The National Association for Continence defines nighttime urination, or nocturia, as waking at night one or more times in order to urinate. Nocturia can occur at any age but is less frequent in people under the age of 60. Spasms or contractions of the bladder muscle, causing a feeling of urgency even when the bladder is not full, frequently causes nocturia. Physicians commonly prescribe medications to help patients reduce the feeling of urgency, helping patients to sleep through the night.
Darifenacin
Physicians commonly prescribe darifenacin to treat bladder problems such as frequent urination or loss of urinary control. Dosing will differ for each patient, but the common medication dosage is 7.5 mg once a day, according to the Mayo Clinic. Side effects with darifenacin include decrease in frequency of urination, decrease in urine volume, difficulty passing urine and dribbling or painful urination.
Oxybutynin
Patients take oxybutynin to control urgent, frequent or uncontrolled urination in people with an overactive bladder. Oxybutynin works by relaxing the bladder muscles to prevent spasms that can cause the need for frequent and urgent urination. Oxybutynin comes as a tablet, syrup or an extended release tablet. Dosages vary but the most commonly prescribed dosage for adults and children over 12 years old is 5 mg two to three times a day. The National Institutes of Health warns that side effects may include dry mouth, blurred vision, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, gas, headache, dizziness, weakness, confusion, sleepiness, flushing, back or joint pain, rash and frequent, urgent and painful urination. Patients experiencing a rapid, irregular or pounding heartbeat should alert physicians immediately.
Tolterodine
Another commonly prescribed medication to treat overactive bladder is tolterodine. It works by preventing bladder contractions which frequently cause increased urinary frequency. Tolterodine is prescribed as a tablet or extended release tablet. Dosages may vary, but the usual recommended dosage for an adult is 2 mg twice a day. Side effects may include dry mouth, blurred vision, upset stomach, headache, constipation, dry eyes and dizziness, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Solifenacin
Physicians prescribe solifenacin for the treatment of overactive bladder. The National Institutes of Health explain that the medication works by relaxing the bladder muscles in order to prevent frequent urination. Dosages may vary but adults commonly take 5 to 10 mg of solifenacin once a day with or without food. Side effects can include dry mouth, constipation, stomach pain, upset stomach, vomiting, heartburn, dry eyes, blurred vision and extreme fatigue. Patients who experience severe stomach pain, constipation that lasts longer than a few days, painful or frequent urination, bloody or cloudy urine, back pain and swelling in the face, hands and lower limbs should alert their physician immediately.
