Overactive Bladder Medications

Our kidneys, nerves, and bladder work in tandem to facilitate the filling and emptying of the bladder. While the kidneys produce urine, it is the bladder that stores urine. When one-third of the bladder gets filled with the urine, the nerve signals reach the brain and you have an urge to urinate. As the bladder fills more, the urge to urinate gets even stronger. When the bladder muscle contracts, urine is flushed out of the system, and the pelvic floor muscles as well as the urethra relax. When the process of filling and emptying of the bladder gets affected due to involuntary and uncontrolled bladder spasms or contractions, one is said to suffer from an overactive bladder syndrome. This condition gives rise to a wide variety of distressing symptoms and interferes with one's ability to perform the daily activities. Wondering how this condition can be treated? Though you could get overactive bladder medications over-the-counter, it would be better to consult a urologist first.

Overactive Bladder: Causes and Symptoms

As mentioned earlier, a person exhibits the symptoms of an overactive bladder due to the involuntary contractions of the muscles that surround the neck of the bladder. This condition manifests is the form of frequent and strong urge to urinate, frequent urination and sometimes urinary incontinence. Due to the involuntary leakage of urine, an overactive bladder is also referred to as urge incontinence. Wondering what causes an overactive bladder? Well, this condition could be caused due to disorders associated with the nervous system. Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, diabetic neuropathy, strokes and injury to the spinal cord could give rise to an overactive bladder. Conditions affecting the kidney or the bladder might also be responsible for urge incontinence. While urinary tract infections could give rise to this condition in women, incontinence in men could be attributed to enlarged prostate problems.

Overactive Bladder: Treatment

One of the most common overactive bladder treatment option is the use of drugs. Oxybutynin, tolterodine, propiverine, solifenacin and trospium chloride are some of the generic overactive bladder medications. These are all included in the class of drugs called anticholinergics. Wondering how do these medications work? These medications obstruct the nerve impulses to the bladder and that causes the bladder muscle to relax. Out of these drugs, tolterodine is believed to be one of the best overactive bladder medicines for men as well as women. Though these drugs are available over-the-counter, it would be better if you have them as per the dosage prescribed by a doctor. You must also tell the doctor about any other drugs that you might be using. This is to eliminate the chances of any adverse drug interactions. Make sure that you complete the course. Though the use of such drugs might provide some relief and you might not be bothered by too many toilet trips and frequent and strong urge to urinate, for a successful treatment of this condition, you cannot rely on medications alone.

Moreover, the users might also experience certain side effects. Dry mouth, headaches, constipation and blurred vision are some of the common side effects. The use of drugs in combination with bladder training will help certainly. Performing pelvic floor exercises will also prove beneficial. If drug therapy or performing bladder exercises doesn't work, doctors might recommend a surgical procedure. Making certain changes to your lifestyle will also prove beneficial. It would be a good idea to make certain dietary changes. Cutting down on the intake of caffeinated drinks and alcohol will also provide relief. Following a particular schedule regarding fluid consumption is also an effective method of fluid management. Intermittent catheterization and use of bladder control supplies might also help people suffering from this condition.

This was all about use of overactive bladder medicines for the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome. People suffering from glaucoma, gastrointestinal diseases and urinary retention must not take these medications. Since there could be some side effects, one must take them under medical supervision.