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[Hatten28]

Hello all you kind folk, I wonder if anyone can give me any advice regarding Doxazosin, a medication for prostate problems, now I am female and am concerned

That I will suddenly start an urge to go to the pub for a pint and call everyone mate!

The medication is prescribed for my very high blood pressure.

I was sent home from hospital because of this so no cataract operation that day.

Has anybody else , especially females taken Doxazosin and how are you?

I already take a raft of medication for heart related problems and this seems bizarre.

On a lighter side, I rang a friend to ask how he was, he replied he was good the tablets he was taking for his prostate problems were doing good, apart from having an urge to buy high heel shoes and handbags

Now you can see my concern?

[BobD Volunteer]

I spent three years on Zoladex for prostate cancer but unlike a neighbour I did not grow boobs! My wife did say I was a nicer person though. Jokes aside the main purpose of these drugs is to shut off the testosterone so you should not become more manly al all.

[Hatten28 in reply to BobD]

Thank you Bobd, a light hearted response which is much appreciated.

[wilsond]

I'm sure I have had this in the past for the same reason and didn't grow a beard as far as I can remember!

[valthomas15]

I am on Doxazosin 1mg and have been for some time, I feel fine and so far haven't grown a beard or felt the need to go to football every Saturday!

[Hatten28 in reply to valthomas15]

Thank you Val, I presume you are female from your name, and it’s reassuring that you have had no adverse effects.I seem to have more bruising and little red patches occurring on my skin, it’s nothing major.

Thank you for your response. Regards Hatten28

[Ppiman]

I did think only men took this one - that's interesting. I was taking doxazosin until recently for BPH urinary problems but my cardiologist wanted me to switch to one that doesn't affect the blood pressure or the heart as much, so I am now taking alfuzosin (Xatral XL). I prefer this as it's once a day but it hasn't had any particular different effect, except that it works less well overnight.

My doctor said that doxazosin is not used so much these days as an antihypertensive and that there are far better products available. Although I don't have high BP, strangely, I am taking Losartan for its "cardio-protective" effect.

Steve

[Hatten28 in reply to Ppiman]

Thank you Steve, yes it does seem odd that tablet for one thing can be prescribed for a totally different problem.As I am female and apparently this drug is used to lower testosterone you can understand why I am concerned

The good side is, my blood pressure is down to acceptable levels and I may now be able to have my second cataract operation.

Now to get my warfarin back on track!

[Ppiman in reply to Hatten28]

Ah - I think you're mixing uo two different drugs there. It is finasteride that reduces one form of testosterone to help shrink an enlarged prostate. This is never given to women (at least according to the packet). The several "-zosin" drugs that exist were first used to treat high BP but later were found to relax the muscles in the bladder to help with poor urinary flow and hesitancy. Doxazosin was the first and is still used as an antihypertensive, I gather. In fact, when I first saw my cardiologist, he assumed that was why I was taking it but no, y BP was normal. He's given me the losartan now which is an antihypertensive, but which he tells me it is an excellent drug for protecting the heart in the long term.

Steve

[Hatten28 in reply to Ppiman]

Thank you Ppiman, am now uncertain what is what, I was told by a nurse that the drugDoxazosin is for prostate problems but also was good at reducing blood pressure,which in my case it has.

Will enquire at surgery,see if it can be explained better to me.

I was given the drug so my cataract operation could go ahead, but there is a warning on the packet about cataract ops apparently it causes drooping but is ok providing the surgeon and anethatist are aware, not sure what?

Thank you for your interest and contribution

hatten28,

[Ppiman in reply to Hatten28]

The one you have is for reducing blood pressure but also used to relax the bladder in men with prostate problems. It doesn’t affect testosterone at all (that’s a different drug called finasteride, which is also given for prostate problems along with doxazosin).

Steve

[Hatten28 in reply to Ppiman]

Thank you for your responses, and you are correct, I have read the leaflet again and it states that Doxazosin is used by widening blood vessels and making it easier for the heart to flow the blood around the body.That’s a relief thank goodness.

[Trimley]

Hi - I'm lucky, my name is Chris so high heels or boots?? makes no difference. (actually I'm female and proud of it). I've been taking Doxazosin for many years with no ill effects and it has been very effective taken together with Telmisartan in controlling my blood pressure.

[Hatten28 in reply to Trimley]

Thank you so much for your response, it’s good to know that another person has taken Doxazosin,I was worried that I would turn blokish!

I take lots of medications for heart problems, but I am still here and glad of it.

For the first week, I had a muddly headache, but woke up one day and immediately felt brighter.

Hopefully I can now have my cataract operation.

Grateful for your input.

Hatten28