This article describes possible side effects of prazosin oral capsule. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for prazosin. You can explore this overview article to learn more about prazosin oral capsule, including the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Prazosin oral capsule is a generic version of the brand-name drug Minipress.
More common side effects of prazosin
Prazosin oral capsule may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of prazosin oral capsule include:
- dizziness*
- drowsiness*
- headache
- lack of energy
- weakness
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of prazosin in detail” section below.
Mild side effects of prazosin
Prazosin may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects of prazosin oral capsule that occurred in studies include:
- abdominal pain or discomfort
- blurry vision
- constipation
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- dry mouth
- headache
- increased need to urinate
- lack of energy
- nasal congestion
- nausea or vomiting
- nosebleeds
- nervousness
- red eyes
- weakness
- mild allergic reaction*†
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of prazosin in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with prazosin oral capsule. But it’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies.
Serious side effects of prazosin
Prazosin may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from prazosin oral capsule, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with prazosin.
Serious side effects of prazosin oral capsule that occurred in studies include:
- depression
- fainting
- hair loss
- hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there)
- heart palpitations (fluttering or pounding heartbeat)
- liver problems
- pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- priapism
- shortness of breath
- sudden low blood pressure when you stand or sit up*
- tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears)
- urinary incontinence (leaking of urine)
- severe allergic reaction*†
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of prazosin in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with prazosin oral capsule. But it’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies.
Common questions about side effects of prazosin
Here are answers to some common questions about the side effects of prazosin oral capsule. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Can prazosin be used for mental health problems? If so, are its side effects similar to when it’s taken for other uses?
Possibly. Prazosin oral capsule only has approval for treating high blood pressure. It isn’t approved for treating any other condition, including mental health problems. But doctors may choose to prescribe it for mental health problems. It’s called an off-label use when doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.
Because this drug wasn’t looked at as a treatment for mental health conditions, its side effects for this purpose weren’t reported in studies.
You can learn more about off-label uses of prazosin oral capsule by talking with your doctor. They can also tell you more about treatment options for mental health problems.
Does prazosin cause long-term side effects?
No, long-term side effects aren’t expected with prazosin oral capsule. In studies, specific side effects weren’t seen in people who had taken the drug for a long time. Long lasting side effects after treatment ended also weren’t reported.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about possible long-term side effects with prazosin.
Coupon for prazosin
Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for prazosin when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Side effects of prazosin in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of prazosin oral capsule.
Sudden low blood pressure when you stand or sit up
In studies, low blood pressure was common after the first dose in people taking prazosin oral capsule. Low blood pressure was seen in addition to feelings of dizziness, drowsiness, and faintness. Dizziness and drowsiness are usually mild, but fainting may be serious
In most cases, low blood pressure episodes were seen when sitting up or standing up. This usually happened within 90 minutes of taking a dose. But these problems can also occur after dosage increases or when adding another high blood pressure medication.
Certain factors can increase the risk of low blood pressure episodes with prazosin oral capsule. These include:
- being in hot weather
- drinking alcohol
- exercising
- standing for long periods of time
Ways to manage
If you feel dizzy, drowsy, or like you’re going to faint, you may be experiencing a low blood pressure episode. You should sit or lie down until the feeling passes. Get up slowly to avoid problems again. Do not drive or perform dangerous tasks in the first 24 hours of taking prazosin oral capsule. Be careful about alcohol use, exercise, hot weather, and standing for long periods until you know how prazosin oral capsule affects you.
If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting as a result of low blood pressure, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend gradually adjusting your dosage of prazosin oral capsule or other blood pressure medication.
Free prescription coupons
Seriously … free. Explore prices that beat the competition 70% of the time.
Get free cardPriapism
In studies, priapism was uncommon in people taking prazosin oral capsule. This side effect may be serious.
With priapism, you have an erection that lasts for longer than 4 hours. Pain may also occur. Without immediate treatment, priapism can permanently damage the penis.
Ways to manage
If you experience an erection lasting longer than 4 hours, seek emergency medical care or call 911.
Allergic reaction
For some people, prazosin oral capsule can cause an allergic reaction. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in the drug’s studies.
Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to prazosin oral capsule, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Warnings for prazosin
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking prazosin oral capsule.
Warnings
It may not be safe for you to take prazosin oral capsule if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether prazosin oral capsule is a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking prazosin oral capsule, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:
- future cataract surgery
- past allergic reaction to prazosin
Prazosin and pregnancy
It’s not known whether prazosin oral capsule should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Prazosin and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether prazosin oral capsule should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Prazosin and alcohol
Prazosin oral capsule is known to interact with alcohol.
Drinking alcohol while taking prazosin oral capsule increases the risk of dizziness, drowsiness, and fainting. Be careful about the amount of alcohol you drink while taking prazosin oral capsule.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with prazosin oral capsule.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes common and serious side effects of prazosin oral capsule. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How do the side effects of prazosin compare with other drugs that could treat my condition?
- Do I have a higher risk of side effects than other people?
- How long do most side effects of prazosin last?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.