Prazosin is an anti hypertensive drug and it affects the body in such a way that it selectively blocks particular receptors, in turn causing the blood vessels to dilate, which helps the blood to flow easily throughout the body; combating hypertension.
prazosin
This medication is used in the treatment of hypertension (increased blood pressure) and benign prostate hyperplasia (enlarged prostate gland)
Contradications
Its use is prohibited in congestive heart failure due to mechanical obstruction (stenosis) and in those with the history of micturition syncope (a condition where one faints shortly after urination).
Side effects
side effects include postural hypotension (decreased blood pressure on changing postures), dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, rash, vertigo (head-spinning), palpitations, nasal congestions, GI (gastrointestinal) upsets, urinary frequency, edema (swelling), asthenia (weakness), fatigue (tiredness), nervousness, headache, and syncope (temporary loss of consciousness)
FAQs
What type of a drug is prazosin, how does it affect my body and what are its therapeutic effects?
Is it safe to use this medicine if I have been diagnosed with clinical depression?
Depression is a common side effect of prazosin. If you are suffering from it already, it is best to let your doctor know about your condition before starting therapy with this drug.
Is this medicine used to treat any other conditions than hypertension?
Other than prazosin being exclusively used to treat hypertension, it is also used as a treatment for Raynaud’s disease i.e. extremely painful and cold fingers due to narrowing of blood vessels, and prostate hyperplasia (enlargement of the prostate gland) in men.
Can I take this drug for anxiety?
The use of prazosin is not recommended for anxiety. Please consult your doctor if you are suffering from anxiety as it is a totally different condition that needs to be treated separately. However, it may be a prerequisite to your hypertension and should be treated accordingly in order to get a better outcome of hypertensive therapy.
Can prazosin cause any kind of swellings?
If you are suffering from heart failure, the therapeutic effects of prazosin may reduce overtime which may cause swelling of extremities (legs and ankles) due to retention of fluid in the body, known as edema.
Can I take ibuprofen while I am on therapy with prazosin?
Research suggests that ibuprofen decreases the efficacy of prazosin if these two drugs are taken together. Please talk to your doctor for further assistance.
Can this drug cause drowsiness?
Sedation (drowsiness) is a common side effect of this medicine along with dizziness (feeling lightheaded), headache and syncope (getting fainted). If you are experiencing any of these, refrain from driving or using any tools while taking this medicine and don’t forget to take advice from your physician regarding the adverse effects of this drug.
Is it safe to take prazosin if I am undergoing therapy for an eye problem?
Prazosin has been reported to cause blurry vision and eye pain in some individuals. If you already have an eye problem that needs to be treated with a surgical approach, such as cataract, you must inform your doctor about it as it may cause some serious post-surgical complications.
Does this medicine cause increase in sleep?
Yes, this drug may cause sleepiness as a side effect.
Can I experience dry mouth by using this medicine?
Yes, the use of this drug may cause dry mouth. Please see your doctor if you experience this.
Can I use this medicine if I have hepatitis or any other liver disease?
It is advised to use this drug cautiously in patients suffering from liver disease. Please refer to your doctor for further assistance.
Does the use of this drug cause weight changes?
Prazosin is not reported to cause any weight changes. However, if you experience any such changes, do visit your doctor and inform him.
Should I stop using this drug if I have to undergo a surgery?
Please inform your doctor that you’re taking this medicine before undergoing any surgery.
Medicines containing prazosin
Rs.23.21
