Doxazosin may cause drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. These effects may be worse if you take Doxazosin with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Doxazosin with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to Doxazosin.
Doxazosin may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure after the first dose. Take your first dose at bedtime. If you get up during the night, sit up slowly, then stand slowly. This will help to reduce your lightheadedness or dizziness. These effects will more likely occur after the first few doses or if your dose has increased, but can occur at any time while you are taking Doxazosin. It can also occur if you stop taking Doxazosin and then restart treatment.
Doxazosin may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects. Do NOT take more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor. Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Doxazosin before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery (including eye surgery).
Doxazosin may rarely cause a prolonged, painful erection. This could happen even when you are not having sex. If this is not treated right away, it could lead to permanent sexual problems such as impotence. Contact your doctor right away if this happens.
Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.
Lab tests, including blood pressure, may be performed while you use Doxazosin . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Use Doxazosin with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially low blood pressure.
Doxazosin should not be used in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Doxazosin while you are pregnant. It is not known if Doxazosin is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Doxazosin , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.