Prazosin is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). This medication helps relax blood vessels and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.

High blood pressure is a dangerous – potentially fatal – condition in which the heart is met with too much resistance from blocked or narrowed arteries as it tries to pump blood and oxygen around your body. When not treated, high blood pressure can lead to an array of serious health issues including heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and many more complications. Nearly ½ of Americans have high blood pressure, and heart disease is the leading cause of death of people in the United States.

Prazosin may be prescribed alone or in conjunction with other medications as a treatment for hypertension. In addition to medication, you may be prescribed certain lifestyle changes to help control blood pressure (such as exercise and dietary adjustments).

Prazosin is classified as an alpha-blocker, a common form of heart pressure medication. These medications work by blocking the transmission of certain nerve impulses. When stimulated, nerves release a chemical called norepinephrine. Norepinephrine can cause blood vessels to tighten and narrow. Narrowed blood vessels make it more difficult for blood to be pumped through the body, leading to an increase in blood pressure.

By preventing norepinephrine’s effect on blood vessels, prazosin keeps blood vessels relaxed and open which reduces blood pressure and minimizes the risk of cardiac conditions such as heart attack, heart failure, and coronary artery disease.

Prazosin has been shown to cause some side effects. If these adverse reactions do not go away within a few days, talk to your health care provider.

Common side effects reported while taking prazosin include:

• Headache
  
• Dizziness
  
• Drowsiness
  
• Lack of energy
  
• Muscle weakness
  
• Heart palpitations
  
• Nausea
  

This is not a complete list of adverse effects – though these are the most common. Seek medical attention right away if you experience symptoms such as swelling, difficulty breathing, rash, yellowing eyes or eyes, hives, or chest pain.

As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with, as well as any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with prazosin. Prazosin can interact with other forms of medication and substances, causing potentially serious side effects. In addition, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant. Prazosin may be dangerous for fetal development.

The exact dosage of prazosin prescribed will depend on the strength of the medication. For adults, the starting dose of prazosin is prescribed as a 1 mg tablet to be taken orally 2-3 times per day. This dosage may increase as needed, although doctors rarely prescribe a daily dose over 20 mg a day.

Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of prazosin without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.

Prazosin is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not prazosin is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for prazosin to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.