Dealing with an overactive bladder (OAB) can quickly become a nuisance. The good news is many different types of medications are available to help manage your symptoms. Here is everything you need to know about overactive bladder medications and if they really work.
What Causes Overactive Bladder?
Overactive bladder causes both men and women to experience a sudden urge to urinate that is difficult to control. This uncontrollable urge results in urinary dribbling and incontinence. Overactive bladder can happen for a number of reasons, though an exact cause is often not identified. Common causes and risk factors of overactive bladder include:
- Aging
- Menopause in women
- Enlarged prostate in men
- Diabetes
- Urinary tract infections
- Bladder stones
- Neurological disorders — like Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis
Types of Overactive Bladder Medications Available
Because one size never fits all when it comes to medications, there are several different overactive bladder medications available to people dealing with overactive bladder. Here are the most commonly prescribed drugs to help reduce or even eliminate your symptoms.
Anticholinergic Medications: This type of medication works by blocking acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in bladder contractions. By reducing bladder muscle activity, anticholinergics help control urinary urgency and frequency. Medications in this class include oxybutynin, tolterodine, and solifenacin. The most common side effects of anticholinergic drugs include dry mouth, blurry vision, and constipation.
Beta-3 Adrenergic Agonists: Mirabegron (Myrbetriq) or vibegron (Gemtesa) are beta-3 adrenergic agonists. These medications work by relaxing bladder muscles and increasing the bladder’s ability to store urine without leaking. They are often prescribed if anticholinergic medications are not well tolerated or ineffective. The most common side effect of mirabegron is high blood pressure, so this medication may not be ideal for people with hypertension. Side effects of vibegron include diarrhea, nausea, or headache.
Antidepressant Medications: In some cases, when other overactive bladder medications have not been helpful, your doctor may recommend an antidepressant medication to help with your symptoms. Drugs used to treat depression can be used to help improve the communication between the nerves and muscles of the bladder and reduce overactive bladder symptoms.
Natural Treatments for Overactive Bladder
Many people choose to treat their overactive bladder with natural treatments as well as medications to help reduce their symptoms. The two most common natural remedies for overactive bladder include bladder training and pelvic floor physical therapy.
Bladder Training: Bladder training helps change the way you use the bathroom by setting a voiding schedule to follow throughout the day. Instead of going to the bathroom whenever you feel the urge, which may be too often, you will try to wait to use the bathroom until the scheduled time. This teaches the bladder to control the urge to urinate and hopefully extends the amount of time between bathroom breaks.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: Pelvic floor physical therapy can help strengthen these muscles and control urination, providing relief for people suffering from several types of incontinence, including OAB
Do Overactive Bladder Medications Work?
For many people, medications, along with bladder training and physical therapy, work. Others may require different types of treatment, like sacral neuromodulation or PTNS. By working with an experienced urologist, you’ll be able to find the right treatment in the right combination to help you reduce or eliminate your OAB symptoms.
Don’t let your overactive bladder continue to interfere with your life – schedule an appointment today!