Can alpha blockers lose their effectiveness?

[faceinthecrowd]

Hi all. I used Flomax for a about a year and a half and it helped me a lot. But recently, I started to have terrible frequency and a bit of retention. I tried increasing the Flomax dosage, but it didn't help. My doctor has now switched me to Uroxatral (I was thinking of doing this anyway because of the retrograde ejaculation issue). But I've now been on it for almost a week and no change for the good yet. Has anyone else here experienced their alpha blocker giving out on them? Thanks.

[webslave]

I think alpha-blockers are, at best, a partial solution in any case. Count yourself lucky that they helped so much for so long.

[alphacentauri]

That raises the question of how long should one keep taking a-blockers? I haven't found an answer on this forum (or from my uro) yet, though I've read others wondering about the same issue.

I've been on a-blockers (mostly Xatral) for 3+ weeks & I'm willing to give it at least 3-4 months, but I can tell this is NOT something I want to take long-term.

If one feels improvement in say, 3-6 months should one continue taking it to maintain that improvement? Or is it better to discontinue treatment in that case?

If one doesn't feel significant improvement in that time, should one keep at it in hopes of achieving improvement or move on to something else?

Sorry if I am a zillionth person to ask questions of this nature.

I used Flomax for a about a year and a half and it helped me a lot. But recently, I started to have terrible frequency and a bit of retention.

There is a topic in this section discussing differences between a-blockers, suggesting that non-specific blockers like Hytrin or Cardura may be more effective for men with urinary symptoms that specific a-blockers (Flomax & Uroxatral). My discomfort is mainly urinary, but my uro feels specific a-blockers are better for me; however we're keeping this discussion open. You might want to discuss Hytrin or Cardura with your uro as well.

[faceinthecrowd]

Thanks for the suggestions; I'll definitely look into Cardura and Hytrin. Although from what I understand the specific blockers have less side effects. As for me, I can never even consider getting off of alpha blockers, whatever the long term risk. Before I started Flomax, I had complete urinary retention. Without it, I'd be hospitalized. But if things keep going this way, I may end up there afterall.

[latte]

I've taken Flomax for about two years and would hesitate to stop simply because I couldn't pee at all when the chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome hit. My whole pelvis felt like it was locked up. I am strongly considering more PT and if it makes a big difference I would consider stopping the Flomax. Interestingly, for quite awhile I had retrograde ejaculation but the last six months or so this went away. Back in the beginning I asked my uro about retrograde ejaculation and he said, "how many times do you pee eveyday and how many times do you ejaculate and you can choose which one you want". Well you know which one I chose.

[Richard.N]

I took Flomax for about a year and then switched to Xatral as I got bored with the 'no pay off' retrograde ejaculation.

The interim period whilst Flomax was bleeding out of my system and Xatral was starting up wasn't pleasant in terms of pain and urinary symptoms, so I'll be staying on Xatral long term. Also, this change over period has made me revise how 'instant' the effect of A-blockers is...it took a good few days to get the full effect of Xatral, which surprised me.

I've now tried Cardura (A1) and Flomax (A1a) and didn't find much difference except for a massive headache with the former. Xatral (another A1a) seems different again. Works much better for me. Better flow, less frequency, no urgency and - YES! - no retrograde ejaculation. It's just better all round.

[MastCells]

Works much better for me. Better flow, less frequency, no urgency and - YES! - no retrograde ejaculation. It's just better all round.

I've heard so many good things about it that I think I'll try a course of Uroxatral (Xatral).

[Richard.N]

I don't know why I put it off for so long.