Tamsulosin and Headaches: What Users Say

• Cod...
• July 14, 2016

Tamsulosin for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "Almost immediately elimination of nighttime visits to the bathroom, and accompanying discomfort of urination. Could sleep all night, and in the morning, no painful urination. First night or two encountered mild side effects including mild nasal congestion and minor headaches or occasional back pain, but side effects went away after a few days. Certainly manageable but sensed no immediate or significant flow improvements (strange). Now two weeks in, flow is improving. No erection issues except reduced semen (who cares) and occasional multiple orgasms, a great trade-off. Give it a try for a month unless side effects are unbearable, but keep in mind such posts and blogs usually attract folks who have issues rather than those who don't."

• JJa...
• April 24, 2019

Tamsulosin for Urinary Tract Stones "I am a 42-year-old woman. I was prescribed Flomax for kidney stones. I have been on this for almost 2 weeks, but I just can't take the side effects anymore. My head and neck hurt so bad, and it will not go away no matter what I do. I feel dizzy, weak, and very 'winded', it seems hard to catch my breath. I feel in a catch-22 because it helps the urine flow, but I just feel so awful otherwise... ???"

• Rel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 16, 2019

Tamsulosin for Urinary Tract Stones "I tried to pass a 5.5-millimeter kidney stone for four days. Finally went for help. Two days of Flomax and the stone was out. I felt nothing except a brief slice at the urethra opening as it exited. I am a woman, so the Flomax is prescribed off-label. It did give me a bit of a headache, but nothing too bad. Not sure how that would have worked out with a longer run of Flomax. I’m very grateful my ER doctor prescribed it."

• Bud...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 4, 2015

Tamsulosin for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "I am currently almost 65 years of age. For several years, I suffered off and on with symptoms of BPH (frequent urination, difficulty urinating, weak stream, etc.) day and night. Sometimes, I would wake up 8-10 times a night for bathroom visits. Not being a person who goes to doctors regularly, I tried about every OTC and home remedy I could find. Two months ago, I finally visited a doctor and described my condition. He prescribed Flomax, and I started noticing improvement within a few weeks of taking it. After about five weeks, I was sleeping 6-7 hours between bathroom visits. I have noticed no side effects other than slight occasional headaches, which may or may not be related to the use of Flomax. Thank you, Flomax!"

• Isl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 18, 2021

Tamsulosin for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "I have mixed feelings about Flomax. The sexual side effects should by now be well known, and doctors and pharmacists should be discussing but sometimes fail to do so. Flomax is very seldom given to young men, commonly, it is given to those 50+. If you are sexually active, the side effects can be problematic. If you are not sexually active, the sexual side effects can be a good thing. I fall into the latter category, and a diminished libido, combined with a gentler ejaculation, is a good thing. But, after being on Flomax continually for about a week, the back and joint pain starts. Not good. The nasal congestion and headaches, also not good. I discussed with my doctor, she suggested that I try taking it every second day. So far, so good."

• Ipe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2018

Tamsulosin for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "While Flomax definitely helps with ease and volume of urination, the side effects are just too much. This is the second time I’ve tried it. The first time (about a year ago) I stopped for the horrible side effects and decided I would never take it again. This time I guess I forgot about those because I told my doctor I wanted to try it again. Within a day or two, I stopped getting up as much at night, I had a more powerful stream, and I didn’t feel the urgent sensation to pee as much. I also experience dizziness, nausea, headaches, toothaches, ejaculation problems, and for some reason, it makes me have a hard time breathing. I’m stopping it today for the second time. Hopefully, I’ll remember these side effects the next time I think I might want to take it."

• mes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 31, 2018

Tamsulosin for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "After 1 week of Flomax, urine flow was slightly affected. I have started experiencing dizziness, extreme fatigue, weakness, nausea, diarrhea, headache, chills, body aches, and flu-like symptoms. Goodbye Flomax."

• yam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 3, 2020

Tamsulosin for Urinary Tract Stones "Prescribed Flomax for a possible kidney stone. Took around 6 PM. Didn't notice much, became a bit drowsy, pain seemed to be better but remained a bit. Around midnight, when trying to sleep, is when the terror started. Couldn't seem to sleep, but when I finally started to doze off, I suddenly awoke with a full-blown panic attack. Hard to breathe, racing heart, room spinning, going in and out of consciousness while on the phone with 911. EMS showed up and stuck around a while. I decided to stay home and try and sleep again. Again, the same thing happened. Right before falling asleep, panic attack again but this time less severe. By now, it's 5 AM. I decided to try to sleep once more. If not, I was going to the ER. I somehow got about 2 hours of sleep and woke up with a massive headache. After taking some painkillers, I managed to doze off, and by noon, the nightmare was over. I do NOT recommend this medication!!!"

• Pop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 7, 2016

Tamsulosin for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "Upon starting on Flomax, urination flow was 100% improved. After 1 month, urine flow somewhat diminished but was still much better than without taking Flomax. I am trying to work through side effects, including a mild headache, lightheadedness, diminished libido/sexual desire, diminished volume in bowel movements, and gas. I am in my 3rd month of Flomax and am not sure the benefits will outweigh the many side effects I am experiencing."

• Jr4...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 4, 2020

For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "Had issues with weak urination, stop and start to the flow, but managed. Until I started to unexpectedly “leak” while lying in bed at night for no reason, and I always felt like I had to urinate. So I began taking this. Shortly thereafter, I would get this insane ringing in my right ear. The top of my head, forehead, and lips would start to feel like they were vibrating, and I had a serious intense headache just behind my forehead. Looking back, 3 weeks after I started this medication, I began having tooth sensitivity, and after going to my dentist and having her x-ray three different teeth for cavities, they came back perfectly fine. I also had a very difficult time falling asleep at night. I didn’t realize all these conditions were related to this drug until I read all the reviews and picked out bits and pieces from everyone else’s and realized I was experiencing them all. Time to find a new drug."

• Anonymous
• June 25, 2011

Tamsulosin 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."

• Dru...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 1, 2019

Tamsulosin for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "I am 52 years old and have been taking this drug for the last 2 years. I have finally come to the conclusion that the side effects of Flomax and what I am feeling are real. Mostly fatigue, body aches and pains, and headaches associated with back pain and sinus aches and pains. My libido is mostly okay, and sex is normal. Thinking seriously of stopping this med and seeing what happens."

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2018

Tamsulosin for Urinary Tract Stones "After being diagnosed with a 6mm stone that was in the 'funnel' of my right kidney, I was given Flomax. I took it for 8 days before I was scheduled for lithotripsy. I felt nothing unusual ever, although my urine stopped having blood in it. When I went for the litho, they could not locate the stone. I had passed it and did not know it! It worked so well for me that I think everyone should ask about this if you have a kidney stone. It's a lot less traumatic than lithotripsy and a stent. I rated 9/10 because it did give me a headache."

• KKa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 24, 2019

Tamsulosin for Urinary Tract Stones "I was prescribed Flomax to help with expelling a kidney stone. Initially, it made me feel sluggish and like I was in a fog. After five days, more severe side effects started—throbbing headache, lack of appetite, chills, flu-like symptoms, difficulty sleeping, and severe diarrhea. The side effects of this medication were really terrible. Stopped it after five days due to awful side effects."

• Ric...
• September 25, 2019

Tamsulosin for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "Wow! Took Flomax one time, and it greatly improved urine flow and got rid of urgency! The downside was a pounding headache and the complete elimination of ejaculate. It’s a shame... I had high hopes! Doctor recommended discontinuing use immediately, which I already had done. He recommended Saw Palmetto. We’ll see how that goes! Desperate for a solution!"

• nz_...
• September 19, 2011

Tamsulosin for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "Taking a 0.4 mg capsule resulted in side effects that made me want to stop taking Flomax. I now open a capsule and pour out half of the contents, resulting in a 0.2 mg dose in the re-sealed capsule and another 0.2 mg dose that I put into a tiny piece of dough. I am 62 years old, had 2 types of radiation treatment for prostate cancer 7 years ago; I am taking Flomax to counter the feeling of urgency to urinate frequently (due to the bladder not fully emptying during urination). Flomax side effects include headaches, insomnia, and stuffy sinuses; however, I need to stay on Flomax longer (than 1 week) to make a definite conclusion. 7 years ago, I had no bad side effects but stopped due to the price of Flomax."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 24, 2023

Tamsulosin "I am 49 years old and had bladder surgery 5.5 weeks ago. I have been unable to urinate naturally since the surgery. Due to the use of catheters, I am on my second UTI. My doc put me on Flomax to see if it would help me begin urinating on my own. I have taken 3 doses and will not be taking any more. Congestion, fatigue, headache, dizziness, nausea/vomiting. I have never had so many negative experiences with a medication."

• fea...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 11, 2015

Tamsulosin for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "Dizziness, blurred vision, sore head, itchy rash, but it did help the flow rate of passing urine. But it did not stop the frequent trips to the toilet at night, 5 to 6 times. No full night's sleep. Seeing a professor to change the drug if possible."

• tim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 13, 2024

For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "I am 62, and I started on tamsulosin 4 days ago. I was very reluctant as I had been getting by without drugs for a few years. Then I had two urine infections in June/July and ended up catheterized for 10 days. It took two courses of antibiotics to clear it up, and the consultant and urology nurses were surprised I was not already on tamsulosin. So, 4 days in... I am taking 400 micrograms after breakfast. I have not had any dizziness, but my pulse is elevated (not uncomfortably) when I am active, which I hope will settle down. Slight stuffy nose and headache in the morning, which has lessened each day. Notable improvement in ease of having to pee, which is the whole point - my bladder is not having to work so hard to empty. Fewer nighttime visits. So, so far so good;"

• tim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 18, 2024

For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "This is my 2nd review. Now 7 days on tamsulosin. I definitely pee with less effort, but despite some initial good results, I don't think it has made much difference at night. Also, I have developed flu-like symptoms, headaches, and my heart has started racing uncomfortably today. I spoke to my local hospital Urology Department emergency number, and they said to stop taking it and see my GP. They also said I should have been taking it at night, not after breakfast, as I have been doing. Seeing my GP next week."

• Wha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 11, 2022

Tamsulosin for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "I was prescribed this after finding out I have rather early onset BPH. I'm only 30, I was given this drug as a trial of a week, and I was afraid it'd make me lose bladder control or something, so I put off taking it for a bit, but decided the effects of BPH were annoying enough to finally try it. While I'm happy to report that I did not pee myself, I am unhappy to report that it didn't really help either. It's really hard to tell, and I am trying to be fair, because from the second I took this pill, I have felt like I have a horrible flu. My head hurts, my teeth ache, my body is fatigued. I couldn't even masturbate to pass the time because of this drug. I would take a pass on this drug unless you are absolutely desperate. I would have very much liked to tell you the pros and cons after a week, but I won't be taking a second pill."

• DTL...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 2, 2018

For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "Been on this for some time on and off for chronic prostatitis. Stops me getting up 3 plus times a night to once a night, but since taking it, I have had nothing but problems with severe lower back pain, dry ejaculations, headaches, and fatigue. Need to see if there may be an alternative."

• Pus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 29, 2017

For Urinary Frequency "I recently took a 0.4 mg capsule of Tamsulosin for the first time. My experience was horrific. It took almost 36 hours to come to normal. On Sunday night, I took one capsule at about 9:30 PM and went to bed at 10:30 PM. I woke up around 2 AM with a severe headache and blocked nose. I drank some water and tried to sleep again. Soon my whole body started aching, my legs had no strength. I was having hot sweats and was overall uncomfortable. My teeth started hurting as well. My BP dropped to 100/60. I had a severe headache for the next 24 hours and slept most of the day. Take caution if you take this medicine."

• Don...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 17, 2021

For Urinary Tract Stones "I have taken this medication in the past to help pass kidney stones, and none of them actually passed. I had to have lithotripsy, and procedures just to get them to go were needed. I was given this drug again yesterday and took my 2nd dose today. I never had issues before, but I am experiencing all that you mentioned. I don't think I will take another, pounding headache, severe facial sinus pain, and my teeth are hurting. It is worse than any sinus infection I've ever had. I am already scheduled for the procedure, so I'm going to wait it out and hope the stone doesn't start moving. Not taking another generic Flomax!"

• thi...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 1, 2018

For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "To me, the benefits definitely do not outweigh the side effects! I started taking tamsulosin in the fall of 2017 and continued until March of 2018. During that time, I experienced constant sneezing and other flu-like symptoms; headaches that I never had before; retrograde ejaculation, likewise something new; back pain and rhinitis. I unilaterally decided to taper off the drug and live with going to the bathroom 3 or 4 times per night! Still have the symptoms to varying degrees; however, it has only been about a month since I quit the drug."