Why does prazosin increase heart rate

If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur, especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position suddenly. Getting up slowly may help. These symptoms are more likely to occur when you begin taking this medicine, or when the dose is increased. You may also have dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting if you drink alcohol, stand for a long time, exercise or if the weather is hot. While you are taking this medicine, be careful to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Also, use extra care during exercise or hot weather. Prazosin may cause some people to become dizzy, drowsy, or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy, drowsy, or are not alert. Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests. Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor.

This includes prescription or nonprescription over-the-counter [OTC] medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements. If you are a man and experience a prolonged or painful erection for 4 hours or more, contact your doctor immediately.

This condition may require prompt medical treatment to prevent serious and permanent damage to your penis. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine.

Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:. Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. Prazosin-induced tachycardia and renin release were attenuated by propranolol. It appears that prazosin produces renin release and tachycardia via stimulation of the beta-adrenergic adrenoceptor.

Abstract This study investigated whether the specific alpha-antagonist, prazosin, stimulated basal plasma renin levels and heart rate. Your dose, form, and how often you take it will depend on:.

However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you. Prazosin is used for long-term treatment. For this drug to work well, a certain amount needs to be in your body at all times.

If you take too much: If you take too much prazosin, you may experience a large drop in blood pressure, with symptoms such as:. But if your symptoms are severe, call or go to the nearest emergency room right away. What to do if you miss a dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless you remember just a few hours before the time for your next dose. Then only take one dose.

Never try to catch up by taking two tablets at once. This could result in dangerous side effects, such as a large drop in blood pressure. A prescription for this medication is refillable.

You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription. These are available at most pharmacies and online. Shop online for blood pressure monitors. Your doctor will regularly check the following to make sure this medication is working and is safe for you:. There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others.

Talk to your doctor about other drug options that may work for you. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date.

However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication.

The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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