Flomax, or tamsulosin is a medication in a classification of drugs known as alpha-adrenergic blockers. According to Drugs.com, Flomax relaxes your veins and arteries so that blood can more easily pass through them and relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate. It is used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH which is a condition in which the prostate gland becomes enlarged. There are some common side effects associated with Flomax use.
Dizziness or Drowsiness
Flomax 0.4 mg may cause dizziness or drowsiness, says Drugs.com. These side effects may lessen over time as the body adjusts to Flomax. Patients may experience dizziness during changes in position, such as going from lying down or sitting to standing up. Patients should use extreme caution while driving or operating heavy machinery which may be dangerous until they know how Flomax will affect them. Severe dizziness or drowsiness may be a sign of something serious and should be reported to a health-care provider.
Sleeplessness
According to PDR Health, men may experience sleeplessness, or insomnia as a result of taking Flomax 0.4 mg. Patients can experience difficulty falling or staying asleep at night. Sleeplessness may diminish over time as the body gets used to this medication. If sleeplessness becomes severe it should be reported to a physician. There are many pharmaceutical medications available for the treatment of insomnia.
Sexual Effects
Some men taking Flomax may experience sexual side effects of this medication. According to Drugs.com, abnormal ejaculation and decreased sex drive can occur. These side effects can be treated with medication prescribed by a physician if they become intolerable.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea may occur while taking Flomax 0.4 mg, reports PDR Health. Patients who experience diarrhea should increase their daily fluid intake to prevent the development of dehydration, which may be dangerous. Eating a bland diet while eating smaller meals spaced more frequently throughout the day can help to alleviate diarrhea. Severe diarrhea should be reported to a physician for further instruction.
Cold Symptoms
According to Drugs.com, patients may experience a runny or stuffy nose, or sore throat while taking Flomax 0.4 mg. If these symptoms occur in conjunction with fever, swollen lymph nodes, or yellow-green colored mucous it can be a sign of an infection which may need to be treated with an antibiotic.
