Prazosin is an alpha-1 blocker that is used to treat high blood pressure. It works by relaxing blood vessels and reducing the heart rate. Prazosin is also used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and urinary retention. Prazosin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
You should not use prazosin if you are allergic to it.
To make sure prazosin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- kidney disease;
- liver disease;
- a history of depression or mental illness;
- a history of heart disease or congestive heart failure;
- a history of low blood pressure; or
- if you are on a low-salt diet.
Do not take prazosin together with other alpha blockers such as alfuzosin (Uroxatral), doxazosin (Cardura), phentolamine (Regitine), phenoxybenzamine (Dibenzyline), or terazosin (Hytrin).
You may be more likely to have a heart attack or stroke within the first few days of starting prazosin or increasing your dose. Call your doctor at once if you have:
chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, and a general ill feeling;
sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
heartbeat that is uneven or slow; or
a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.
Common prazosin side effects may include:
- dizziness, drowsiness;
- feeling nervous or anxious;
- headache;
- sleep problems (insomnia); or
- nausea, upset stomach.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
The Side Effects of Prazosin
Side Effects of Prazosin: Prazosin is an alpha-1 blocker that is used to treat high blood pressure. It can also be used to treat other conditions, such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and Raynaud’s phenomenon. Prazosin works by relaxing blood vessels and lowering blood pressure.
Side effects of prazosin can include headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and unusual dreams. Some of these side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To help prevent dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. If you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor. They may be able to recommend ways to reduce or prevent them.
Prazosin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. You can also contact Addiction Hotline in any need.
Managing the Side Effects of Prazosin
Prazosin is an alpha-blocker that is used to treat high blood pressure. It can also be used to treat other conditions, such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Prazosin works by relaxing blood vessels and lowering blood pressure.
Prazosin can cause side effects. The most common side effects are dizziness, drowsiness, headache, and nausea. These side effects usually go away after a few days. If they persist or become bothersome, talk to your doctor.
More serious side effects include fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, and swelling of the ankles, feet, or legs. If you experience any of these side effects, call your doctor immediately.
Prazosin can also cause less serious side effects, such as dry mouth, constipation, and difficulty urinating. These side effects usually go away after a few days. If they persist or become bothersome, talk to your doctor.
You should take prazosin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than directed. Do not stop taking prazosin suddenly, as this can cause serious side effects.
If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor.
When to Seek Help for the Side Effects of Prazosin
If you are experiencing any of the following side effects of prazosin, it is important to seek medical help right away:
1. Allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
2. Dizziness or lightheadedness
3. Fast or irregular heartbeat
4. Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
5. Severe or persistent headache
6. Shortness of breath
7. Tremors or shaking
8. Vision changes
9. Wheezing
These are not all of the possible side effects of prazosin. If you experience any other side effects, please contact your doctor or healthcare provider immediately.
Also check: NoneNote Health Blog | TheWriteLife Health Blog