to fully empty your bladder)*
- risk of high blood pressure when lying down*†
- severe allergic reaction*‡
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of midodrine in detail” section below.
† Midodrine oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
‡ An allergic reaction is possible with midodrine oral tablet. But it’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies.
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.
Free prescription coupons
Seriously … free. Explore prices that beat the competition 70% of the time.
Get free cardCommon questions about side effects of midodrine
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of midodrine oral tablet. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does midodrine cause long-term side effects?
Long-term side effects aren’t expected with midodrine oral tablet. In studies, specific side effects weren’t seen in people who had taken the drug for a long time. Long lasting side effects after treatment ended also weren’t reported.
Talk with your doctor if you have more questions about possible long-term side effects with midodrine.
Is weight gain a side effect of midodrine?
No, weight gain isn’t an expected side effect of midodrine oral tablet. It wasn’t a reported side effect in studies of the drug.
If you experience weight gain while taking midodrine oral tablet, tell your doctor. They can determine the most likely cause and suggest ways to manage it.
Side effects of midodrine in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of midodrine oral tablet.
Risk of high blood pressure when lying down
The prescribing information for midodrine oral tablet has a boxed warning for the risk of high blood pressure when lying down. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. This side effect may be serious.
With midodrine oral tablet, your blood pressure can go very high when you’re lying down. For some people, it can also happen when in a seated position.
Symptoms may include:
- blurred vision
- being aware of your heart rate, such as feeling a fast or pounding heartbeat
- headache
- pounding in your ears
Certain factors can increase the risk of high blood pressure when lying down with midodrine oral tablet. These include taking other medications that can increase blood pressure, such as:
- cold medicines
- diet aids
- migraine medications
Ways to manage
To help prevent high blood pressure when lying down, you shouldn’t lie flat on your back. Your doctor may suggest sleeping with your head in an elevated position. You can do this by raising the head of your bed or sleeping with your head propped up with pillows.
You can also help prevent high blood pressure when lying down by taking your last dose of midodrine oral tablet at least 3–4 hours before bedtime.
If you experience symptoms of high blood pressure when lying down, tell your doctor. They may recommend you stop taking midodrine oral tablet if it keeps happening.
Slow heart rate
Slow heart rate has been reported in people taking midodrine oral tablet. This side effect is usually mild, but may be serious.
With midodrine oral tablet, your heart rate may decrease slightly after you take it. But sometimes your heart rate can become very slow, which can be serious. Symptoms may include:
Certain factors can increase the risk of a slow heart rate with midodrine oral tablet. This includes taking other medications such as beta-blockers or digoxin.
Ways to manage
If you experience symptoms of a slow heart rate, stop taking midodrine oral tablet and call your doctor. They’ll likely recommend a different medication.
Urinary problems
In studies, urinary problems were common in people taking midodrine oral tablet. This side effect is usually mild, but may be serious.
Midodrine oral tablet can affect how the bladder works. This can cause urinary problems including:
- burning, discomfort, or pain when you urinate
- frequent need to urinate
- trouble urinating
- urgent need to urinate
In some cases, midodrine oral tablet can cause urinary retention (not being able to fully empty your bladder). People who already have urinary problems have a higher risk of urinary retention with midodrine oral tablet.
Ways to manage
If you experience symptoms of urinary problems, tell your doctor. If you suddenly can’t urinate, get medical care right away.
Allergic reaction
For some people, midodrine oral tablet can cause an allergic reaction. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in the drug’s studies.
Symptoms can be mild or serious and may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- swelling under the skin, typically affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to midodrine oral tablet, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Warnings for midodrine
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking midodrine oral tablet.
Boxed warning: Risk of high blood pressure when lying down
Midodrine has a boxed warning for the risk of high blood pressure when lying down. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
For details, see the “Side effects of midodrine in detail” section above.
Other warnings
It may not be safe for you to take midodrine oral tablet if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether midodrine oral tablet is a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking midodrine oral tablet, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:
- diabetes
- difficulty urinating
- heart disease
- hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- pheochromocytoma (a tumor in the adrenal glands)
- vision problems
- past allergic reaction to midodrine
Midodrine and pregnancy
It’s not known whether midodrine oral tablet should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Midodrine and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether midodrine oral tablet should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Midodrine and alcohol
Midodrine oral tablet is not known to interact with alcohol.
But drinking alcohol can affect your blood pressure and worsen orthostatic hypotension. Midodrine oral tablet is prescribed to treat orthostatic hypotension. This can increase your risk of dizziness and fainting, which can lead to injuries.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with midodrine oral tablet.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes common and serious side effects of midodrine oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How do the side effects of midodrine oral tablet compare with those of other drugs that could treat my condition?
- Do any of my other medications increase my risk of side effects from midodrine oral tablet?
- Do I have a higher risk of side effects than other people?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.