Flomax is a niche product designed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The medication works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, which allows for better urine flow and reduces symptoms such as difficulty urinating, frequent urination, and a weak urine stream.
The product was introduced in 1997, quickly becoming one of the foremost solutions for the symptoms of prostate enlargement, which is what BPH basically is. It is an effective treatment for this condition, as well as a relatively safe one. There are some uncomfortable side effects, but they aren’t life-threatening in any way.
It is a relatively common prescription drug. There are other effective remedies against BPH, but Flomax seems to be one of the more popular options. It’s an alpha blocker, like many other solutions for this condition. Such chemicals influence muscles to make them more relaxed, which helps a lot with enlarged prostates.
Effects
Flomax is the brand name used by its creators, Boehringer Ingelheim. Its actual name is Tamsulosin. It belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-blockers. Their primary function is muscle relaxation. In this case, they work in the bladder neck and prostate, making muscles there less rigid.
It doesn’t cure the condition per se, but it makes its symptoms less tough on you. Muscle relaxation means that it’s easier for a person to urinate, which relieves some of the pain and discomfort. Additionally, it prevents some very serious problems you might get if you have difficulty urinating.
The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the bladder. As men age, the prostate gland may enlarge and press against the urethra, leading to a variety of urinary symptoms. Flomax works by selectively blocking alpha-1 receptors in the prostate and bladder neck, which reduces the tension.
Flomax acts fast, typically providing relief within a few days of starting treatment. The prostate itself does not shrink if you take Flomax. There are solutions, like Finasteride, that help you do that, though. The two drugs are actually very commonly taken together for maximum effect and comfort.
Adverse Effects of Flomax
Flomax isn’t a particularly dangerous drug. It has a selection of relatively tolerable side effects. The most common side effect of Flomax is dizziness, particularly when getting up from a sitting or lying position. Other common side effects include headache, upset stomach, and abnormal ejaculation.
Less common side effects of Flomax include a drop in blood pressure, which can cause dizziness or fainting, especially when standing up too quickly. It’s also possible to have an allergy to this drug, but these are rare. The allergy typically causes various skin conditions, as well as face and throat swelling.
There are certain incompatibilities, as well. Men who have a history of low blood pressure or prostate cancer should avoid taking Flomax. Additionally, men taking Flomax should not donate blood until at least six months after stopping treatment, as the medication can cause birth defects in a developing fetus.
Note that alpha blockers have a pronounced effect of changing your blood pressure. This in itself can be harmful (or beneficial), although it can also lead to various heart and cardiovascular problems. If you feel any hint of that happening, you should absolutely tell your doctor.
Taking Flomax
Flomax often comes in a form of a capsule. These are taken whole, without chewing or biting or whatever else. You should take it with water at most 30 minutes after your meal. If you’re prescribed this drug, you’ll have to take it daily at more or less the same time.
The duration of your Flomax treatment course can differ. Although it starts to take effect in a few days, you should continue to take it all the way until your prostate is better. It can be within a few weeks or never. If the latter is the case, then you’ll be able to relieve the symptoms, which is close enough.
The side effects might be uncomfortable under such conditions. At the same time, it might be more uncomfortable to undergo a surgery, if that’s even possible in your case.
The usual daily norm of Flomax is 0.4mg, and it can be increased if necessary. You shouldn’t take too much of it (the maximum dose is usually 0.8mg). The overdose symptoms are deeply uncomfortable, including headaches, dizziness, heart problems, gastrointestinal issues, and others.
Summary
Flomax is an indispensable drug if you need to relieve the symptoms of your enlarged prostate. The inability to urinate that comes from this condition can lead to a bunch of other problems. It can be uncomfortable at times, but it’s more uncomfortable to not be able to pee.
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