Αlpha Blocker Isn’t Necessary in BPH Patients Using 5ARIs
Posted , 6 users are following.
From BPH News:
"Patients being treated with a combination 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (5ARIs) and an alpha blocker may switch to 5ARIs alone with no worsening of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), a new study says. But in overweight patients, the withdrawal must be carefully monitored."
For more details, go to BPH News.
I am doing OK with just Doxazosin (alpha blocker) and CICs (to protect my kidneys) for my urinary retention. Due to this article, I just started Finasteride (ARI), hoping that it will help me further and maybe I can stop taking Doxazosin 12 months from now.
Hank
0 likes, 34 replies
jimjames hank1953
Posted
Hi Frank,
Article aside, why would you switch from Doxazosin to Finasteride if you're doing well now with Doxazosin? Personally, I like the side effect profile better with Doxazosin. Also, since your self cathing, have you tried to get off Doxazosin? If it's just a matter of cathing 1 or 2 times more a day it might be worth it. Then there's also Daily 5 mg Cialis.
Jim
hank1953 jimjames
Posted
Hi Jim,
I am Hank, not Frank.
You forgot me already ? (:
1. Cialis is expensive and I doubt it that my insurance will pay for it.
2. I am doing OK with Doxazosin but it could be better since I still have some hesitancy and weak flow. I am hoping that Finasteride (with Doxazosin now) will improve this and after 6-12 months, I will try to drop Doxazosin so I only have to deal with 1 drug.
3. I did try to solve hesitancy and weak flow by increasing Doxazosin dosage but when I did that, my BP was too low and I have dizziness.
4. I can increase cathing frequency but then I won't be able to urinate much or at all, and over time, I am afraid that I may lose the ability to urinate. "If you don't use it, you'll lose it".
5. I am also hoping that maybe Finasteride + Doxazosin combo will improve my retention.
Again, as you always say, "Gotta experiment". Thanks for the suggestions.
HANK
jimjames hank1953
Posted
Hi Hank (not Frank) lol,
It was the side effect profile of Finasteride I didn't like but that's just my interpretation.
Jim
Howard31850 hank1953
Posted
I would really, really, REALLY advise you against starting to take 5ARIs. They will help for a short while but at the cost of destroying your libido, energy and loss of body hair. I took finasteride for 5 years and then switched to dutasteride for 7 years before recently weaning myself off of it due to CIC (jimjames).
BUT I have been taking alpha blockers for 13 years with great results. I do not agree with the study.
hank1953 Howard31850
Posted
I have to give it a try. I know I can always stop it. Unlike most surgeries which are not reversible if went wrong. I am also watching the FLA threads with great interest. BTW, I thought Finasteride in small dosage helping people from hair loss. Hank
jimjames hank1953
Posted
Hank,
Google or check PubMed for "Persistent sexual side effects of finasteride: could they be permanent?" There are a number of studies with different results but this one and anecdotal reports give me pause on this drug.
Jim
Howard31850 hank1953
Posted
Hi Hank,
5ARIs are a form of chemical castration which may or may not be reversible after several years of use. I sure hope mine is reversible. Had I known the truth about this drug I would never have taken it. My uro was just doing the bidding of the drug salesmen so he could get a free lavish dinner!! Please reconsider!
Yes - it does help with head hair growth but it removes chest hair, arm pit hair and pubic hair. Also it causes you to grow breasts! My main exercise was swimming each day but I stopped that years ago because I was embarrassed.
How ironic that young men use rogaine to grow hair and attract girls but when they get them their libido is gone! It's an awful drug.
Also dutasteride and finasteride have been implicated in the development of an aggressive form of prostate cancer.
So tell me again why you want to start it? I would question that study you referred to and look into it in more detail. I can tell you that I could never miss my alpha blockers for even one day w/o peeing problems. But I don't miss my 5ARIs.
I recall my uro telling me the same thing years ago after my prostate was reduced in size about 30% with finasteride. But when I tried to stop the alpha blockers I had a lot of problems. Then after a few years the 5ARI reduction in my prostate and psa stopped and then rebounded greatly. That was when my uro just laughed and said it was turp time!! So then he gave me dutasteride which is stronger and the whole cycle repeated.
Please don't start it - even for a while.
Take care
Neil
Howard31850 hank1953
Posted
Forgot to mention that Stinging Nettle Leaf capsules (500mg) contain the same enzyme inhibitor to prevent the conversion of Free T to DHT as the drug 5ARIs. I have been taking it for a few months and find it beneficial w/o side effects.
As to jwrhn's comments I would respond that if I know a friend is about to start taking a poison then I have an obligation toward that friend to warn him against it!
Neil
hank1953 Howard31850
Posted
Neil,
Thanks for caring and it showed. However, I most likely will continue my trial, against your wise advice. All the side effects you mentioned maybe monumental to others, but not to me. I know it is somewhat of a poison but many have telerated it well. Until there is a proven procedure, all surgeries are poison too. It is like "pick your poison" and I've picked mine.
Hank
hank1953 Howard31850
Posted
If you are not mad at me for being so hard-headed,
my pres is for 5mg of Finasteride. Did you ever try a lower doses, maybe by pill splitting ? Would it work ? Thanks.
Hank
Howard31850 hank1953
Posted
jwrhn1951 hank1953
Posted
Hi Hank
I have been taking 5mg of finesteride daily since last October when I started CIC. I have not experienced any side effects I don't doubt that others may have severe side effects but I would not tell anyone to take or not take a drug based on the side effects I was or was not experiencing.
The finasteride has definately reduced the size of my prostate which I think has contributed to self cathing getting easier over time. As a side benefit I've grown a heck of a beard
Seems to me if you are aware of the possible side effects and want to do a little experimenting then go for it...
hank1953 jwrhn1951
Posted
Are you taking any alpha blocker ? If you are, according to the article, you may be able to stop it, unless you happen to be overweight. Also, why are you self cathing ? Can you void naturally ?
My 14-year-older brother (76 about now) has been taking Finasteride for years without any problem. Hank
jwrhn1951 hank1953
Posted
Hank
No I'm not taking an alpha blocker I have a cataract in one eye that I will be needing surgery on so they didn't want me to take them.
I self cath for retention most likely caused by a nuerogenic bladder, I am able to NV in the daytime fairly well only need to self cath a couple of times but at night the RV is sometimes get as high as 600-700cc.so I definately need to self cath then.
Didn't mean to offend Niel or minimize his experience with the drug and consern and advice, However studies show far more men take finasteride without serious side effects than those that do have side effects so it seems to me trying it while being watchful for any side effects may work for you.
hank1953 jwrhn1951
Posted
Hi jw,
Hmmm. Cataract is another reason that I will try to stop doxazosin as soon as finasteride kicks in. Also, how long did you take finasteride before it helped you ? I've been on it only for 3 days and I can feel better urination already. Maybe it is just my imagination.
Hank
hank1953 jwrhn1951
Posted
I am just like you, having retention from a stretched bladder, also cathing mainly at night, once before bed and another in the middle of the night, to sleep better and to protect my kidneys. My daytime RV is 100-200cc, nighttime 300-400cc.
My retention has improved with cathing and I am hoping that maybe Finasteride will improve it better. Hank