Medications For bph Questions, Please

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Robert11 - 24 Jan 2004 14:06 GMT

Hello:

Was diognosed with bph about six months ago.
Only complaint is the frequent (once or twice) urination need at night.

Urologist suggested trying Saw Palmetto, which I have with absolutely
no changes or help.

So, I guess it's likely he'll want to try some medication when I next see
him.

Would like to know a bit more regarding possible medications for bph before
my visit. Specific questions are:

a. what medications are "usually" prescribed for moderate bph before going
to the more
"drastic" remedies ?

b. are they usually / sometimes effective ?

c. if so, how long after taking does one usually notice some improvement
relative to frequent
nightly urination ?

d. side effects, etc.

e. how do they work ? What I mean is what is the mechanism; do they relax
the bladder, etc. ?
Temporary, or actually a "cure" ?

Not too sure what else to ask. Any information or comments would be most
appreciated.

Much thanks,
Bob

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Lee M. - 24 Jan 2004 14:56 GMT

If your only symptoms are once or twice a night trips to the bathroom, you
may decide the potential side effects of typical BPH medications (stuffy
nose, retrograde ejaculation, lowered blood pressure) are not worth the
relief they may give. Only you can decide. On the plus side, if you do
experience any side effects (and not everyone does), they go away once you
quit the medication.

> Hello:
>
[quoted text clipped - 31 lines]
> Much thanks,
> Bob

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Albert Turner - 24 Jan 2004 16:03 GMT

> Would like to know a bit more regarding possible medications for bph before
> my visit. Specific questions are:
>
> a. what medications are "usually" prescribed for moderate bph before going
> to the more
> "drastic" remedies ?

Alpha blockers, such as Hytrin or Flomax.

> b. are they usually / sometimes effective ?

They can be effective. The side effects are supposed to go away or diminish
if you stick with the drug. Dizziness, drop in blood pressure, stuffy nose.
Some cannot/will not stick with the drug long enough for it to work. If you
are
taking high blood pressure medicine, your doctor may be prescribing an alpha
blocker now.
If so, the dosage can be raised to see what happens. Some can tolerate more
of the drugs than
others. I am on 15 mg of Terazocin a day. It works. That amount would make
some folks collapse.

> c. if so, how long after taking does one usually notice some improvement
> relative to frequent
> nightly urination ?

Might take a while. You can accomplish a lot by really emptying your bladder
before you retire,
and making sure you don't drink coffee/tea/colas within a few hours of going
to bed.

(A side issue. If you have sleep apnea (possibly you snore a lot) that may
be what makes
you wake up, and THEN you sense that you have to urinate. My sleep doctor
suggested that
this was the case. Get rid of any sleep apnea by losing weight.)

> d. side effects, etc.
>
> e. how do they work ? What I mean is what is the mechanism; do they relax
> the bladder, etc. ?
> Temporary, or actually a "cure" ?

Look up Alpha blocker on the web. Look up Hytrin (terazocin) or Flomax
for the details.

Not a cure by any means.

> Not too sure what else to ask. Any information or comments would be most
> appreciated.
>
> Much thanks,
> Bob

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