1st day on Flomax (Tamsulosin).

Posted , 7 users are following.

I've had BPH for 15 years but got worse in 2008 and started using tamsulosin. I found that different brands had different effects, ie; Tabphyn was better for me than Galebon. However, none of them were 100% for me because I still had to pee 4 or 5 times each night.

I became fed up with my situation and searched the web for alternatives. None of the herbals worked for me so I wasted my pension in that department - especially with Saw Palmetto... expensive rubbish for me.

Anyway, I read about Flomax and persuaded my doctor to let me try it and he gave me a 2 week prescription and a follow up appointment.

Last night was the first time in years that I had a meaningful pee - I completely emptied my bladder with a most satisfying pee. This happened at 3am so it wasn't perfect but much better than several times each night. I awoke normally at 8am and did my ablutions, including another normal pee. As yet I feel no side effects, but I am keeping a daily journal about the matter.

The thing that concerns me is that Flomax is not recommended for 75 year olds - does anyone know why? I fear my doctor may be aware of this and I may have to fight to remain on Flomax and if I know why the restriction is there I will have ammo to argue with him. 

This is my 1st post so sorry if a bit long winded.

Best,

Chris.

3 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Posted

    hi I was given flomax but did not like the dizziness i got but recently i started RAPAFLO which although more expensive works much better for me.

    Perhaps this could help you also

  • Posted

    Thanks Ray, I'll look into that stuff further but it initially looks like much the same side effects as Flomax.

    Up till now I feel Flomax is good because I'm getting a good nights sleep and the only side effect was an ache in my left kidney area, which could have been muscular or to do with Flomax - I really can't say but it only lasted intermittently for 3 days. Regarding dizziness, I get dizzy when I tie my shoe laces etc., and I tend to think this is age related rather than drug related. Of course we are all different with various blood groups and perhaps Flomax suits A-pos better than other blood groups - just a thought. Anyway, thanks for putting Rapaflo my way; I'll check it out.

    Best,

    Chris.

  • Posted

    It is my understanding that tamsulosin is the generic "Flomax" and being generic is supposed to be more or less identical in composition. I had used it for some time but found the side effects quite bothersome. Recently tried Cialis 5mg for BPH in place of the tamsulosin and was doing well until a little publisized side effect ( brutal acid reflux) forced me to discontinue. I had a procedure that is not mentioned on this sight and that being TUMT (transurethal microwave thermal therapy) which took about six months to heal completely. Many of the same effects were experienced right afterwards and I do not think I will go thru that again. Hopefully the future will hold better solutions to this very common issue.
  • Posted

    Back again to report on Flomax.

    The good news didn't last long. Things went back to normal after a couple of weeks.

    One thing that bothers me is that since using Flomax I've developed back pains, so I changed to Tabphyn (I've got lots of Tabphyn and Galebon packets) and the back pain eased, so I tried Flomax again and the pains returned.

    The pains are all across my lower back around my kidney area, but I really can't tell if it is muscular or to do with my kidneys. So now I will leave Flomax in the medical cabinet for a while and use the other stuff before trying it again to see if the pain returns.

    Has anyone on here had back pain with Flomax?

  • Posted

    Just off Flomax and the generic after over 10 years on it.  SO JOYFUL to be off of it.  Hear it only reduces prostate size about 5%.  Had no effect on frequency of urination....was up to 20+ times a night before Urolift surgery.  Not needing Flomax now I have much more sperm ejaculate on orgasm.  On Flomax often had dry come or retro ejaculation.  Also caused difficulty swallowing that is gone now that I'm off that med.  9 weeks out on Urolift and very pleased.  Both peeing and ejaculating like a teenager again...not bad for 71 years old
  • Posted

    Thanks for that, Riverkilt. So pleased for you. 
  • Posted

    Just had a few days on flowmax, Headache, stuffiness and some chest pains, breathlesness. Dont know if ii will carry on with it. The side effects are supposed to pass off after a few days. On the possitive side Just had a pee and for the first time in ages did not have to force it out. If the side effects go away I think that I will carry on with the flowmax, if not its back to the drawing board.
    • Posted

      My urologist tried to switch me from Uroxatral to Flomax, and i had horrible dizziness, even when lying down, and that triggered panic attacks.  We killed the Flomax and reverted to Uroxatral.  I've had more success with CICing than with the meds.

      Next time I see him I want toa ask about going off some of the meds (now doing Uroxatral, Avodart, and Cialis) and relying primarily on CIC.

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