Tamsulosin and Runny Nose: What Users Say

• SRW...
• February 14, 2020

Flomax (tamsulosin) 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

Flomax (tamsulosin) 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

Flomax (tamsulosin) 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

Flomax (tamsulosin) 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."

• zyp...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 1, 2020

For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "I am 57 years old and have been on Tamsulosin for about 4 years. I had recurring urination problems for a couple of years after a prolonged bad bout with prostatitis. I ended up with a blockage that required a catheter for a couple of weeks (not the first time). My urologist put me on this 'stuff', and yes, I am now Niagara Falls in the can, but the side effects were and are off the charts and have gotten progressively worse over time. Constant dizziness, no energy, bad balance, muscle and joint aches, breathing and sinus problems (runny nose, sneezing, pain, nasal drip), and recently, I have developed a cough and have to clear my throat constantly. I'm done! Tapering off. I will talk to my urologist about other options. At this point, the catheter looks good! LOL. This drug does work well, but the 'price' of the side effects is just too high for me. Good luck!!"

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

Flomax (tamsulosin) 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

Flomax (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."

• Air...
• August 8, 2016

Flomax (tamsulosin) 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 14, 2012

For Urinary Frequency "Been taking tamsulosin for one week. Previously had been getting up 2-4 times each night and was constantly looking for a bathroom during the day. The first couple of nights I took the tamsulosin, I only got up once. On the fourth night, I didn't get up at all, and during the day, I had no overwhelming urges to run to the bathroom. Have had no side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth, or stuffy nose. This stuff really works, and I can see it will improve my sleep and my overall lifestyle."

• Ghu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 9, 2020

For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "I was diagnosed with chronic urethritis, had issues with weak stream, failure to fully empty bladder, frequent peeing at night. My urologist prescribed me this medicine (tamsulosin). Initially, after a day, those symptoms seemed to relieve, but I notice the side effects of this medicine in my body so terribly, like dizziness, stuffy nose, severe fatigue, bodily weakness, gasping for air when sleeping, tooth sensitivity, and a difficult time falling asleep at night. I consider setting an appointment with my urologist to consult this matter."

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

Flomax (tamsulosin) 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

Flomax (tamsulosin) 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

Flomax (tamsulosin) 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

Flomax (tamsulosin) 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

Flomax (tamsulosin) 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."

• 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;"

• Lit...
• November 25, 2015

For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "Taken for only a week now, stream better, quantity of urine better, still get up during the night 2 maybe 3 times, but this is better than every 30 mins. Side effects: stuffy nose, bad wind, blurred vision, tiredness, zero ejaculation (however, feeling is the same). Erection not quite as erect as before, so mainly sexual (and as I'm only 42, this may be a deal breaker). Drug works, but side effects may overrule use!! Shame."

• Joe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 3, 2017

For Urinary Frequency "24-year-old, male, UK. Normally, I would go every hour, even when drinking very small amounts of water or drinks. I took this medication for only two weeks. I noticed right away I would go less often to the toilet, and it was much easier to dispense the urine. Unfortunately, I had to stop taking this as the medication's side effects outweighed the benefits. I found that I would have incredibly intense mood swings, aggression, feel clumsy and dizzy all the time, blurry vision, memory problems or mind blanks, runny nose, weakness, tiredness. I am now trying Betmiga. Let's see."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 6, 2019

For Urinary Tract Stones "67-year-old woman with 4 mm kidney stone. Went to ER, where they gave me the first dose of tamsulosin. Took it five times, and the kidney stone passed shortly before I was to take it tonight for the sixth time. Slight postural hypotension, which started after the first day, and moderately stuffy nose, which started after two doses. I found it helpful, and those side effects minor."

• 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."

• Roc...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 8, 2018

For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "Was taking tamsulosin to improve urine flow. The drug does improve the flow, and I was getting up fewer times at night. Sadly, the side effects became too much to bear. I had excessive sweating, a completely stuffed-up nose, weakness, a rapid heartbeat for no reason, and general fatigue. The drug also made me breathe heavy and rapidly, and I had a hard time catching my breath. I am going to stop tamsulosin and try afluzosin."

• Ang...
• July 7, 2011

For Urinary Frequency "Positive results at first. Bladder problems gradually lessened, but this relief was soon outweighed when I began to develop a severe blocked nose. This has become such a problem, as I can't breathe through my nose at all. I am one of the few women in the UK to be using tamsulosin as a last resort, as other medications have not been as successful as was hoped they would be."

• ths...
• February 19, 2016

For Urinary Tract Stones "Female aged 59 in Europe. Kidney stone (5 mm) moved to ureter (just outside bladder) 6 weeks ago. Been on tamsulosin (Flomax in the US) for 5 weeks. Stone not moved. Ureteroscopy scheduled for next week. Horrible side effects (fatigue, dizzy, stuffy nose, headache/sinus pain, minor nosebleeds, minor breathlessness) but continue to use in hope it might move before surgery."

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

Flomax (tamsulosin) 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

Flomax (tamsulosin) "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."