An overactive bladder causes involuntary movements and contractions, which gives rise to urinary incontinence problems. Despite trying to manage the condition with the help of several positive lifestyle changes, if the bladder does not regain its normal function, then it is necessary to see your healthcare provider. They shall prescribe some medications that can decrease involuntary bladder contractions.
These medications prevent urine leakage and overcome urine incontinence. They can restore the normal function of the bladder. According to the Mayo Clinic website, the medications that are commonly prescribed for the treatment of overactive bladder are as follows:
Anticholinergics
These drugs suppress the action of a neurotransmitter chemical, known as acetylcholine. It is a chemical that is responsible for causing involuntary bladder contractions by signaling it to the brain. Due to the acetylcholine action, the person may develop an uncontrollable urge to urinate even when the bladder is not filled with urine yet.
However, anticholinergic drugs prevent these chemical messengers from triggering involuntary bladder movements. These drugs usually come in the form of pills or tablets for oral administration. The dose will be prescribed by the healthcare provider. Besides, they are also available as gels and skin patches.
They come under various brand names and their generic versions are also available. These drugs can give rise to some common side effects such as constipation, dry mouth, and blurry vision.
Onabotulinumtoxin type A (Botox)
These are the injections that can be helpful in reviving the normal bladder function. The Botox injections are given directly into the bladder muscles. Its function is to block the action of the chemical messenger which is acetylcholine. The effects of these injections paralyze the bladder muscles and prevent their untimely movements.
Your healthcare provider will prescribe the number of shots you need to take. Usually, these injections are repeated once or twice a year. Those who received an inadequate response after using Anticholinergics can talk to their healthcare provider and get to know about Botox injections and their side effects.
Mirabegron
These drugs come under the tradename Myrbetriq, which is helpfulin relaxing the bladder muscles and enhancing bladder capacity. The urine volume gets improved as the bladder’s capacity to hold the urine increases. The symptoms such as frequent urge to pass urine, untimely urine leakage, incontinence, etc., subside because of the effect of these drugs. Also, the bladder will be able to eliminate the urine and empty itself completely.
These medications come in the form of tablets and granules. The dose will be prescribed by the healthcare provider. The effects of these drugs can produce some common side reactions like headache, dizziness, nausea, constipation, or diarrhea.
Estrogen
The muscles that surround the bladder and surrounding organs may become weak because of the drop in the levels of estrogen hormone.Women after menopause are more likely to develop overactive bladder due to a decrease in the levels of estrogen. Estrogen is essential for the strength of the muscles that provide support to the bladder, urethra, and nearby organs.
The urethra is a tube that carries the urine from the bladder to get it eliminated from the body.Low levels of estrogen weaken the supportive tissues that surround the urethra, which leads to urine incontinence. This can be treated with the application of low-dose topical estrogen.
Several other methods of treatment are estrogen pills, creams, patches, or rings. One must talk to their healthcare provider to suggest some appropriate treatment and it is necessary to inform them in case you have some medical history of cancers related to breasts and the uterus.
Imipramine
These drugs belong to the class of tricyclic antidepressants that increase the relaxation of the bladder muscles. Their function is to balance the chemical messengers of the brain and prevent night time bed-wetting, especially in children.It might not be as effective in adults. They may lead to some side effects.
Duloxetine
These are also antidepressant drugs that are used for the treatment of mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.It can improve bladder function by relaxing the bladder muscles and preventing untimely urine leakage. It can treat urine incontinence as well. In addition, they can give rise to some side effects like nausea, insomnia, dizziness, fatigue, constipation, and dry mouth.
These drugs might interact with certain types of drugs and lead to dangerous side reactions. Therefore, to prevent health damage because of unwanted interactions, you must provide your healthcare provider with a list of medications or supplements you are taking currently or planning to take. By doing this you are informing them to prescribe the type of medicine or treatment that can be safe despite medicinal interactions.
Lastly, in addition to using medication for treating the symptoms of stress incontinence and urine continence, one must also combine behavioral treatment, which involves the following types of treatments:
- Kegels – These are pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises.
- Exercise
- Weight loss
- Biofeedback