Terazosin is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure and the symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia (the benign enlargement of the prostate).

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

As a treatment for the symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia, it’s important to note that terazosin will not work to shrink the prostate. The prostate may continue to grow over time. While it is not a cure for this condition, terazosin can work to help minimize symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate.

Terazosin is prescribed as a treatment for high blood pressure (hypertension) and the symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia.

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.

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH): BPH is an enlargement of the prostate. A man’s risk of developing BPH increases with age. BPH only causes symptoms in about half of diagnosed cases and does not lead to prostate cancer.

Symptoms of BPH include:

• Frequent need to urinate
  
• Feeling like your bladder is not emptied after urination
  
• Dribbling after urination
  
• Frequent urination at night
  
• Weak urinary stream
  

Terazosin 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 (also known as noradrenaline). Noradrenaline 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, terazosin 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.

Terazosin also helps relax muscles in the prostate and the opening of the bladder. This relaxation can increase the flow of urine from the bladder, thereby minimizing the urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate.

Terazosin has been shown to cause some mild side effects. If these adverse effects become severe or do not go away within a few days, talk to your health care provider.

Common side effects reported while taking terazosin include:

• Nausea
  
• Fatigue/ weakness
  
• Headache
  
• Weight gain
  
• Stuffy or runny nose
  

This is not a complete list of adverse reactions. Seek medical attention right away if you experience symptoms such as hives, rash, shortness of breath, nausea, swelling, or changes in your heartbeat.

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 terazosin. Terazosin 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 before starting treatment with this medication.

Terazosin is commonly administered as an oral tablet. For both BPH and high blood pressure, 1 mg of terazosin is prescribed to be taken at bedtime. This dosage may increase depending on your need.

It may take several weeks for the symptoms of BPH to begin to decrease. Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of terazosin 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.

Terazosin 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 terazosin 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 terazosin 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.