Flomax (tamsulosin) is a prescription medication indicated for the treatment of symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH; enlarged prostate). This medication helps relax the muscles that surround the prostate and bladder, which helps to alleviate urinary complications resulting from BPH.
Headache
While taking Flomax, you can experience a headache as a side effect of treatment. Headache symptoms are typically mild and can occur within any region of your head. This side effect progressively subsides with continued use of Flomax.
Blurred Vision
You can notice changes in your vision during treatment with Flomax. Your vision can become cloudy or blurry, which can cause you to feel abnormally dizzy or lightheaded. If you experience blurred vision or dizziness while taking this medication, remain seated until these sensations pass in order to prevent additional injury from falling or tripping. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience persistent, severe dizziness or if you faint.
Nasal Congestion
During treatment with Flomax, you may develop nasal congestion. In clinical trials for this medication, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that 13 percent of patients taking 0.4 mg Flomax developed rhinitis (nasal congestion). In contrast, 8 percent of placebo-treated (sugar pill) patients experienced similar side effects. Additional symptoms associated with rhinitis include runny or stuffy nose or nasal irritation. Speak with your doctor if you develop a fever, chills or sore throat in conjunction with nasal congestion while taking Flomax.
Decreased Libido
Treatment with Flomax can decrease your sexual desire or drive (libido), explain health professionals at Drugs.com, a peer-reviewed drug information website. This medication may relax the muscles involved in sexual arousal, which can make it difficult for you to develop an erection and can contribute to abnormal ejaculation in some men. If you experience painful or prolonged erections while taking Flomax, contact your doctor as soon as possible for further evaluation and care.
Diarrhea
In clinical trials, the FDA reported that an estimated 6 percent of patients receiving 0.4 mg Flomax experienced diarrhea. Diarrhea is characterized by frequent bowel movements that yield loose or watery stools. If you develop diarrhea while taking Flomax, you can also experience nausea, bloating or abdominal pain.
Sleeping Difficulties
You can experience sleeping difficulties while receiving treatment with Flomax. Certain patients can experience either increased sleepiness or insomnia. These side effects can negatively affect your ability to remain alert throughout the day and can make it difficult for you to complete your daily work- or school-related tasks.
Muscle Pain
While taking Flomax, you can experience back or muscle pain (asthenia) or weakness. These side effects can affect your ability to move about normally and can contribute to sleeping difficulties in some patients. Speak with your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain in conjunction with these side effects during Flomax treatment.
