Overactive bladder is a sudden urge to urinate that can cause loss of bladder control. Several medications can treat the symptoms of overactive bladder. However, you should be aware of the various risks and side effects with these prescription drugs, which can range from minor to dangerous.
Fesoterodine
Fesoterodine is an antimuscarinic, which relaxes the bladder muscles and prevents uncontrolled, frequent or urgent urination. This drug is sold as a tablet under the brand name Toviaz. Possible side effects include constipation, dry eyes, cough, dry mouth, difficulty emptying the bladder, dry throat and back pain. Avoid taking fesoterodine if you have an intestinal blockage, urinary tract blockage or uncontrolled or untreated glaucoma. Fesoterodine should be used with caution if you have muscle disorders, kidney disease, liver disease, urination problems, severe constipation, a family history of long QT syndrome or glaucoma.
Oxybutynin
Oxybutynin, sold under the brand name Ditropan, reduces bladder muscle spasms and treats the symptoms of overactive bladder. Possible side effects include dry mouth, mild constipation, nausea, dizziness, stomach pain, drowsiness, headache, runny nose, sleep problems, dry eyes, blurred vision, diarrhea, weakness and drowsiness. Serious side effects include severe stomach pin, pain or burning during urination, extreme thirst, urinating less than usual, and hot, dry skin. Do not take Oxybutynin if you have untreated glaucoma, intestinal blockage or an inability to urinate. It should be used with caution if you have ulcerative colitis, muscle disorders, liver disease, glaucoma, kidney disease, slow digestion or an enlarged prostate.
Oxytrol
Oxytrol is a patch that delivers a steady dose of oxybutynin over a period of three to four days. This patch, applied to clean, intact skin, helps prevent bladder spasms and reduces or prevents the symptoms of overactive bladder. Possible side effects include dry mouth, painful urination, diarrhea, constipation and abnormal vision. The patch itself sometimes can cause itching and redness at the application site. Avoid Oxytrol if you have uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma, urinary retention or gastric retention.
Solifenacin Succinate
Solifenacin succinate relaxes the bladder muscles and allows better control of urination. Sold under the brand name VESIcare, this drug can reduce urine leakage, prevent frequent urination and improve urinary urgency. Possible side effects include constipation, blurred vision, upset stomach, dry eyes, fatigue, weakness and stomach pain. Drinking plenty of fluids can help alleviate some of these side effects. This drug should not be used or should be used with caution if you have urinary retention, intestinal blockages, severe liver disease, slowed movement of the stomach and intestines, narrow-angle glaucoma, enlarged prostate, muscle diseases or kidney disease.
Darifenacin
Darifenacin, also known as Enablex, reduces bladder muscle spams and muscle spams of the urinary tract. This helps relieve the symptoms of overactive bladder, such as urine leakage, frequent urination and urinary urgency. Potential side effects include blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation, dry eyes, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, upset stomach, weakness, flu symptoms, dizziness and headache. Serious side effects include inability to urinate, reduced urination, painful urination, severe stomach pain, burning during urination, extreme thirst, severe constipation and hot, dry skin. Seek medical attention if any of these side effects occur. Do not use this drug if you have delayed stomach emptying, inability to urinate or uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma. Use it with caution if you have ulcerative colitis, glaucoma, muscle disorders, intestinal blockages or liver disease.
Trospium
Trospium is an antimuscarinic sold under the brand name Sanctura. It reduces urinary urgency, urinary frequency and leakage of urine. Possible side effects include upset stomach, dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision and constipation. Avoid this drug if you have urinary retention, uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma or delayed emptying of the stomach. Use it with caution if you have liver disease, stomach conditions, myasthenia gravis and kidney disease.
Tolterodine
Detrol and Detrol LA are brand names of drugs that contain tolterodine, a drug that relaxes the bladder muscles to alleviate the symptoms of overactive bladder. Possible side effects include dry eyes, constipation, upset stomach, stomach pain, drowsiness, headache, dizziness and blurred vision. Do not use this drug if you have uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma, gastric retention or urinary retention. Use it with caution if you have stomach or intestinal diseases, bladder problems, kidney disease, enlarged prostate, liver disease, abnormal heart rhythm, mineral imbalances or controlled narrow-angle glaucoma.
