Symptomatic use of carbidopa in autonomic disorders

Elisabeth Golden, Christine J. Park, Steven Vernino

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Carbidopa is being explored as a novel therapy for hyperadrenergic symptoms of autonomic disorders, due to its potential to decrease peripheral catecholamine levels. This study retrospectively characterized patients in our autonomic clinic who were prescribed carbidopa for open label treatment of autonomic symptoms. 23 patients were included; approximately half had postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Those with documented plasma catecholamines had elevated standing norepinephrine. Patients typically had multiple comorbidities and multiple failed therapies. 19 took carbidopa (typically 25 mg three times daily); 12 continued it for longer than 3 months. 11 patients reported better symptom control with carbidopa, most commonly tremor and gastrointestinal dysfunction. 4 patients reported side effects. In this small retrospective study, carbidopa was well tolerated in patients with dysautonomia, and half reported symptomatic benefit. Larger, placebo-controlled trials are warranted for further investigation of this therapy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number102888
JournalAutonomic Neuroscience: Basic and Clinical
Volume236
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2021

Keywords

  • Baroreflex failure
  • Carbidopa
  • Dysautonomia
  • Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrine and Autonomic Systems
  • Clinical Neurology
  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

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