Cardura (doxazosin) versus Flomax (tamsulosin )

[webslave]

BJU Int 2003 Jan;91(1):41-4

A randomized, double-blind crossover study of tamsulosin and controlled-release doxazosin in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Kirby RS.
........

CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with doxazosin-GITS was significantly more effective than tamsulosin in relieving lower urinary tract symptoms.

[Cannot Sit]

Our company's group insurance coverage changed recently and the new provider doesn't cover Flomax. In the interest of cost, I switched over to doxazosin which is covered.

I started taking the doxazosin just over a week ago and have noticed an increase in some symptoms. Mainly increased pain in the rectal, buttocks and perineum area, particularly when sitting. Also, urgency and increased burning sensation with regard to urination. Today the symptoms seem to have subsided somewhat. Does it take a little while to get your system accustomed to taking a different alpha blocker?

One positive thing I have noticed is that I don't seem to be experiencing retrograde ejaculation now, which I did with Flomax. In addition to doxazosin, I also take any accredited quercetin product plus a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement. I've been off abx for two months and seemed to be feeling better until switching alpha blockers. Hopefully this is just temporary and perhaps the lessened pain today is a good sign.

[Richard.N]

A randomized, double-blind crossover study of tamsulosin and controlled-release doxazosin in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

I think that link has featured here before. As a result of reading it I switched from Flomax to Cardura and got a blinding sinus headache. For me Cardura was certainly better than Flomax in other respects though: no retrograde ejaculation (this was helped on the very first dose) and less suprapubic tension.

I think Xatral will be the one to watch though - as specific as Flomax but no retrograde ejaculation