What Is Droxidopa?

Droxidopa (brand name Northera) is an FDA-approved medication for neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH) — a condition where blood pressure drops sharply when you stand, causing dizziness or fainting. It works by being converted to norepinephrine in your body, which helps raise blood pressure. For a full overview, see What Is Droxidopa?

Like all medications, Droxidopa has side effects. Most are mild and manageable, but there's one serious risk — supine hypertension — that carries an FDA boxed warning. Here's what to expect.

The Boxed Warning: Supine Hypertension

Droxidopa carries an FDA boxed warning — the most serious type of safety warning — for supine hypertension (high blood pressure when lying down). This is the most important side effect to understand.

Why it happens: Droxidopa raises blood pressure to prevent drops when you stand. But when you lie down, that extra blood pressure boost can push your BP dangerously high.

What you should do:

• Elevate the head of your bed 30-45 degrees when sleeping
• Take your last dose at least 3 hours before bedtime
• Monitor your blood pressure while lying down, especially when starting treatment
• Report consistently elevated supine BP to your doctor — they may reduce your dose or discontinue the medication

Common Side Effects

These side effects are reported in clinical trials and are generally mild to moderate:

• Headache — the most commonly reported side effect
• Dizziness — may seem counterintuitive for a medication treating dizziness, but can occur during dose titration
• Nausea — usually improves after the first few days
• Fatigue — may occur as your body adjusts
• Falls — reported in clinical trials, though nOH itself also increases fall risk

Most common side effects improve within the first 1-2 weeks of treatment. If they persist or worsen, talk to your doctor about adjusting the dose.

Serious Side Effects

In addition to supine hypertension, watch for these less common but serious effects:

• Severe headache while lying down — may indicate supine hypertension
• Chest pain or pounding heartbeat — seek immediate medical attention
• Blurred vision — especially if sudden
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)-like symptoms — very rare, characterized by high fever, muscle rigidity, and altered consciousness. This is more relevant if Droxidopa is abruptly discontinued in patients also taking dopaminergic medications.
• Allergic reactions — rash, swelling, difficulty breathing (rare but seek emergency help immediately)

Specific Populations

Older Adults

Most Droxidopa patients are older adults with Parkinson's disease or related conditions. Fall risk, supine hypertension, and drug interactions are particularly important to monitor in this population.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

There is limited data on Droxidopa use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor if this applies to you.

Kidney or Liver Impairment

No specific dose adjustments are recommended, but your doctor may monitor you more closely.

How to Manage Side Effects

• For headaches: Over-the-counter acetaminophen may help. If headaches are severe or occur while lying down, contact your doctor.
• For nausea: Take Droxidopa with food. If nausea persists, your doctor may slow the titration schedule.
• For dizziness: Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions. This is standard practice for nOH patients regardless of medication.
• For supine hypertension: Follow the bed elevation and dosing timing guidelines strictly. Monitor BP regularly.

When to Call Your Doctor

Contact your doctor if you experience:

• Blood pressure above 180/110 while lying down
• Severe headache, especially when resting
• Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
• Side effects that don't improve after 1-2 weeks
• Any new or unusual symptoms after starting Droxidopa

Call 911 or go to the emergency room for chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe allergic reaction, or signs of stroke.

Drug Interactions That May Worsen Side Effects

Certain medications can increase the risk of side effects with Droxidopa. See our complete drug interactions guide for details. Key interactions include:

• Sympathomimetics (decongestants like pseudoephedrine) — can dangerously increase blood pressure
• MAO inhibitors — may enhance the effects of norepinephrine
• Other blood pressure medications — may counteract Droxidopa's effects

Final Thoughts

Droxidopa is generally well-tolerated, and most side effects are mild. The key risk to watch is supine hypertension — follow your doctor's instructions about bed elevation and dose timing closely. If you experience any concerning symptoms, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.

For more information, explore our guides on how Droxidopa works and alternatives if you can't tolerate it.