Minipress® is the product name for prazosin. The drug is commonly used to treat high blood pressure, which is also known as hypertension. It can be prescribed alone or in combination with other drugs. Minipress® may be prescribed for other conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, congestive heart failure, Raynaud’s disease, and for sleep difficulties due to post-traumatic stress disorder. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so that blood can flow more freely through them.
The drug is a part of the alpha-adrenergic blockers class. This group of drugs relaxes blood vessels, which helps to lower blood pressure. It works by blocking the receptors that start the chain of events which ultimately cause high blood pressure.
Minipress® is an oral medication that comes in capsule form. It is typically taken two to three times daily, with or without food. Many doctors will start a patient on a low dose of the drug and slowly increase the amount to be administered.
The first dose of Minipress® should be administered with care, as it can cause light-headedness, dizziness, or even fainting. Many doctors advise taking the first dose before going to sleep in order to avoid some of these effects. If the need should arise to get up in the middle of the night, it is important to sit and stand up slowly in order to avoid fainting. Patients should be vigilant over the first 24 hours of taking the drug and avoid performing any hazardous tasks.
There are several conditions which may increase the risk of taking Minipress®. A patient with these problems will either not be able to take the drug or will need to be observed more closely by a doctor while undergoing therapy. Some of these conditions include kidney problems, chest pain, and narcolepsy. Heart or liver disease and prostate cancer may also be problematic. Pregnant and nursing women are generally advised not to take the drug.
The most commonly reported side effects of Minipress® include weakness or lack of energy, dizziness, and drowsiness. Patients may also experience dry mouth, headache, nausea, nasal congestion, and frequent urination. These effects should be reported to a doctor if they become more severe or do not subside.
More severe side effects of Minipress® include depression, blurred vision, and an unusually fast or irregular heartbeat. An allergic reaction, which can include rash, itching, hives, swelling in the face, and breathing difficulties is also considered serious. All of these reactions to taking the drug should receive immediate medical attention.