I found a good Urologist and got checked for prostate cancer last week. I'm ok except I normally have to get up and pee several times during the night. He said that Flomax should help with that problem because it relaxes the muscles in your prostate and bladder. He said it may make me dizzy at first but the dizziness should go away as I get used to it.

When I got the Flomax I read the brochure that came with it and it said I need to monitor my blood pressure at first because it may cause low blood pressure and fainting. The Doc didn't tell me that. The first thing listed under PRECAUTIONS was: "Before taking Flomax tell your doctor or pharmacist if you allergic to it." How would I know???

Some of the precautions/side effects (from Mayo Clinic) are:

1) This medicine may rarely cause a severe allergic reaction (swelling of face, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, and blistering of the skin.
2) You should seek medical attention right away if you experience a prolonged erection while using this medicine.
3) A serious eye problem called Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS) has occurred in some patients who were taking this medicine or who had recently taken this medicine when they had cataract or glaucoma surgery.
4) Common side effects: lack or loss of strength, body aches or pain, trouble swallowing, tender swollen glands in the neck and several others.

I probably won't take Flomax because I don't want to take anything that will make me dizzy at my age (77) plus I have a lot to do around my house that involves climbing ladders. I think I can modify my behavior enough to stop having to pee during the night, only went twice last night.

I tried to find statistics about Flomax side effects but didn't have any luck. I know there's a lot of old timers like me on here who might be taking Flomax and I'd to know about their experiences with it. There's also some very knowledgeable medical professionals on here who might be willing to share their wisdom/experiences.

Thanks,
Victor

It seems that getting up to piss a couple or three times nightly drastically outweighs any one of the side effects.

I've taken flomax for many years. I typically take it in the early evening. I've never seen any of the side effects mentioned in your post and I can typically get thru the night and only have to get up to pee once or twice at the most. If I neglect to take the medication, it can be at least 4 or 5 times.

Depends on how bad you wanna pee...

Worst thing someone can do is Google up every known issue with a prescribed med. Just cause something has been known to occur doesn't mean it's gonna happen to you.

Try it and see how it works. If you have problems, let your doc know. He's a better source of info that Google...

Or, just keep on peeing multiple times at night.

DF

You won’t be busting nuts on mama’s belly anymore.

and about 8pm every night your eye sight will get so blurry and squinty you’ll just have to give in, and try to go to sleep.


They tried to give me that crap for my transplant kidney after they did a ureter stent to ease swelling post surgical. It served me no purpose. Duh, it’s for old guys with prostate probs.

Thanks for reminding me why I had you on ignore. Back you go.

I react badly to Flomax. My son, a physician, recommended pumpkin seed oil capsules instead. Two before bed time, and I'm good to go.

I have been on Flomax for about 15 yrs. for BPH [enlarged prostate]

I don't have or notice any side effects... until I quit taking it. I have to get up and shake hands
with my best friend twice nightly, its just part of the human condition. I am 73. Even looks weird
sounds weird saying 73yrs. old. I sure as heck don't feel it.

People ask how you doing Joe, I just tell them "healthy, healthy, healthy, dead"

That hurt, really f'n hurt.
The kind of hurt like kicking the bed post and breaking a toe on the way to the john.....

"Or, just keep on peeing multiple times at night."

I remember peeing twice a night sometimes when I was teenager so I don't consider twice a night "multiple times". The reason I remember is that the noise of me peeing (foaming up the water) woke everybody in the house up and they complained about it.

Thanks I might try that.

I have been taking it for about 2 1/2 weeks. So far, none of the adverse side effects have reared their ugly heads. I was getting up 4-6 times a night to try and drain my bladder. Since starting the medication, I go once or twice. It has also cut the number of trips to the bathroom to pee during the day. My prescription is for 0.4 mg capsules taken once a day after a meal.

Try it--you might like it. If not, quit.

"Worst thing someone can do is Google up every known issue with a prescribed med. Just cause something has been known to occur doesn't mean it's gonna happen to you."

I didn't Google anything. I do look at the Mayo Clinic website occasionally though because I've found them to be trustworthy. I'm 77 don't take any prescription drugs and hope I don't have to in the future.

I didn't ask for your advise.

Switched from flomax to terazosin and have been much happier.

I knew a guy taking it. He said it kept his dick from getting hard. I have to get up once, maybe twice, mine is three times normal size.

If you aren’t getting up to go to work, who gives a cshit? If I stay away from Dr Pepper and cokes I do better. Tea makes me pee a lot too. I used to drink whiskey and coke, now whiskey and water. That don’t make me pee.

It sucks to get old, but better than being dead, I guess

Don’t even think about a bunch of beer, it’s on then!

I am on it, helped me no problems, go in on the 24th for surgery to correct the issue I hope.

I’ve been taking it for over a year. It worked immediately and I was able to get through the night without getting up. When I first started the pharmacist warned me it could cause a bad reaction when using Viagra but I haven’t noticed a problem and never had any side effects.

About 3 months ago I noticed the nightly pee problems again. Doc was reluctant but he doubled the dose for 8 weekS. Made no difference. I’m back on regular dose now and still getting up, but I’m dealing with influenza right now so I’ve got bigger things to worry about.

Been taking it for a little over a year and don't notice much change, still get up 4 or 5 times a night. Some nights only get up twice, only problem is I don't know how bad it would be if I were to quit taking it. Planning to do the green light lazer surgery later this year.

Been monitoring BPH and 'treating' side effects for about 15 years now.....

Avodart and Flomax every day, Cialis Daily every other day....

None of the negative side effects near as I can tell.....

Added the Cialis about 3 years ago, dramatic improvement in urine flow..........

Get up once a night, if I monitor fluids in the evening not at all.......

Had my first prostate biopsy about 6 months ago, don't care to do that again.....

Grandad and dad had prostate cancer.......... It's likely in my future!

Pretty sure Flomax made my sump pump.....

I guess this population is done busting nuts, so pay no heed to my cautions. lol

Retrograde ejaculations.

Only time I've taken Flomax is to help pass kidney stones or the shrapnel after a blasting of them.

I had a stent put in from my kidney to my bladder once for about 2 weeks. That was one miserable experience. Just the thought of taking a whiz would start things going.

Muffin, if you’re taking Cialis every other day you should be UP every other night!

I can’t take Cialis. Causes mega-heartburn.

Vast majority of patients experience no symptoms with Flomax. It is very effective for those with BPH. Give it a try before you write it off. If you are in the majority, you have a solution to your problem. If you react adversely to it, then you can cross it off your list.

Finesteride may be another if Flowmax produces bad side effects. My cou Just recently started with Finesteride and said it has really helped with getting a full nights sleep.

Probably meaningless by reference because

I didn't have a prostate issue, this was post biopsy on my kidneys and they said Flomax would help improve flow and prevent a catheter while I healed up.

I couldn't tell any difference in taking it.

let me tell you - a clogged uretha is no fun

Flomax is to relax the opening so you can pee. If you can (obviously the case for you) I wouldn't bother. Have always gotten up at least once during the night, myself. Tamsulosin after surgery was to LET me pee, not cause me to.

2 cents

Barry

Had the clogged urethra one time Years ago and remember it like yesterday.

Memorable.

I take it and have seen zero side effects. If I'm careful about my intake (no beer after 9:30 or so) I can get through the night with having to get up only once. Lately I've been sleeping through the night without getting up. That's a game changer.

I got prescribed it when I had a kidney stone. No side effect that I was aware of. In fact I had no effects what so ever.

I had to try it awhile back for slightly enlarged,gave me the schits bad..
Doc said that that was unusual..So I stopped taking it.He then changed my RX to Finesteride(sp),,but I looked at the possible side effects and said no way.
Looking for other methods or vitamins to try.
Most people have very few side effects from it,and mine may have been diet related also,who knows.

edit to add,they told me to take it before bed time and the light headedness shouldn't be a problem,and it never was.

Mirrors my experience. Something NOT right there, so I stopped the drug and just get up to piss a couple more times!

Sheesh. Touchy a bit.

Reduced the # of times I got up at night only slightly.
Did not affect having sex.
Had a strong side effect with the falling asleep in the evening thing - 8pm. Then wake up at 9:30 or 10 and not be able to sleep again.
Doubling the dose made little difference.

Your advice was not asked for, azxwhole.

I have a hard time sleeping anyway, ain’t taking that cshit!

This. ON the days I drive long distance I take a 5mg Cialis as well. The combination seems to work. I can stay in the seat a lot longer and drink some water while driving. The insurance company is pretty stingy with the Cialis but it seems to work. I take both in the morning on the days I drive. I don't get dizzy from the Flomax any more and the 5mg of Cialis doesn't seem to cause any other problems.

kwg

and zinc and selenium help a lot too.

So what's your personal experience with Flomax?

Ive been urinating 5X nightly since I was 5 years old. That was 56 years ago. Still do.

After not being able to pee for a day and a half, got a catheter in for a week...no fun at all...and after it came out was put on Flomax and finesteride(?).....dealing with a lot of other cancer related isssues right now including not sleeping so getting up to pee is not a problem....I'm up anyway. NO side effects from either as far as I know.

For me, Flomax has been great. Several years ago I had a TURP for a very enlarged prostate, post-operation it felt like I needed to constantly urinate. Flomax help a lot, no side effects. Before I started with I Flomax I was miserable.

My doctor put me Tamsulosin. Unfortunately, I am among the one percent who react with intense constipation. Took a month off the stuff to get back to normal.

Exactly. That damned questionnaire asks if you get up to pee. They never ask if you have always had to. At 72 everything doesnt work quite like it did but whatever the urologist put me on was worse. I am overdue to see one now to keep the primary happy. She is trying to send me to the same practice I said i would never go back to.

It's a ball saver if you have allergies and sometimes have an unexpected allergic reaction and have to take benadryl to keep breathing and then your thingamajig swells up and blocks your pee pee up to your heart and you're camping out in the high country and start having to contemplate running a foot long cut off arrowshaft up your dong to drain your bladder.

No side effects here other than it let's you pee, which really no small thing to me.

1. Just about ANY medication can cause "swelling of face, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, and blistering of the skin." That includes commonly prescribed drugs like amoxicillin.
2. Yea, you should seek medical attention for a prolonged erection (called priapism) but that isn't a common side effect of tamsulosin.
3. The "floppy iris syndrome" can happen but it's mainly a problem if you need cataract surgery.
4. I took the stuff for several years and never got loss of strength, aches or pain, swallowing difficulties, etc. I just detest taking pills of any kind.

In some men, artificial sweetners such as Splenda can cause extreme bladder irritation and difficulty urinating even when taken in small quantities.

After losing sleep for several years with my problem that wasn't completely relieved by tamsulosin I had the HOLEP procedure and have no regrets. Everything works just fine without medication and I pee like a race horse.

I've been taking it for several years. I've had what my urologist called "mild BPH" for several years, and it got to the point where I was peeing several times a night. It works for me...............no side affects whatsoever, back to my normal peeing once a night, sometimes not at all. I can miss a dose and it doesn't bother me at all. Pecker still works like it should, maybe even better.............lol. So, if anyone is concerned about that, don't be.

There is another drug that is an alternative to Flomax, can't recall the name, and my urologist said it was better, according to what some patients had told him. I did some research on it, and one of the side affect could possibly call heart problems, and I dismissed it right there.

Nah...

I could have been a bit more diplomatic in how I wrote that.

DF

Yes, you're just too mean, doc.

My urologist mentioned it to me when I told him I was having to take a leak 2-3 times a night, but he hasn't pressed the issue. I'd rather not take any more pharmaceuticals than I already am. I just make sure I don't look at the clock when I go to the bathroom, otherwise I'll just start thinking about stuff, and not go back to sleep. By the third pee, I figure it's time to wake up anyway. I look at it as my "bio-clock".

My urologist didn't press the issue either. He just said could try Flomax if I wanted to. The week before my first appointment with him about a week ago I was peeing up to 4 times a night sometimes and I mentioned it to him. I figured for only $4.94 for 30 capsules it was worth a try but I haven't taken any yet because I'd rather not take any prescription drugs if I don't really have to.

I've been working on changing my habits to cut down on the night time peeing. I found out if I don't eat or drink anything after 7:00 pm I only have to pee twice that night like I have for most of my life. I figure your kidneys keep working while you sleeping, just slower. These days I only drink alcohol on special occasions but if I drink 2 beers I'll piss out 4. What's funny is that I have a lot of dreams about needing to pee and not being able to find a place to pee. It wakes me and I go pee then fall back to sleep. I have my clock turned around so I never know what time it is.

Thanks for your comment.

Some of you old, fat guys might simply have sleep apnea. It can be a cause. Mild BPH doesnt necessarily dictate the need for a medication intervention.



https://www.sleepapnea.org/learn/sleep-apnea/nighttime-urination-and-sleep-apnea/

How does apnea cause nocturia? Umlauf explains that during episodes of sleep apnea, the soft structures in the throat relax and close off the airway, setting into motion a chain of physiological events. “Oxygen decreases, carbon dioxide increases, the blood become more acidic, the heart rate drops and blood vessels in the lung constrict,” says Umlauf. “The body is alerted that something is very wrong. The sleeper must wake enough to reopen the airway. By this time, the heart is racing and experiences a false signal of fluid overload. The heart excretes a hormone-like protein that tells the body to get rid of sodium and water, resulting in nocturia.”

Been taking it for a while. Some days it works great, some days not at all and most days/nights just mediocre.

I have found reducing coffee and chocolate intake helps, sometimes.

Without using it, a day is 24 hours of peeing a half a coffee cup quite regularly.
with an occasional leak thrown in.

I used to drink hot Tang or apple cider on cold nights, and it had the same effect beer has on you. As the saying goes, you don't buy coffee, beer, tang, etc., you rent it!

i need to see a urologist my psa shot up 3 points in 6 weeks after getting the testosterone pellets.

I've been taking Flomax and finestride for at least 10 years. It was after my 3rd biopsy. I haven't been to a urologist in almost as long. I've got a friend right now whose prostate cancer moved into his bladder, and another whose cancer has gone into his pelvis. Read these threads and you wonder if the doctors are passing on taking care of people who are trying to avoid prostate cancer, so they can make more money treating for cancer. It all has me concerned.

I think that's a good idea. I went to a urologist because my new Doc refused to order a PSA test when I got a physical exam in January. He told me quote: "After age 70 you don't need to worry about prostate cancer because you'll only get the slow growing kind." My Grandfather (who lived in Corpus) died of fast growing prostate cancer when he was 89. It had already spread before he had any symptoms. He was very healthy and active (still driving) before he got prostate cancer. I found a good young urologist in Austin that worked at MD Anderson for several years so I'll be in good hands when I get prostate cancer. I'm pretty sure I'll get it if I long enough since my Dad and Grandfather both had it. Dad died of a stroke (brain bleed) when he was 70.

My reason for taking it is to not have to pee all the damn time. I was constantly having to pee, day and night. Don't have to now.

guys, I am a pharmacist and also have BPH for almost 20 years. (i am 57)...
not a complete list of drugs or side effects.

1. The 2 Main types of Medicines.
A. Alpha Blockers
Uraxotrol- alfuzosin- very potent. likely most effective.
Flomax- tamsulsin- most popular. works well.
* Both work to relax the muscles in the bladder neck/prostate.
* Both work quickly.
* Both can cause some impotence, usually not the ability to have an erection, but the ability to orgasm, or delay orgasm.
* Both can cause ejaculatory issues ranging from retrograde to anejaculation.
Retrograde ejaculation is when the semen goes backward into the bladder, which is unusual, but usually doesn't effect the feeling of the orgasm.
Anejaculation is when no semen leaves the prostate at all to enter the urethra. This very much impacts pleasure. It can either take all the pleasure away, have a painful orgasm, or no orgasm at all.
Actually, anejaculation might be more common than retrograde.
* The side effects are many, though, most find them manageable.
Including- low blood pressure, dizziness, tiredness, fainting, along with the sexual side effects.

B. Testosterone Inhibitors
Proscar- finasteride. This works in the body to inhibit the production of testosterone to shrink the prostate which is testosterone dependant.
It takes longer to start working because it takes time to shrink the prostate enough to make a difference. as the prostate shrinks, your psa may actually go down.
Side effects....
* Decrease in sex drive. less testosterone less desire. high incidence of this.
* Less semen produced.
* impotence due to decreased drive.
* you might grow boobs. those boobs might have a discharge.
* hair growth...... with a full head of hair you might be more attractive, but with no sex drive it might not matter anymore.


2. Other Treatments- (procedure)
TURP- avoid it at all costs unless there is no other choice. Do not just take your doctor's word for it. get a 2nd opinion.
* Very high incidence of impotence.
* loss of bladder control is a possibility.
* Retrograde ejaculation is very likely
* Results usually don't lost all that long, making repeat procedures likely.

PVP Laser- less side effects than TURP.
* Impotence less likely than TURP, actually very unlikely.
* Retrograde ejaculation is almost a sure thing though.
* It pretty much destroys the prostate leaving only the shell. \

Prostate Artery Embolism
* non-invasive
* no sexual side effects at all.
* effectively reduces the volume of the prostate
* Doesn't always fix the problem if there is a large median lobe growth.

Urolift
* Not a true surgery. It is a device inserted that pulls the interior walls of the prostate outward allowing the urethra to open up.
* No sexual side effects at all.
* Might actually increase ejaculatory function.
* Results almost immediately.

Other procedures.
TUNA- not used much anymore due to ineffectiveness and some problems. Uses a needle that heats up very hot to kill prostate tissue.
TUMT-uses microwave heat to kill prostate tissue. I know little about this, except I believe it's not as effective.
TUIP- makes little slices in the interior prostate that causes it to spring outward rather than squeezing inward. I don't know anyone having had this. Not always effective, but without likelihood of bad side effects. Not helpful for very large prostates,
Rezum- uses steam to heat up and kill tissue.

Any of these that use heat kinda scares me. I've heard of inexperienced docs really destroying some men's this way.


I hope this helps, guys. Whatever you do, do not just take your doctor's word for it. always study the procedure on the internet to find out what's truly going on. Many doctors are not very forthcoming about permanent side effects with the treatments they are proposing. the internet is your friend here. And, 2nd opinions also.
..

Thank you, Sir.

My pleasure. Hate to see men greatly and negatively affect their sec life needlessly.

Thank you Savage Hunter! I knew all the potential side effects of Flomax but nothing about the other things you listed. I need to copy this and save it for future reference. A few of the guys here made comments that insinuated I was stupid for not trying Flomax but I don't have a bad problem yet. I just pee slower. I only had to pee twice night before last and only once last night. I just started eating supper earlier and not drinking anything after 7:00 pm. The good thing about going to a Urologist is that they will have you pee in a cup and then scan your bladder to make sure it is empty (mine was).

I’m gonna try the pumpkin seed oil, just for the hell of it

Tamsulosin made me dizzy. Switched to Rapaflo and that problem went away.

Something else to consider, almost every side effect of the medications are reversible. If you discontinue the meds, you go back to normal in time.

The procedures, though, are most often not reversible. Too many urologists push what they are trained to do and will badger you into what they can do, and if you choose another route will cut you off as a patient. If so, you don't need this md. He is not your friend.

I have a long story covering 15-20 years with this issue. I've counseled many people in the pharmacy and have probably studied more about this issue than most pharmacists because of my personal journey. I was fortunate. If I didn't know how to research this stuff, I would have ignorantly let a doctor butcher me. I make it my goal to inform my patients about these prostate issues and also any sexual function problems they might be too embarrassed to talk to anyone including their doctor about.

If any of you have questions you don't want to discuss in this thread, PM me. I am a pharmacist and a preacher and it will be confidential.

blessings,
Jerry

pm sent

same here.

I want to thank you for posting this up.
I did a bit of research on the pumpkin seed oil it all sounded positive so I ordered some up along with some saw palmetto oil and within 48 hours I was having very positive results.
the past several nights have been the best sleep I've had in years as well as not having to piss near as much in the day time.
I very highly recommend it to anybody having to get up and piss multiple times a night.
I have taken Flomax in the past and chose to get up and piss at night over what the Flomax did for me.

Only thing I would add is to get the cold pressed pumpkin seed oil.

No way I can thank you enough for your post.