Side effects

When you start taking an alpha blocker, you might have low blood pressure and dizziness. This may make you faint when you stand after sitting or lying down. You might be told to take your first dose at bedtime.

Other possible side effects are:

• Headache.
• Fast or pounding heartbeat.
• Weakness.

Before taking an alpha blocker, tell your healthcare team about all the medicines you take. Alpha blockers may affect how some other medicines work. Make sure you tell your healthcare team if you take beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, or medicines for erectile dysfunction.

Alpha blockers may improve total cholesterol. But some studies show that long-term use of some alpha blockers might increase the risk of heart failure. Talk with your healthcare team if you have questions about the medicines you take.