what the side affects of terazosin

Hi Jerry o,

Terazosin is a brand name for the generic drug Hytrin. You can read more about Hytrin here in the drugs database. The listed side effects are:

"Fatigue, nausea, drowsiness, blurred vision, headache, or stuffy nose may occur. Lightheadedness or dizziness upon standing may also occur, especially after the first dose, and shortly after taking the drug during the first week of treatment. To minimize dizziness and the risk of fainting, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. If dizziness occurs, sit or lie down. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly."

Apparently there is a risk of low blood pressure associated with Terazosin and other Alpha 1 blockers like Doxazosin.

Serious side effects listed are:

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

• fainting
• fast/irregular heartbeat
• burning/tingling in the hands/feet
• sexual function problems
• swelling of the ankles/hands/feet
• unexpected weight gain 

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but serious side effects occur:

• easy bruising/bleeding
• mental/mood changes

There is an article written by Dr Jay Motola about the medicines prescribed to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and in 1987, Hytrin (Terazosin) was introduced. The full article is here, but here is an excerpt:

"In 1987 Hytrin (terazosin) was introduced.  This alpha-1 blocker is non specific and has a greater propensity to affect urinary tract tissue instead of the vascular tissue. The blood pressure lowering property remained an issue, albeit less so than the predecessor phenoxybenzamine as this agent still does have some effect on the smooth muscle that is contained within vascular tissue."

I hope you find this helpful. Take care and stay in touch. Let us know how you are doing!

Vicki M