The newer preparations such as darifenacin (Enablex®), solifenacin (Vesicare®) and transdermal oxybutynin (Oxytrol patch®) have the advantage of fewer side effects as they are extended release preparations.
Behavioral interventions are the first choice in helping manage an overactive bladder. They're often effective, and they carry no side effects. Behavioral interventions may include: Pelvic floor muscle exercises.
GEMTESA is an oral medicine for the treatment of OAB in adult patients. Credit: Urovant Sciences. GEMTESA was launched in the US in April 2021. Credit: Urovant Sciences.
According to the articles described in this review, clinical studies that used solifenacin for a short period of up to 4 months showed no changes in cognition or increased incidence of dementia, showing that the use of this drug for a few months (up to 4 months) is safe, even in the elderly population using high daily ...
Dehydration is especially common in the elderly and nursing home populations, aggravating both OAB and constipation. In addition, patients should be instructed to reduce the intake of common bladder irritants, including caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages.
Treatment for Overactive Bladder
Our urologists treat patients with OAB with combinations of behavioral therapy, medication, and in severe cases, a therapy called Interstim, to treat overactive bladder. Another option is the injection of Botox into the bladder to relax and paralyze the overactive muscle.
Up to 40% of people find success with anticholinergics. Examples of this type of medication include mirabegron (Myrbetriq®), darifenacin (Enablex®), oxybutynin (Ditropan®) and tolterodine (Detrol®). Diuretics: Medication like bumetanide (Bumex®) and furosemide (Lasix®) assist in regulating how much pee you produce.
Capsaicin: This natural remedy comes from chili peppers. Some research recommends it as an efficient and inexpensive treatment for overactive and highly sensitive bladders. Pumpkin seed extract: Research suggests this is beneficial for both nighttime urination and OAB.
Does overactive bladder go away? No, overactive bladder doesn't go away on its own. If you don't treat OAB, your symptoms can get worse, the muscles in your bladder that help control when you pee can become weak and your pelvic floor tissues can get thinner.
Overactive bladder is caused by a malfunction of the detrusor muscle, which in turn can be cased by: Nerve damage caused by abdominal trauma, pelvic trauma or surgery. Bladder stones. Drug side effects.
Too much fluid
Everyone needs to drink enough fluid, but too much can make bladder problems worse. How much you need to drink depends on your health, your activities and where you live. For those who get up several times at night to urinate: Drink more fluids in the morning and afternoon, not at night.
As you age, you're at increased risk of developing overactive bladder. You're also at higher risk of diseases and disorders, such as enlarged prostate and diabetes, which can contribute to other problems with bladder function.
Start by peeing every 2 hours, for example. If the urge comes before then, postpone peeing by doing kegels, Carmel says. If you can't make it to your scheduled time, do kegels and try postponing urination for 5 minutes. Gradually increase the time between pee breaks, which will help retrain your bladder muscles.
An overactive bladder can interfere with daily activities, diminishing the quality of your life. Penn urologists effectively treat OAB so that you can get back to enjoying your life. Emptying the bladder requires a coordinated effort between the kidneys, nerve signals, and muscle contractions.
Anticholinergics. These medications can calm an overactive bladder and may be helpful for urge incontinence. Examples include oxybutynin (Ditropan XL), tolterodine (Detrol), darifenacin (Enablex), fesoterodine (Toviaz), solifenacin (Vesicare) and trospium chloride.
Antihistamines such as hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril) interfere with the mast cells' release of histamine, helping to relieve bladder inflammation and pain, urinary frequency, and nighttime voiding.
Signs and symptoms
Clinical manifestations of overactive bladder OAB include the following: Urinary urgency (hallmark symptom) Urgency urinary incontinence (may or may not be present) Urinary frequency and nocturia (usually present)
Changing your lifestyle may help with bladder problems. Losing weight, quitting smoking, saying “no” to alcohol, choosing water instead of other drinks, and limiting drinks before bedtime can help with some bladder problems. Preventing constipation and avoiding lifting heavy objects may also help with incontinence.
Urinary incontinence is a common and distressing complaint in the elderly. Its causes include structural changes in vesical muscle as well as impaired neural control and age-related changes of the lower urinary tract. Incontinence can also be a side effect of medication.
Patients with oxybutynin, solifenacin, or tolterodine exposure were significantly more likely to develop dementia during the 6-year follow-up period (P<0.001). The dementia HRs were significantly higher among all patients who received anticholinergic drugs.
Solifenacin should not cause you to lose or gain weight. However, very rarely solifenacin can make you feel less hungry, so you may lose weight. If you start to have problems with your weight while taking solifenacin, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.