Feeling like Fainting Every Time I Stand Up. Any Suggestions?

Updated on April 29, 2011
K.A. asks from North Brunswick, NJ
21 answers

For the past week, especially, every single time I stand up I get get really faint. I feel dizzy and weak. I havnt passed out yet, but it feels as if I am. After a few seconds I am fine. Anyone have any suggestions on what I can do to help this?

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So What Happened?

Thanks to the people who gave me real suggestions. I increased my water intake and havnt felt dizzy since.

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K.E.

answers from New York on

I get the same thing. My doctor told me i wasn't drinking enough water. And he was right. When i started drinking more water, it subsided.

3 moms found this helpful
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M.T.

answers from New York on

If it's severe and it's happened every single time you've stood up for a week, why on earth haven't you called the doctor yet? No one can give you suggestions on how to "help" this because we don't know what's wrong with you. The internet is a poor place to seek a medical diagnosis. Most people go to doctors for that.

1 mom found this helpful

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L.K.

answers from Kansas City on

It's probably a condition called orthostatic hypotension. You probably need to find out why and make sure there's nothing else going on such as anemia.

5 moms found this helpful
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M.P.

answers from Portland on

This is probably not anything too serious but you should make an appointment with your doctor. Orthostatic hypotension is the most common cause of dizziness that happens when standing up. What happens is that your blood pressure suddenly drops. The condition is not serious. The treatment is to stand up more slowly and wait a second or two before moving. I don't know if their might be a cause that can be corrected.

A friend had this difficulty and learned that she was dehydrated. Drinking enough fluids takes care of that problem.

I've had ongoing problems with dizziness/vertigo and had numerous tests. The first one was for orthostatic hypotension which I didn't have. The nurse takes your blood pressure while you're sitting and then immediately after you stand up. My dizziness is ongoing and caused by debris in my middle ear. Because your dizziness is limited to when you stand I suggest that the cause is simple and easily treated.

3 moms found this helpful
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J.G.

answers from New York on

Just a quick drop in blood pressure. It happens to some people. Happens to me on occasion. Try to make the transition from down to up a little slower. That usually helps.

Updated

Just a quick drop in blood pressure. It happens to some people. Happens to me on occasion. Try to make the transition from down to up a little slower. That usually helps.

3 moms found this helpful
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L.K.

answers from Boise on

HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE! It's a quick, easy thing you can do on your own to see if it helps. If it doesn't help I'd talk to your doctor but in the meantime, drink lots of water or gatorade.

3 moms found this helpful
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K.P.

answers from Seattle on

Not a good sign. Should make a doctor appointment.

Try standing up slower too. Also drink more water, and eat a snack here and there too. Could just be dehydrated and need to drink more. But it could be more serious too so check into it to make sure. You will probably have to have some labs, and blood work done.

Best wishes!

3 moms found this helpful

L.A.

answers from Austin on

For the past week, especially, every single time I stand up I get get really faint. I feel dizzy and weak

A WEEK?

Go to the doctor first thing in the morning.

So many things. Medications, blood pressure problems heart problems..

Never wait a week for something this serious.

3 moms found this helpful

K.M.

answers from Chicago on

have you tried to stretch first? good leg/arm stretch first may do you some good .. they say not stretching leads to over half of falling injuries in elderly because blood flow is not at its best.

2 moms found this helpful
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P.G.

answers from Dallas on

Call your doctor. It could be LOW blood pressure. I have low blood pressure, and though I've never experienced this, I was told that it could happen if I get up too fast, etc. Don't take chances with something like this. The last thing you need is for it to happen when you're walking down stairs, or something where the consequences could be dangerous. Take care!

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T.V.

answers from San Francisco on

Vertigo? Call your doc right away and I think he/she will have you come in right away. If you are dizzy you should not drive....get someone to take you in. My sister had vertigo a while back and seems just fine now. I don't know what the doc gave her or told her what to do, but she's OK.

Blessings..

2 moms found this helpful

C.O.

answers from Washington DC on

That's NOT good. Feeling faint can be a sign of MANY different things. I'm NOT a doctor.

You might be anemic.
You MIGHT have an inner ear infection (although they tend to make you dizzy)
You MIGHT have low blood pressure.

I don't know. Contact your Primary care physician and get seen ASAP. that's my advice

2 moms found this helpful

E.B.

answers from Seattle on

First thing I thought was anemia. It could be blood pressure issues to. Get it checked out soon. It could be something that needs to be dealt with sooner then later:)

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K.J.

answers from New York on

it is time to see a doctor, because you seem to be having issues with your blood pressure and/or electrolytes,I suggest, that you look at your WATER intake, do you drink any, or drink too much? What is your diet intake, healthy or extremely salty or poor in choices. How is your body weight? How is your vitamin and mineral inyake? Unfortunately, it is time to visit your doctor, especially if you have not had a physical examination in several years. Most exams should be two years, so you need to care of yourself, so you can effectively care for your family, remember your child also learn how to care for themselves, by the model you set... You get free blood pressure checks at drugstores, hospitals, rescue squads, fire departments with paramedics, some doctors offices, and probably even your friends who have BP cuffs... remember, you cannot care for your family, if you do not care for yourself! Go to the doctor!

1 mom found this helpful
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P.K.

answers from New York on

Drink plenty of fluids and see your doctors.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.G.

answers from New York on

Ur getting up too quickly. Take your time.

1 mom found this helpful
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D.G.

answers from Syracuse on

would have dr. check it out---empathize with you---drives me crazy---never jump right up,or you'll be on the floor!

1 mom found this helpful
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G.B.

answers from Oklahoma City on

My MIL too salt tablets to keep her blood pressure up. She had very low BP and she would even salt toast with butter on it. But a doc can tell you why you are feeling this way for sure.

1 mom found this helpful
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P.M.

answers from Portland on

If this happens ONLY when you stand up quickly, it is most likely orthostatic (or positional, or postural) hypotension (low blood pressure). It's pretty common, and not always associated with other problems. It can cause fainting, falls and injuries.

The easy fix is to make a habit of standing more slowly. It may also help to squeeze/flex the muscles in your legs and lower body a couple of times before you stand. But it would be a good idea to talk to your doctor about this, since it could be a symptom of other illness.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

First, call your doctor for an appointment. Some guesses are high blood pressure (any headaches?), ear infection, maybe some sort of deficiency? Good luck and hope you get over it soon.

1 mom found this helpful
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R.H.

answers from Boston on

Sounds like LOW blood pressure, or an orthostatic hypotension. Could also be related to anemia. Is this new for you? I'd schedule an appointment, and in the meantime go to a drug store and buy one of those blood pressure cuffs you can use at home. Check your blood pressure at rest and again when you're feeling dizzy. Tell your doctor if there is any variation in the readings. but even if there is not, I would make the appointment to get bloodwork done and general checkup.

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