[Therapy of the orthostatic syndrome. Studies using dimepropion-HCI]

We treated 30 patients between 22 to 30 years of age, who showed static labile circulatory disturbances of blood pressure. We carried out a double blind study following a two week schedule using for treatment an "indirect" sympathomimeticum Dimepropion-HCI. Control of therapy was achieved by a testing program which consisted in measuring systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as the pulse rate. Also, we employed a flickers-fusion-test. Circulation parameters were measured in one-minute-intervals during three periods of 7 minutes each, patients changing from rest to stress (standing up) to rest again. The pulse rate was measured during the fourth minute of each of the three periods. Success of treatment was achieved by reducing the cardiovascular disturbances during upright conditions. The amplitude was broadened, while the pulse rate went up only slightly. The level of flicker fusion rose, indicating heightened physical and mental shape. Side effects of disturbed orthostasis disappeared.