What are the potential issues with bladder medications?Updated 4 months ago

The first-line medications for urge incontinence/overactive bladder syndrome are anticholinergics like oxybutynin, mirabegron and solifenacin. Many patients find it hard to take these medications due to side effects. The side effect with the biggest impact is dry mouth which occurs in 80% of people prescribed oxybutynin.

There are many other side effects which can occur in as many as 1 in 10 people: constipation, dizziness, headache, heartburn, flushing, nausea, palpitations, skin reactions, tachycardia, vision disorders, and vomiting.

After 3 months of treatment, on average 55% of patients could not tolerate prescribed bladder medication and stopped taking them due to side effects. In one year, a massive 76% of patients could no longer tolerate the medication and therefore stopped taking it altogether.