The medication Hytrin, known by the generic name terazosin, works to prevent constriction of blood vessels. This helps reduce blood pressure in people suffering from hypertension. Hytrin also can help men with benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as BPH or prostate gland enlargement, MayoClinic.com reports. In this condition, Hytrin works to allow muscle relaxation of the area surrounding the bladder where the prostate gland sits. This helps the man to urinate normally. Despite its many benefits, use of Hytrin does carry a risk of side effects.
Dizziness
The most common serious side effect associated with taking Hytrin, is dizziness, MayoClinic.com states. It occurs as a result of the medication reducing blood pressure. With less pressure pushing the blood from the heart throughout the body, adequate oxygen may not reach the head. This can throw off the internal balance of how the brain determines the position of the head. The result causes the person to feel as though he was in motion, even if he does not move.
Dizziness can lead to feelings of lightheadedness or experiencing a sensation of syncope or fainting. This side effect of Hytrin may indicates too much reduction in blood pressure, MedlinePlus indicates. A physician should be alerted to this symptom.
Weakness
Taking Hytrin also can cause a general weakness throughout the body, MedlinePlus indicates. Users may feel drained, as if they have participated in strenuous activities. This side effect may accompany an overall feeling of tiredness. These sensations tend to occur when a person suffers from hypotension, or low blood pressure.
Because Hytrin reduces blood pressure, it can cause these side effects even as the person becomes accustomed to the medicine. MedlinePlus recommends reporting weakness or tiredness to a doctor if these side effects become persistent or worsen. Otherwise, they classify as non-serious problems that should subside on their own.
Pain and Swelling
The use of Hytrin also may cause temporary and non-serious pain and swelling. Users may feel pain in the back during initial use of the medicine. They also may feel pain, burning, tingling or numbness in their feet and hands. Swelling may affect the feet and ankles as well as the extremities. MedlinePlus indicates these side effects typically cease without medical aid.
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