Terazosin HCl (brand name Hytrin) reduces high blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels to fight heart and vascular disease. Physicians may also prescribe the drug to treat enlarged prostates in men (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH). In treating BPH, Terazosin HCl relaxes the muscles in the bladder and prostate for better urine evacuation. While it lessens the symptoms in both hypertension and BPH, it cures neither. And while it helps prevent more serious circulatory problems, it may actually mask continued growth of the prostate.
Dizziness, Fainting
Terazosin HCl may reduce your blood pressure to the point you feel dizzy or lightheaded, and you may faint. Mayo Clinic staff say these symptoms may be exaggerated by rising quickly from lying down or sitting. The symptoms are also more pronounced if you drink alcohol or exercise vigorously in a warm environment.
Drowsiness
Terazosin HCl may make you drowsy or lessen your thinking and response time to the point you could have an accident. Drugs.com warns you may feel weak as well as sleepy when taking the medication. Because of these side effects, patients are warned not to take the drug if they are driving or operating machinery. Any activity that requires being alert and having a quick response time shouldn't be attempted while taking Terazosin HCl. Mayo Clinic staff say the effects of drowsiness should be most noticeable when you first start taking the medication and then should taper off.
Headaches, Pains
Side effects of headaches and other bodily pains may result from taking Terazosin HCl. RxList.com states about 16 percent of patients taking the drug may experience headaches as a side effect. Other complaints included back pain and pain in the arms and legs.
Swelling
Some patients who take Terazosin HCl complained of edema (swelling). RxList.com states the drug causes swelling in the extremities (mostly in the lower legs and ankles) in 5.5 percent of patients. Lesser numbers complained of general swelling and weight gain.
Other Flu-Like Symptoms
Besides the already mentioned headaches and pains, other flu-like symptoms may develop when taking Terazosin HCl. RxList.com states you may feel nauseous and have nasal congestion. If these symptoms appear with the above-mentioned back pain, swelling, weakness and tired feeling, you may well mistake the symptoms for flu rather than side effects of the medication.
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