Seamus,Therese, feeling dizzy when you stand can sometimes be caused by a drop in blood pressure called orthostatic hypotension. In people with Parkinson’s or Parkinsonism, it may sometimes be neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, meaning the autonomic nervous system is not adjusting the blood pressure properly. However, dehydration, medications, heart problems, and other conditions can cause it too.

If you can do so safely, you might keep a short record of your blood pressure and pulse after lying down quietly for five minutes, and again after standing for one minute and three minutes. Have someone beside you if you might fall, and do not continue standing if you feel faint. Take the readings to your doctor.

If this keeps happening, talk with your neurologist. They may review your medications, check your blood pressure in different positions, recommend a tilt-table test, or refer you to an autonomic neurologist for further evaluation.

Do not ignore actual fainting, chest pain, severe breathlessness, an irregular heartbeat, new weakness, or confusion. Those symptoms need prompt medical attention.

Hi Karen.You have a question up so let me answer it while I am here.The thing about Parkinson is it affects people in different ways did you ever hear people with parkinson say there are no 2 people with parkinson the same well Karen that is true .Now you might be showing signs of Parkinson now if that is affected your everyday living and you may have to start the medication if your Neurologist says so he is the Doctor that gives all the instructions when you have parkinson . Karen if you are not showing signs and If you have some signs and they are not affecting you and you know that your every day is not affected by it well then you could hold out until you think that you need medication Karen it is like this you know your own body what's working and what's not But one thing I would say is to have a chat with you Neurologist

Karen It's like this that question? I say if you want to suffer don't take Medication If you don't want to suffer take them that's my opinion on it But I definitely check with you Neurologist.

Karen because you are new here I just gave you an introduction first
Hope this helps
Therese Byrne ☘️ 🇮🇪

I had exactly the same dilemma, but I came at it from the other direction.

I was diagnosed at 50. The doctor said do you want to take them now, in which case they may be less effective when the disease gets worse, or leave it to later and risk your symptoms getting worse now?

I did a "Pascal's Wager" type assessment. I could go through all the suffering of putting off the disease and, in the next ten years or so, die from something entirely different, thus never getting the benefit of the drugs.

Also, if I take them later, I'm actually sacrificing ten years of being "as fit as possible for a fifty-something year old" for five to ten years (sorry folks, but that's still the ultimate prognosis) of being an "as fit as possible sixty-something year old".

It didn't sound like a fair trade to me, so I took the drugs! Don't regret it .

Yet.

Karen, Parkinson’s medications help control symptoms, but they have not been shown to stop or slow the progression of the disease. Studies have also found no advantage to delaying levodopa simply because someone is afraid of starting it too soon.

Generally, medication is started when symptoms begin interfering with daily life, comfort, movement, or independence. Everyone is different, so the best time and choice of medication should be discussed with your neurologist. Your doctor knows your symptoms and medical history and can help you decide what is right for you.
Hope things go well for you.

Karen talk to your neurologist have your neurologist explain to you how your symptoms might change as your Parkinson's progresses and why he/she thinks medication now is the answer. Explain to your neurologist your viewpoint and listen to what he/she replies. Then the ball is in your court. Asking your doctor for further clarification is perfectly fine you do not want to miss any of the details. Thanks