How Prazosin works

Prazosin is an alpha-blocker. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily through the body.

Side Effects

Dizziness, Headache, Drowsiness, Weakness, Low energy, Palpitations, Nausea

Usage

Prazosin is used in the treatment of high blood pressure and Raynaud's disease.
It is also used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) in men.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Prazosin used for?

Prazosin is an alpha blocker and is used in the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure), painfully cold fingers (Raynaud’s Disease) or mild enlargement of the prostate gland (prostatic hyperplasia) in men.

Q. Is Prazosin safe?

Prazosin is generally well tolerated and safe if used at prescribed doses for a prescribed duration as advised by a doctor.

Q. Is Prazosin addictive?

Prazosin is not addictive as it does not have any habit-forming potential.

Q. Does Prazosin cause weight gain?

Weight gain has not been reported with Prazosin. However, if you have heart failure, Prazosin can gradually become less helpful over several months and if this happens you may notice swelling of your legs or ankles due to retention of fluid known as edema. If you develop edema or weight gain while taking Prazosin tell your doctor as your doctor may need to change the dose of Prazosin or other medicines you are taking.

Q. Does Prazosin cause sedation?

Sedation (drowsiness) is a common side effect of Prazosin. Prazosin may cause dizziness, drowsiness, syncope and headache. If you experience these symptoms, do not drive or use any tools or machinery while taking Prazosin and consult your doctor.

Q. Does Prazosin help with anxiety?

Prazosin is not used for the treatment of anxiety. Please consult your doctor if you experience anxiety as it requires proper diagnosis and treatment.

Q. Does Prazosin cause urinary retention?

Prazosin has not been reported to cause urinary retention. Prazosin actually helps in relieving urinary retention if it was due to an enlarged prostate when used along with other medicines.

Q. Does Prazosin make you tired?

Prazosin can make you feel tired. However, please consult your doctor if you experience excessive tiredness after taking Prazosin.

Q. Does Prazosin have any role in erectile dysfunction?

Prazosin is not used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Please consult your doctor if you have erectile dysfunction before taking any medicines.

Q. Does Prazosin cause weight loss?

Prazosin has not been reported to cause weight loss. Please consult your doctor if you experience weight loss while taking Prazosin as your doctor would be able to find the exact reason of weight loss and manage accordingly.

Q. Is Prazosin a controlled substance?

Prazosin is not a controlled substance. A controlled substance is generally a drug or chemical whose manufacture, possession or use is regulated by a government. Prazosin is available when prescribed by a doctor.

Q. Is Prazosin a narcotic (opioid)?

Prazosin is not a narcotic substance. It belongs to a group of medicines known as alpha blockers.

Q. Is Prazosin a benzodiazepine?

Prazosin is not a benzodiazepine. Prazosin belongs to a group of medicines known as alpha blockers.

Q. Is Prazosin used for nightmares?

Prazosin is not used for the treatment of nightmares. Prazosin is usually used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), heart failure, painfully cold fingers (Raynaud’s Disease) or mild enlargement of the prostate gland (prostatic hyperplasia) in men.

Q. Is Prazosin a blood thinner?

Prazosin is not a blood thinner. Prazosin belongs to a group of medicines known as alpha blockers.

Q. Is Prazosin like alprazolam?

Prazosin is not like alprazolam, it belongs to a group of medicines known as alpha blockers, used in the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure), heart failure, painfully cold fingers (Raynaud’s Disease) or mild enlargement of the prostate gland (prostatic hyperplasia) in men while alprazolam belongs to a group of medicines known as benzodiazepines which are used in the treatment of anxiety.

Q. Is Prazosin a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)?

Prazosin is not a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Prazosin belongs to a group of medicines known as alpha blockers.

Q. Is Prazosin a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)?

Prazosin is not a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Prazosin belongs to a group of medicines known as alpha blockers.

Q. Can I take Prazosin with ibuprofen?

There has been reported a minor interaction that ibuprofen can decrease the effects of Prazosin. Please consult your doctor before taking these two medicines together.

Q. Is Prazosin a beta-blocker?

Prazosin is not a beta-blocker. It belongs to a group of medicines known as alpha blockers.