As they age, men suffer from benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, in roughly the same percentage as their age (about 50 percent by age 50 and 80 percent by age 80). Tamsulosin fights BPH symptoms of difficult urination, urine retention and having to urinate often. Tamsulosin--brand name Flomax--works as an alpha-adrenergic blocker to relax blood vessels and muscles in the bladder and prostate to ease urination. Along with improving urination for men with an enlarged prostate, some side effects may occur.
Headaches, Dizziness
The most common side effects of using tamsulosin are headaches and dizziness. The RxList.com website states about 20 percent of tamsulosin users experienced headaches, and 17 percent became dizzy. Patients may also experience a drop in blood pressure--hypotension--and feelings of vertigo.
Flu-Like Symptoms
Taking tamsulosin may cause flu-,like symptoms. Mayo Clinic staff say you may experience fever or chills, become hoarse and have a dry cough. You may also feel lower back pain and feel weak and tired. A runny nose and sore throat are also common while a combination of drowsiness and insomnia are also side effects.
Impaired Thinking, Reactions
You may have difficulty processing information and reacting properly when taking tamsulosin. The Drugs.com website states you shouldn't drive or operate machinery while taking the drug because you may not be alert enough or react properly and safely when under the medication's influence.
Abnormal Ejaculation
Men who take tamsulosin tend to have abnormal ejaculations. The RxList website states you may have semen ejaculation failure and lessened libido while taking the medication. The condition tends to be dose related, with more complaints at the higher, 0.8 milligram dose (18 percent) than at the 0.4 mg dose (8 percent) having ejaculation difficulty.
