TLDR Stopping alpha-blocker medication after 6-9 months is safe and effective for most patients with bladder outlet obstruction.
A study examined the effectiveness of discontinuing alpha-blocker medication after initial treatment with finasteride and doxazosin for bladder outlet obstruction caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia. The study found that it is safe and effective to discontinue alpha-blockade after six to nine months of combination therapy. Most patients did not experience any changes in their symptoms, but some reported worsening symptoms after discontinuation. The study supports previous research on the effectiveness of finasteride in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of these treatments for patients with different prostate sizes and over longer periods of time.
1054 citations,
February 1998 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Finasteride reduces urinary issues and surgery need in men with enlarged prostates by over 50%.
21 citations,
January 1998 in “Urologia internationalis” All treatments helped with prostate symptoms, but the combination of dibenyline and finasteride worked best without extra side effects.
34 citations,
January 1998 in “European Urology” Finasteride works best in 6 months and lasts 6 years.
728 citations,
August 1996 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Terazosin and finasteride effectively treat BPH, but combining them adds no extra benefit.
408 citations,
May 2004 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism” Dutasteride more effectively lowers DHT levels in men with enlarged prostates than finasteride.
1707 citations,
December 2003 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Combination therapy of doxazosin and finasteride safely and effectively reduces benign prostatic hyperplasia progression risk.
1054 citations,
February 1998 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Finasteride reduces urinary issues and surgery need in men with enlarged prostates by over 50%.
728 citations,
August 1996 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Terazosin and finasteride effectively treat BPH, but combining them adds no extra benefit.