Unexpected drug side effect
ClearwaterBeach53
3.0 Streaming Posts: 7
I've been taking tamsulosin for the past almost 2 months because I'm a guy of a certain age. And I'm almost 2 years into Ken's course and I'm loving it. But regarding the side effect from this new drug I have to take, I've convinced myself that it's increased my chest voice range by a full step from C5 to D5, if not D#5. Given how the drug works, that it relaxes the smooth muscles which include those in the throat and nose, I think there is some truth to my suspicion because I haven't changed my practice sessions during this time. I'm wondering if there are any other guys of a certain age who have noticed this if they're now on the drug.
Comments
Prompt: "Are there smooth muscles involved in voice production that are like the prostate smooth muscles that Tamsulosin is meant to relax?"
Answer:
Yes, there are smooth muscles involved in voice production, but they function differently from those in the prostate, and medications like **tamsulosin** do not target them in the same way. Here's an overview:
### Smooth Muscles in Voice Production
The voice production mechanism, or **phonation**, involves the **larynx**, which contains both skeletal muscles (voluntary control) and some smooth muscles (involuntary control). The relevant muscles include:
1. **Smooth Muscle in the Larynx:**
- The larynx has limited smooth muscle compared to skeletal muscle. Smooth muscle is present in the walls of the airways, such as the trachea and bronchi, but not in the vocal folds themselves.
- These smooth muscles regulate airflow and can affect voice indirectly by controlling airway diameter.
2. **Skeletal Muscles in the Vocal Folds:**
- The vocal folds (cords) are primarily controlled by **intrinsic laryngeal muscles**, which are skeletal muscles and under voluntary control.
- These muscles adjust the tension, length, and position of the vocal folds to produce sound. They include the **thyroarytenoid**, **cricothyroid**, and **lateral cricoarytenoid** muscles.
### Why Tamsulosin Wouldn't Help with Voice Production
Tamsulosin targets **alpha-1 adrenergic receptors** in smooth muscle to relax specific tissues, such as those in the prostate or bladder neck. While smooth muscles in the respiratory system also contain these receptors, they are not directly involved in fine motor control of phonation.
Additionally:
- The vocal folds’ function relies on skeletal muscles, which are not affected by alpha-blockers like tamsulosin.
- Voice issues are more often related to muscle tension, inflammation, neurological control, or mechanical problems with the vocal cords, rather than smooth muscle tone.
### What Could Affect Voice and Smooth Muscle?
Conditions affecting airway smooth muscle, such as **asthma** or **bronchospasm**, can influence airflow and, indirectly, the voice. Medications like **bronchodilators** (e.g., albuterol) target these muscles to improve airflow but do not directly affect the voice-production mechanism.
If you're exploring medication effects on voice, consider consulting with an **otolaryngologist** or a **voice therapist**, especially if vocal strain or tension is a concern.