Flomax and Runny Nose: What Users Say

• SRW...
• February 14, 2020

For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "My last post was two months ago, when I had been tapering off the Flomax and going with a supplement. I am shocked that I'm doing so well. I started the Flomax out of desperation. I had to plan my days around bathrooms. Even then I couldn't always go. It was the worst at night, often having to get in the shower just to get a stream started. Long car trips were out of the question. Air travel made me very nervous. Flomax worked, but the side effects were awful. Tired, low libido, congestion, runny nose. Today, two months free of it, I have just a few moments of hesitation (when getting up from sleeping) and a short walk to and from the kitchen usually cures that. I even can have a coffee daily without urgency. I really never believed supplements work, but this one does. It is made with Saw Palmetto, Stinging Nettle, Pumpkin Seed Oil, and Lycopene. I urge you to experiment if you can't stand Flomax's side effects."

• Som...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 18, 2020

For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "I was on Tamsulosin for moderate BPH symptoms for 3 1/2 weeks. The first week was moderate side effects - positional dizziness, stuffy nose, some fatigue after light exercise. Second week saw some improvements. Beginning of the third week I had increasingly severe fatigue and bodily weakness, constipation, stuffed sinuses. It got to the point where I was spending 12-14 hours per day in bed, and was too weak for most activities. I stopped the medication, and recovered fully in about 10 days. Lesson: At the onset of severe side effects, just stop."

• Wyo...
• August 12, 2013

For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "I am 57 with Benign Prostate Hyperplasia. Was having problems urinating and have been on Flomax for 1 year, after several weeks problem pretty much gone. Side effects are stuffy nose and a reduction in semen volume. All in all, I am pleased with it."

• Tex...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 16, 2020

For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "Been using Flomax for several years. I’m 70. My U Dr told me to stop taking Flomax four to six weeks before my next appt. To test/measure the results of the long-term use of it. Nine months ago, he started me on Finasteride 5 mg. Since stopping Flomax cold turkey, I’m very weak, stuffy nose, back pain. Can’t urinate completely, pee runs out several seconds later. I end up standing there waiting, and several streams expel in two or three intervals. Night sweats. Face flushing during the day."

• SRW...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 2, 2019

For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "This is my third comment. Last one I had found that eliminating coffee helped the drug work better. Well, it worked so well that coffee intake crept back in, and now, although it works, the side effects are off the charts: fatigue, no strength, sinus congestion, runny nose, shortness of breath, vision problems. Awful. So I am experimenting, taking it every other day. As soon as the side effects clear up, its effectiveness dwindles. If I can skip two days, I'll have a good night's sleep on the second night and no congestion on the third day. Last I took it was early Friday morning, and it's now Monday at noon. I'm a little nervous going to work, but I'm going to try and make it. If I get really stuck, dunking or spraying my penis with warm water can get things started (like a warm shower can do). I'm taking Cialis 5mg and a natural supplement. I'll have to quit coffee again. I hope to God to wean off this drug and not have to go with a procedure."

• Anonymous
• June 25, 2011

For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "Initially, I took the low dosage and flow improved for about a week. Then the condition worsened. My doctor then upped my dosage to two pills per day. Same thing happened initially - flow improved and then reverted back to the prior condition. But as I continued to use the drug (2 times a day), the improved condition returned. Sometimes the flow is better than other times - like when my bladder is more full. Trips to the bathroom at night were reduced to 0 to 1 time. Side effects. Initially, I experienced many side effects - runny nose, minor headache, aches and weakness in my back and shoulder, and retrograde ejaculation. Retrograde ejaculation is the only side effect that seems to persist."

• Air...
• August 8, 2016

For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "Started taking it 0.4, but first, retrograde ejaculation. Then, stuffed nose. Then, constipation. Then, flutter of heart. That was two weeks ago. It did change my counts to the bathroom from 6 to twice in one evening."

• Ric...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 30, 2015

For Urinary Tract Stones "After kidney stone surgery 3 weeks ago, I was given Flomax to rid myself of the smaller stones. After reading online the horror stories of this drug's side effects, which included a runny nose, blurred vision, and unable to achieve orgasm, I was very reluctant to use it. I'm happy to report in the limited time using Flomax, I've had no side effects. I mean none."

• MJW...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 11, 2015

For Urinary Tract Stones "I had the worst pain of my life and thought I was dying. I went to the ER and they found a 4mm stone on my left side. They prescribed Flomax and pain meds. I will say the stone was barely in my ureter when this ordeal all started. The Flomax is recommended for bedtime dosing because of the possible side effects of drowsiness, dizziness, oh, and I get a stuffy nose. The original stone passed in 3 days and I had no idea because there was no pain. I also had a second stone on the other side form and it passed on its own with no pain. I like Flomax, for me, the benefits outweigh the side effects!"

• ano...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 3, 2022

For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "It is essential to read all the adverse effects others have suffered and the alternatives that worked for them. I am an old man over 80 years old and have been on Flomax for years with no side effects. We are all different, so that is to be expected. I have several friends who also use Flomax. Not once has the subject of side effects come up, and I must assume they don’t have them. One is a “complainer” and would undoubtedly say something. A year ago, I got COVID and survived easily. I have had worse colds, and I have several of the high-risk characteristics and was surprised it wasn’t worse. Since then, I have experienced a stuffy nose, which is minor and not an issue for me. I must assume that it is related to the COVID, not Flomax. For each person who has a negative side effect, I assume that there could be dozens or hundreds who don’t."

• DLS...
• October 17, 2015

For Urinary Tract Stones "Have one 4 mm stone hung up between the kidney and bladder and another 5 mm stone in the kidney. Have been on Flomax for a month, and while it has helped me to urinate more, the stone seems stuck. I am not happy with the side effects: stuffy nose, feeling dizzy, and just off, also seems to cause some water retention. Would love to have the positive results other users have had, but so far, no luck passing the stone."

• Han...
• August 30, 2015

For Urinary Tract Stones "Woke up in pain with a stone Friday. Asked my Dr. to prescribe Flomax and took my first dose at noon on Saturday. Passed the stone this morning (Sun.). I experienced a stuffy nose and felt lightheaded, but it was well worth it. One capsule did the trick."

• Sno...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 10, 2021

For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "I was on this drug for some retention issues, and it seemed to be working. However, on day 6, I started getting a stuffy nose, and on day 7, my nose shut down completely, and I started producing mucus like never before. It was worse than any head cold I can remember. It also ran down into my lungs and caused chest congestion. I also had anxiety, fatigue, and an elevated heart rate. I felt so bad that I got a COVID test (negative) even though I'm vaccinated. I've been off the drug for 3 days, and my sinuses are just clearing up. I still have fatigue, and my lungs are still partly congested. It is going to take a few more days for my body to get rid of all that mucus. This drug is not for me."

• Rac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 14, 2023

"Although my situation may be unusual, I wanted to share my experience as a 25-year-old female. A few months ago, I had a severe UTI, and the ER doctor recommended that I follow up with a urologist. During my recent cystoscopy, my urologist found urethral and bladder inflammation and prescribed a medication to help with inflammation and 'reset things' (his words). I've been taking it for three nights now, and so far, the only side effects I've experienced are a bit of lightheadedness and a very clogged nose last night. It was so blocked that I thought I was getting sick. Today, my nose has felt dry all day, but at least I can breathe now. I have 25 days left of taking it, so I'll update if any other side effects occur. I take it at night."

• har...
• March 7, 2023

"Prescribed for a kidney stone. Took 2 doses, and I have never been more sick. I threw the pills away and am now feeling better 2 days later. Constipated, dehydrated, nauseous, stuffy nose. Don’t take it for a stone."

• Anonymous
• October 31, 2019

For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "No morning erection after 2 days of use, went in the trash can. Stuffy nose, dry mouth, unacceptable side effects."

• And...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 31, 2023

For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "I used and took Flomax (Tamsulosin) for 2 weeks and noticed side effects of bad headaches, dizziness, fainting, and a stuffed nose. I do not recommend it."