Side effects

When you start taking an alpha blocker, you might develop low blood pressure and dizziness, which can make you faint when you rise from a sitting or lying position. As a result, the first dose is often taken at bedtime.

Other side effects might include:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Pounding heartbeat
• Weakness

Before taking an alpha blocker, be sure your doctor knows about other medications you take, such as beta blockers, calcium channel blockers or medications for erectile dysfunction. Alpha blockers can increase or decrease the effects of other medications you take.

Alpha blockers may improve total cholesterol. However, some research has found that long-term use of some alpha blockers can increase the risk of heart failure.