In rare cases, men taking drugs such as Doxazosin have developed priapism--a painful, long-lasting erection that persists for hours. This condition can lead to impotence, so if it occurs contact your physician right away.
If you have liver disease or are taking other medications that alter liver function, your physician will monitor you closely when you take Doxazosin.
Doxazosin may lower blood counts. Your physician will most likely monitor your blood counts while you are taking this medication.
This medication may cause you to become drowsy or sleepy. For this reason, too, driving or operating dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness is not recommended.
Prostate cancer has some of the same symptoms as benign prostatic hyperplasia; your physician will want to make sure you do not have cancer before starting you on Doxazosin.
The effects of Doxazosin during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your physician immediately. Doxazosin may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your physician may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with this medication is finished.
If you have high blood pressure, you must take Doxazosin regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Doxazosin; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Doxazosin does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.
