Tips for getting off Flomax (tamsulosin)?

I had Proton Beam Therapy in early Feb 2020. I was age 69, After my 2nd treatment I was having some trouble urinating. The radiation oncologist switched me from taking Finasteride (had been taking Finasteride since about age 60 for enlarged prostate) to flomax. I still take Flomax 2X a day, If I miss one dose its not immediately obvious. Hours later, though, I will find myself with more urgency and low volume emptying. I have trouble remembering to take my evening dose, so I have an alarm on my smart phone. When away from home I have also taken to having my dose in a very small container in my pants pocket.
I would say that anyone taking a nighttime dose should experiment with taking it around dinner time. When, for whatever reason, I take my evening dose late in the day I believe I am up more often through the night. It makers sense to me that if one is taking only a before bed dose of Flomax that sleep would be disrupted. Rather than the cause being Flomax, I’ll suggest that since the level of Flomax in the body is going to be lowest before the next dose that emptying the bladder completely is probably most impaired, too.

For myself, the prospect that I might need to take this for the rest of my life is OK. I believe that Flomax relaxes the muscles/tissue around the urethra allowing for more flow. Alternatives? - possible getting a TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) (rudely known as rotorooting). But a TURP can also bring possible short term or long term incontinence. I’ll opt out of that unless there is no better choice.

Also, FWIW there may be some long term possible consequences of incomplete emptying of the bladder - possible stretching the bladder and the possibility of losing the ability to activate the muscles that cause bladder emptying. (I believe labeled “neurogenic bladder).

‘Experimenting’ with getting off flomax may be ok, but it could be done with the cooperation of a competent urologist. A quick ultrasound after voiding can indicate how empty the bladder really is and how much urine is retained.

I started taking Flomax after my third viewray mridian linac treatment as I was feeling more restricted. I finished my 5 treatments in February and got off the Flomax about a month ago. In April, I started taking it every other day, at night. No issues. My radiation oncologist told me to get off of it on my own schedule. She also said that if I wanted to take a second pill that it was ok but to check with her first.

For years I had taken Tamsolusin in hopes that I would not get up as often at night. Recently I concluded that even though I was taking Tamsolusin I was getting up at night as often as I was before I started taking it. Thus, I quit taking it and there have been no adverse results. Sometimes I get up every 2 hours once in awhile I don't get up for 4 hours. I expect I am off it permanently and that's okay with my physician.

Oh I'm so envious. Its been 9 years since I had Proton therapy for my mild prostate cancer treatment, and I still have a basket full of issues. 1) can't get a full erection or even keep the 80% I can get; 2) can't ejaculate; 3) takes a long, long time to get to a mild orgasm; 4) painful urination most of the time; 5) have to pee about every hour to an hour and a half; 6) get up at least six time a night to pee due to the pain waking me up when my bladder fills with just 3-4 oz; 7) bladder wall has nonhealing scarring from the radiation which causes the pain; 8) and I sometimes have loss of rectum sphincter control (several "accidents" have happened over the years).
I have been to 5 different Urologist over this time; tried Hyperbaric therapy twice; several drugs; so far no solutions.
Like I said, I'm so envious.

I completed radiation treatments on 5th January this year, so nearly a month ago. I had been taking Flomax, one capsule, plus 2-3 Advil along with a Pepcid daily. My Dr. advised stopping the Advil first and that happened two weeks ago. My urine flow got to nearly normal two days back and I decided to stop Flomax. Difficult urination, urgency and minor pain returned. I'm thinking that I'll give it another day as these symptoms are all manageable and I'm thrilled to be taking no drugs. (I also had 4 months of Orgovyx). I appreciate reading all these experiences which, while not identical, shed light on when to stop or not stop drugs. I tend to be '6 sigma' avoiding drug taking, but I believe that when there is no good alternative, I have to take them.

Has anyone had any experience with CBD for post-radiation symptoms? It was very effective for me when I had PHN, which is Post Herpetic Neuralgia, caused by shingles. CBD was equally effective as gabapentin and has far less scary side effects.

I started Flomax near the end of my radiation, last May. I was taking 2 capsules shortly after dinner each night. Last Fall I decided to cut out one! Had full retention in 2-3 days. I returned to 2 per night, no more issues.
On eligard too, not sure if that has any bearing.

@q95oldies definitely similar. After 3 days, I went back to taking Flomax, one capsule, and my issues also were resolved. I'm meeting my Dr. in a short while and will get his take on how long he thinks I need to keep taking the drug. The only annoying side effect for me is that it affects my nasal breathing which, along with a deviated septum, can be bothersome while trying to sleep. When I took 2 capsules, I couldn't breath well though my nose at all...weird I know.

And, I don't know if there is a connection to ADT. I stopped Orgovyx a few weeks ago, but, still have side effects, notably hot flashes that may be lessening.

Good luck on your Dr. visit!

I was prescribed it a month and half before my RARP as I was having trouble peeing. Well, I could empty if I worked at it anyway.

Stopped taking after 2 weeks due to dizziness. My doc had me cut back to every other day for a week and then stop completely. I had no retention issues by the time my surgery rolled around and afterwards, retention wasn't an issue at all (insert "duh")

I thought I had it bad. Nine years is a long time. I'm 3 years post brachytherapy, and 3.5 years post radiation. My issue is the constant blood in my stool from the non-healing scarring from radiation in my lower intestine. I do occasionally have some pain during urination. Tamsulosin 2 days on and 1 day off works best for me. Weening myself off the drug was a no-go a year ago. I certainly would like to stop. Nothing to eat or drink after 7pm will usually get me 5 - 6 hours of sleep without having to visit the john. Now, the 2 ibuprofen with my evening beverage may help with the sleep, too. I'm seeing another urologist next week. I'll post again if he gives me some new ideas on the scarring. Hang in there.