Flomax, or tamsulosin, is a prescription medication that is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which basically means an enlarged prostate. The prostate, a reproductive gland next to the urethra, begins to enlarge and cause health problems as men age; specifically, the enlarged prostate compresses against the urethra, which makes it difficult to urinate. Flomax is an alpha-adrenergic blocker. This means that it relaxes arteries, veins and muscles in the prostate and bladder, which results in more space for the urethra and urination is improved.
Common Side Effects
Flomax is well tolerated by most, and common side effects usually are mild and do not require treatment. According to eMedTv.com, during clinical trials the most common side effect experienced by participants was abnormal ejaculation (up to 18.1 percent). Other common side effects reported during clinical trials included a stuffy nose (17.9 percent) with flu or cold-like symptoms (up to 10.8 percent) and a sore throat (up to 5.9 percent). Additionally, participants complained of discomfort side effects, specifically, generalized body pain or achiness (up to 8.5 percent) as well as back pain (up to 8.3 percent). Problems with feeling dizzy also was reported (up to 17.1 percent).
Some gastric effects were experienced by participants with having an upset stomach or feeling nauseated (up to 5 percent) and diarrhea (up to 6.2 percent). Lastly, when starting this medication some may experience vision changes, for example, blurred vision, which occurred in up to 5 percent of participants during clinical trials.
Sexual Effects
Men taking this medication frequently experience problems with ejaculation. For example, some patients may experience reduced ejaculation, failed ejaculation as well as what is known as "retrograde ejaculation"; that is, ejaculation is retargeted in the opposite direction toward the male urinary bladder rather than the normal path of the urethra. Also, in certain situations, Flomax may produce priapism. Priapism is a condition where an erection is prolonged and painful, which can become quite serious, especially if the erection lasts for four or more hours. If such an effect occurs, immediate medical care is required. Anyone experiencing these side effects should contact the prescribing physician so that drug adjustments can be made.
Hypotensive Effects
Flomax has the potential to cause a drop in blood pressure. Specifically, RxList.com states that orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure due to sudden position changes) may result from taking this drug. Therefore, if one has an established blood pressure condition before beginning Flomax, discuss this with the physician. Otherwise, be alert to signs of orthostatic hypotension after beginning Flomax that may include dizziness or lightheadedness with sudden postural changes, vertigo as well as the potential of syncope (fainting). If this does occur, move slowly when changing positions such as from sitting to standing and notify your physician that you are experiencing this side effect.
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