What is the Best Bladder Control Medication?
Struggling with an overactive bladder (OAB) can significantly affect your quality of life, causing frequent bathroom trips, unexpected urine leakage, and even sleep disturbances. In this article, we’ll explore various medications and their roles in treating overactive bladder, along with when to seek medical help and alternative treatments.
At Urology of Greater Atlanta, we provide specialized care for overactive bladder across multiple locations in Georgia. Our board-certified urologists are dedicated to helping you find relief and regain control with personalized treatment plans. Call us today to schedule an appointment!
About Treating Overactive Bladder
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition characterized by a sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate, often leading to urinary incontinence. This condition can result from various factors, including weakened pelvic floor muscles, bladder muscle overactivity, or issues related to the bladder neck.
Treatment often involves a combination of lifestyle changes, bladder training, and medications designed to reduce symptoms and improve bladder control.
What Medication Can I Use for Overactive Bladder?
Several medications are available to treat overactive bladder, each targeting specific mechanisms to alleviate symptoms like urge incontinence and frequent urination. Below, we discuss some of the most commonly prescribed options, how they work, and their potential side effects.
Anticholinergics
Anticholinergic medications include the following medications:
- Oxybutynin (Ditropan®), oxybutynin XL (Ditropan XL®), oxybutynin TDDS (Oxytrol®).
- Tolterodine (Detrol®).
- Solifenacin (Vesicare®).
- Fesoterodine (Toviaz®).
- Darifenacin (Enablex®).
- Trospium (Sanctura XR®).
- Oxybutynin Gel (Gelnique®).
Anticholinergics are most commonly administered as an oral medication but are also available as a cream or skin patch.
It may take up to 12 weeks to experience full benefits.
How They Work
Anticholinergics block acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates bladder muscle contractions. By reducing these contractions, anticholinergics help decrease the urgency and frequency of urination.
Side Effects
The most common side effect is dry mouth. Less commonly, you might experience:
- Heartburn
- Blurred vision
- Increased heart rate
- Flushed skin
- Urinary retention
- Impaired memory
- Confusion
Mirabegron (MyrbetriqⓇ)
Mirabegron is prescribed to treat overactive bladder symptoms.
How They Work
Mirabegron works by relaxing the bladder muscle, allowing it to store more urine, which reduces the number of bathroom trips. It activates beta-3 adrenergic receptors in the bladder, enhancing its capacity.
Side Effects
Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Increase blood pressure
It also interacts with other medications, so you will need to tell the Urologist what medications you are taking before taking mirabegron.
Onabotulinum Toxin type A (BotoxⓇ )
BotoxⓇ is often recommended for patients who haven’t responded well to other overactive bladder treatments.
How They Work
BotoxⓇ is injected directly into the bladder muscle, where it blocks nerve signals that trigger overactive bladder contractions. This treatment can provide relief for several months before another injection is needed.
Side Effects
Studies have shown that BotoxⓇ is a highly effective treatment for an overactive bladder and helps with both urinary urgency and urge incontinence with very few if any, side effects. Some inconclusive data suggests that it might increase urinary tract infections.
Imipramine
Imipramine can also be prescribed for bladder control issues, often when other treatments have been ineffective.
How They Work
Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant that works by relaxing the bladder muscle while also tightening the bladder neck. This dual action can improve both the storage and control of urine.
Side Effects
The more serious but rare side effects can include cardiovascular problems, including
- Irregular heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Fall in blood pressure when standing
These tend to be more in the case of young children and older adults.
Other less serious side effects include:
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
Duloxetine
Duloxetine is used to manage urinary incontinence and is also prescribed as an antidepressant.
How They Work
Duloxetine (CymbaltaⓇ) can help the urethral sphincter relax, to improve urinary incontinence in some women. It also works as an antidepressant.
Side Effects
Side effects of duloxetine can include:
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
Women who have chronic liver disease should not take duloxetine. Be sure your doctor knows your full medical history before you begin using this drug.
When to See Medical Help for an Overactive Bladder
While medications can provide significant relief, it’s crucial to seek medical help if you experience persistent symptoms of overactive bladder or side effects from your medication. Signs that it’s time to consult a specialist include:
- Frequent urine leakage that interferes with daily activities
- A sudden increase in urgency or frequency of urination
- Adverse reactions to medications, such as severe dry mouth or dizziness
Urology of Greater Atlanta offers expert diagnosis and tailored treatments for OAB, ensuring you receive the best possible care.
Nerve Stimulation Treatment for Overactive Bladder
Your nerves play an important role in bladder control. They help the brain to communicate with the bladder.
The urologists at UGATL use the following nerve stimulation treatments:
- Uroplasty: a series of 12 weekly 30-minute in-office treatments that use mild electrical impulses to reduce the frequency and urgency of urination. It is also known as percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation.
- InTone®: a device that uses noninvasive electrical stimulation and biofeedback to strengthen pelvic floor muscles.
- InterStim™: a small device implanted under the skin of one of the upper buttocks that gently provide electrical impulses to the sacral nerve. Sacral nerve stimulation can reduce the number of voids and/or the number of wetting episodes and has very good overall efficacy.
Alternative Treatments
In addition to medication, there are several alternative treatments for managing overactive bladder symptoms:
- Bladder Training: This involves scheduled voiding and delayed urination to increase bladder capacity and reduce urgency.
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises: Strengthening pelvic floor muscles can help treat stress incontinence and improve bladder control.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, managing fluid consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight can also help prevent urine leakage and improve bladder health.
Take Control with Urology of Greater Atlanta
If an overactive bladder is affecting your life, the board-certified specialists at Urology of Greater Atlanta are here to help. With comprehensive treatment options, including the latest in bladder control medication and alternative therapies, we’ll work with you to develop a personalized plan that meets your needs.
Schedule your consultation at one of our offices in Georgia today! Let us help you regain comfort and confidence with expert care designed to address your unique situation.
