Prazosin Side Effects, Side Effects That Require And Not Require Immediate Medical Attention

Prescription drug abuse is a massive problem in the United States. Considering the opioid epidemic the nation is currently in, more and more people are struggling with addiction to prescription drugs like oxycodone and illicit drugs like heroin. Prazosin abuse is also a concern, as it is a prescription drug that’s been on the market […]


Prescription drug abuse is a massive problem in the United States. Considering the opioid epidemic the nation is currently in, more and more people are struggling with addiction to prescription drugs like oxycodone and illicit drugs like heroin. Prazosin abuse is also a concern, as it is a prescription drug that’s been on the market since 1988. Although it’s effective in treating symptoms associated with mental illness, in this piece, we’re diving into the prazosin side effects and possible potential for abuse.

What is Prazosin?

Prazosin drug is cataloged in a class of medications called alpha-blockers, and it is used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat high blood pressure. Other names for prazosin include Minipress, Prazin, and Prazo. They have also found prazosin useful in managing nightmares and other sleep-related issues caused by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a mental illness caused by witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, sexual abuse, a nasty accident, war or combat, death threats, or serious injury. PTSD is common in war veterans and can trigger sleep disturbances caused by reliving traumatic experiences in thoughts and nightmares. Many individuals with PTSD have turned to prazosin as an alternative to other sleep aids and sedatives that have a higher potential for abuse and addiction. However, while prazosin can be considered a safer alternative, it doesn’t mean it’s entirely safe.

While the specific prazosin drug abuse potential is unclear, it’s crucial to use caution when taking any medication. Those who have become addicted to either prescription drugs like oxycodone or illicit drugs like heroin can get help at our facility. We offer medically monitored detox at We Level Up California for various types of substances that allow clients to recover from withdrawal symptoms safely.

Prazosin Side Effects
Prazosin Side Effects: Those who have become addicted to either prescription drugs like oxycodone or illicit drugs like heroin can get help at our facility.

How Does Prazosin Drug Work?

Prazosin drug works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more efficiently throughout the body. These effects make it an ideal medication for individuals with high blood pressure, which could otherwise cause complications like damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, and kidney when left untreated. Additionally, prazosin drug is thought to promote better sleep in people with PTSD by blocking the alpha-1 receptor for norepinephrine, which is a chemical that boosts the body’s reaction to stimuli. 

However, this drug has been found to be most responsive in select patients with high blood pressure in various studies. One 2016 study found that patients with PTSD and high blood pressure saw more sleep-related results than those with low blood pressure. High blood pressure could be a proxy for prazosin drug efficacy, limiting the number of patients and its ability to help.

Prazosin Side Effects
Prazosin users are just as much at risk of suffering from adverse prazosin side effects when misusing this medication as they are when using any other drug.

Prazosin Side Effects

Although prazosin drug has effectively treated sleep problems related to PTSD, it’s still prescribed “off-label” for conditions. Off-label refers to using a drug for conditions that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For prazosin, off-label uses include an enlarged prostate, congestive heart failure, Raynaud’s disease, and PTSD-related sleep problems. Prazosin may not be as life-threatening as other drugs of abuse like benzodiazepines, opioids, heroin, cocaine, and meth, but this drug is still capable of producing adverse prazosin side effects.

Prazosin side effects include:

  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Fainting
  • Fatigue
  • Low blood pressure
  • Headache
  • Rash
  • Hives
  • Itching
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Difficulties breathing
  • Chest pains

Prazosin abuse is possible and is characterized by using more than the dose prescribed to you. Prazosin users are just as much at risk of suffering from adverse prazosin side effects when misusing this medication as they are when using any other drug. Liver disease and different types of damage to the organs and workings of the body can result from misusing any medication. Always be cautious when taking any medications that have been prescribed to you, and avoid taking ones that are not.

Prazosin Side Effects Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

Along with its needed effects, prazosin may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these prazosin side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking prazosin:

More Common Prazosin Side Effects

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position
  • Fainting (sudden)

Less Common Prazosin Side Effects

  • Loss of bladder control
  • Pounding heartbeat
  • Swelling of the feet or lower legs

Rare Prazosin Side Effects

  • Chest pain
  • Trouble breathing
  • Painful or prolonged erection of the penis

Prazosin Side Effects Not Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

Some side effects of prazosin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More Common Prazosin Side Effects

  • Drowsiness
  • Headache
  • Lack of energy

Less Common Prazosin Side Effects

  • Dryness of the mouth
  • Nervousness
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare Prazosin Side Effects

  • Frequent urge to urinate
  • Nausea

Prazosin Abuse Treatment 

If you are abusing prazosin with alcohol or other drugs, the consequences can be more pronounced, if not life-threatening. In those cases, the most effective treatment plan will require medical detoxification and residential treatment. In detox, the substances will be removed from your system while any withdrawal symptoms, effects, or medical issues are addressed and alleviated.

Residential treatment will offer you ongoing care at a treatment facility, where you will live for a specific period. At this level, you will receive therapy and counseling that help you get to the root of your addiction. In cases of polysubstance abuse, a 90-day stay in residential treatment is recommended.

Because prazosin drug is a psychotropic addiction, it is still capable of producing psychological addiction. That’s why outpatient treatment via an intensive outpatient (IOP) or partial hospitalization (PHP) program is an effective solution.

Any of these tracts will allow you access to evidence-based therapies while giving you the freedom and flexibility to attend to your life obligations. Ultimately, professional treatment is your safest means of avoiding the consequences that come with recreational prazosin use.

Prazosin Side Effects
Prazosin Side Effects: If you are abusing prazosin with alcohol or other drugs, the consequences can be more pronounced, if not life-threatening.

Reclaim your life from Prazosin Drug abuse & addiction

At We Level Up California, we offer a medically monitored detox that helps wean patients off of drugs and alcohol while addressing uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Drug addiction is a condition that can cause major health problems like Prazosin’s side effects. We Level Up can provide you, or someone you love, the tools to recover from addiction with professional and safe treatment including medically assisted detox programs.

Feel free to call us to speak with one of our counselors. We can inform you about this condition by giving you relevant information. Our specialists know what you are going through. Please know that each call is private and confidential.