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What Are The Long Term Side Effects Of Terazosin Usage?

Posted on Wed, 5 Oct 2016

Question: I started taking 5 mg of Terazosin about 4 months ago. My cholesterol dropped from about 205 to 152. My blood pressure dropped from 135/82 to 118/80. My blood sugar dropped from 107 to 98. I have several erections every night and they are very firm. I am 74 years old and am in good health. I am taking the pills for BPH. Would there be any harm in taking these pills for an extended period even though my BPH seems OK now.

Answered by Dr. Sandip Kabra (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Almost no harm.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM,

I have read your query,

Terazosin is a drug belongs to alpha blockers group which causes smooth muscles to relax and by which your blood pressure has dropped to normal (118/80) and it also helps to relieve from the symptoms of BPH by relaxing smooth muscles of prostate and neck of bladder.

Your blood sugar readings 107 or 98,both are absolutely normal and it is good that your cholesterol has also dropped down from 205 to 152 but Terazosin has not much known effect on blood cholesterol.

Since your are taking Terazosin 5 mg dose which is a low dose without any problem since 4 months,there will be almost no harm in taking it for long.

However, I would suggest you to consult your doctor for regular follow-up.

Let me know if you have anymore query,

Regards,

Dr.Sandip Kabra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar

Follow up: Dr. Sandip Kabra (1 hour later)

I am 15 pounds overweight and use to drink 15 or so drinks 2 times a week.I never get drunk or drive when I am drinking. I take Alpha Lipoic Acid every day and take either Lecithin or Milk Thistle every other day. This is to protect my liver. I know that the liver produces 75% of the cholesterol. I have had about 20 drinks in the past 3 years and was wondering if this was the cause of the big drop in my cholesterol reading. I eat Mexican cheese quesadillas every day with Avocado and sour cream. My diet is pretty good and I exercise 2 times a week.

Answered by Dr. Sandip Kabra (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Continue with it.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome again,

I have read your query,

Alcohol reduction,dieting with daily two times exercises could the reason behind your cholesterol reduction. You can continue it along with trazosin for your blood pressure.

Also,you can continue with alpha lipoic acid and lecithin.

Regards,

Dr.Sandip

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj