Doxazosin is a drug that is often used to treat hypertension, as well as to make it easier for patients to urinate. This is because it helps the arteries and veins relax, permitting sufficient blood to travel through. The same drug can help relax the muscles that are present in the bladder and prostate so that urinating is easier, which is crucial in patients suffering from an enlarged prostate. This medication usually comes in a tablet that is to be taken once daily at the same time each day, and often results in some dizziness in many patients, among other side effects.
This medication is considered an alpha-blocker, and works by relaxing muscles, veins, and arteries. It can treat hypertension by allowing the veins and arteries to become more relaxed so that blood flows smoothly through them. It can also treat benign prostatic hyperplasia in men, which is commonly known as either BPH, or simply an enlarged prostate. The usual symptoms of this condition include a weak stream of urine, trouble starting or stopping the stream, and the inability to empty the bladder. Pain in the bladder, along with unusual urgency or frequency of urination may also result, but doxazosin can treat these symptoms.
There are standard tablets, as well as extended release tablets that continually release the drug throughout the day. The regular tablet can usually be taken either in the morning or evening, while the extended-release tablet is best taken in the morning. Either way, it should be taken at the same time daily, and neither type should be crushed, chewed, or cut up. The dosage of doxazosin is typically increased incrementally by a doctor, and this drug tends to take a few weeks for patients to notice a difference in their blood pressure or urination habits.
It is important for patients to let a doctor know about the existence of prostate cancer, liver disease, impending cataract surgery, pregnancy, or plans to breastfeed, as these conditions may require a certain dosage, or a different medication altogether. It should also be known that many patients notice some dizziness when they start taking doxazosin, though it should still be reported to a doctor when observed. Since it is often used to treat hypertension, blood pressure that is excessively low may result when this drug is combined with vomiting, diarrhea, heart disease, excessive sweating, dialysis, diuretics, and a diet that is particularly low in salt.
Aside from minor dizziness, doxazosin may cause other side effects, such as headaches, fatigue, swelling, runny nose, sudden weight gain, and shortness of breath. Pain in the muscles and joints and changes in vision are also possible, and should be reported to a doctor. More serious side effects of doxazosin may constitute a medical emergency, and might include hives, fast or irregular heart rate, difficulty breathing, and chest pain.
