Hypovase (prazosin) is an alpha blocker used to treat hypertension, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and to aid with urination in cases of benign prostate hypertrophy (enlarged prostate).

This product works by relaxing the walls of blood vessels, allowing blood to flow easier and reducing the heart's workload. It also inhibits the affects of adrenaline, making it useful in related anxiety disorders.

Hypovase should not be used in patients under age 18 without explicit doctor approval. Effects on unborn or nursing babies are unclear; this product should be avoided while pregnant or breastfeeding unless absolutely necessary.

Product Overview

Hypovase comes in tablets, ranging from 1 mg to 0.5 mg (500 mcg). Doses are typically take one to three times per day, depending on what's being treated. Doses can be taken with or without food according to personal preference.

Treatment lasts for as long as it provides benefit.

This medication will lower blood pressure regardless of what it's used to treat. Individuals who already have low blood pressure may want to avoid this product.

Other medications are commonly used along with Hypovase, which can influence dosage. Doctor instructions should always be followed.

Hypovase for Hypertension

Hypovase's effects on blood pressure are simple; the medication relaxes blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more freely. This lowers the heart's workload, reducing blood pressure. It can take some time to work, however, often upwards of a month, so it may not be the first choice for some patients.

Treatment typically consists of:

• Start with 1 mg taken two or three times per day (2 or 3 mg total per day).
• Dosage may be slowly increased in 1 to 2 mg increments per week, up to 20 mg divided into three daily doses.
• The majority of patients find 6 to 15 mg per day to be suitable.
• Very rarely dosage may be increased to 40 mg per day.

Treatment should be individualized according to patient response. Other antihypertensive medications may also be prescribed, which can significantly influence dosage. When another antihypertensive treatment is added, Hypovase dosage may drop back to 1 mg two or three times per day until effects are clear.

Anxiety, PTSD, & Similar Disorders

In PTSD Hypovase is most effective at eliminating nightmares and other sleep disturbances.

Hypovase helps anxious patients remain calm and reduces obsessive worry or thoughts. The medication may provide some benefit in similar conditions, but is generally not the preferred treatment.

In most cases treatment consists of:

• Start with 1 mg, taken before bed.
• Dosage may be slowly increased in 1 to 2 mg increments per week up to 15 mg per day.
• At higher doses, particularly for anxiety, the total daily dose may be divided into multiple smaller doses taken throughout the day.
• Do not exceed 15 mg per day.

Individuals who have anxiety-type disorders and low blood pressure should speak with a doctor about alternative products; Hypovase is not the ideal treatment.

Easing Urination

Men who have difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate also use Hypovase. The medication relaxes both the urethra and the prostate, allowing urine to flow with relative ease. Most men find the medication helps alleviate symptoms, including frequent urination, urgent urination, and the feeling that the bladder isn't fully emptied.

Treatment typically consists of:

• Start with 0.5 mg taken twice per day (1 mg total per day).
• Dosage may be slowly increased up to 2 mg taken twice per day (4 mg total per day).
• Do not exceed 4 mg per day.

Again Prazosin will lower blood pressure to some degree, though it's not as alarming as at higher doses. All the same, those with low blood pressure problems may want to consider alternatives.

Potential Adverse Effects

Hypovase is generally a safe medication if used as directed. Many side effects are related to lowered blood pressure, even if the blood pressure is going from high to healthy ranges. These side effects generally aren't cause for concern and stop occurring after a few weeks of treatment; however, check with a doctor if severe or persistant:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Nervousness

Rarely more serious side effects develop, which call for medical attention:

• Rapid or pounding heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of bladder control
• Painful or prolonged erections
• Swelling of feet or legs

Finally, Hypovase does interact with certain medications. Of greatest concern are:

• Beta blockers that end in -olol, such as propranolol
• PDE5 inhibitors, often used to treat erectile dysfunction; Viagra, Cialis, etc.
• Diuretics

To be on the safe side, always check with a doctor or pharmacist before adding or adjusting dosage of other medications while taking Hypovase.