Cardiovascular
Medicines for Postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS)
A condition where the heart rate rises abnormally on standing, causing dizziness, palpitations and fatigue — managed with fluids, salt, exercise and sometimes medicines.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS)?
Postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) is an abnormality of the automatic nervous system in which standing up causes an excessive rise in heart rate, along with symptoms such as dizziness, light-headedness, palpitations, fatigue, brain fog and sometimes fainting. Symptoms are often worse when upright, in the heat, after meals or when unwell.
- How it is treated: Management focuses on reducing symptoms and improving daily function, and is built around the individual.
- Self-care: Drinking plenty of fluids, increasing salt intake (if advised), wearing compression garments, rising slowly from lying or sitting, avoiding long periods of standing and overheating, and building up gentle exercise gradually all help control symptoms.
- When to seek help: See a GP for frequent dizziness, palpitations or fainting on standing.
What it is
Postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) is an abnormality of the automatic nervous system in which standing up causes an excessive rise in heart rate, along with symptoms such as dizziness, light-headedness, palpitations, fatigue, brain fog and sometimes fainting. Symptoms are often worse when upright, in the heat, after meals or when unwell. It most commonly affects younger people, particularly women, and can significantly affect daily life. It sometimes follows a viral illness. Diagnosis is based on the typical heart-rate response to standing (measured with a standing or tilt test) alongside symptoms, after excluding other causes.
How it is treated
Management focuses on reducing symptoms and improving daily function, and is built around the individual. Core measures include increasing fluid and (usually) salt intake, wearing compression garments, avoiding triggers such as prolonged standing and overheating, and a carefully graded exercise programme that builds tolerance over time. When these are not enough, medicines that help control heart rate or blood pressure regulation may be added under specialist guidance. Managing fatigue and any associated conditions is also part of care.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS)
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Drinking plenty of fluids, increasing salt intake (if advised), wearing compression garments, rising slowly from lying or sitting, avoiding long periods of standing and overheating, and building up gentle exercise gradually all help control symptoms.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP for frequent dizziness, palpitations or fainting on standing. Seek urgent care for fainting with injury, chest pain, or palpitations with breathlessness.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS): frequently asked questions
What is PoTS?
PoTS is a condition where standing up causes an abnormally large rise in heart rate, with dizziness, palpitations and fatigue. It is managed with fluids, salt, compression, graded exercise and sometimes medicines.
Does PoTS get better?
Many people improve over time, especially with fluids, salt, compression and a gradual exercise programme. Some need medicines and specialist support, and management is tailored to the individual.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS)
- PoTS UK / specialist guidance
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