Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is doxazosin, and you should take it as directed by your doctor, at the same time each day. 

Doxazosin has several uses, like treating high blood pressure. It also can relieve symptoms from an enlarged prostate in men, like a weak urine stream, or sudden and frequent needs to urinate. It can take a few weeks to see these effects. 

At first, or if your doctor increases your dose, you might feel lightheaded. You can reduce this by standing slowly after you've been sitting or lying down. Also, you should avoid driving and other hazardous tasks for the first 24 hours or longer, until you know how it affects you. Other common effects are headaches, nausea or drowsiness. These are normal if they are mild and should go away. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking the medication please talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 

In rare cases, serious side effects can occur, so call your doctor right away if you notice unusual or unexpected changes to your body, like chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeats, swelling in your ankles, or shortness of breath. 

Men should be aware that a very rare side effect is a painful or long-lasting erection. If this happens, it requires immediate medical help to avoid permanent damage. 

For best results, read the 'Patient Information' leaflet for full information. Also, follow your doctor's advice for blood pressure checks and routine health screenings for prostate cancer.