Medicines for bladder control generally work by blocking signals that may cause muscle spasms in the bladder. A group of drugs called antispasmodics are usually the first drugs your doctor will consider for treating bladder control problems. Another group of medicines, called tricyclic antidepressants, may be considered, although these drugs are primarily intended to treat depression. Tricyclic antidepressants can calm nerve signals and decrease spasms in the bladder muscles.
Antispasmodics
Other Names for This Medicine
| Brand Name |
Generic Name |
Detrol
Detrol LA |
Tolterodine
Tolterodine extended release form |
Ditropan
Ditropan XL
Oxytrol |
oxybutynin chloride
oxybutynin extended-release form
oxybutynin patch delivery system |
| Enablex |
Darifenacin |
| Levsin |
Hyoscyamine |
| Sanctura |
trospium chloride |
| VESIcare |
solifenacin succinate |
Side effects. Antispasmodics can cause your eyes to become sensitive to light. These medicines also keep you from sweating and can cause dry mouth. If you take any of these medicines, you may need to take a few steps to deal with side effects.
- Wear sunglasses if your eyes become more sensitive to light.
- Take care not to become overheated.
- Chew gum or suck on sugarless hard candy to avoid dry mouth.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Other Names for This Medicine
| Brand Name |
Generic Name |
| Elavil |
Amitriptyline |
| Pamelor |
Nortriptyline |
| Sinequan |
Doxepin |
| Tofranil |
Imipramine |
Side effects. Tricyclic antidepressants can cause your vision to blur when you read, dry mouth, constipation, and light-headedness when you stand after sitting.
Antidiuretic
Other Names for This Medicine
| Brand Name |
Generic Name |
| DDAVP |
Desmopressin |
| Stimate Nasal Spray |
Desmopressin |
Desmopressin is a man-made form of a natural hormone that your body makes. The hormone, called antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or vasopressin, directs the kidneys to make less urine. The urine is therefore more concentrated. Desmopressin is not usually prescribed for adult women with overactive bladder or stress incontinence. It is more often used to treat bedwetting in children. It is also used to treat a condition called diabetes insipidus.
Side effects. Desmopressin rarely causes side effects, but you should call your doctor if you have headaches, stomach cramps, nausea, reddening of the skin, a stuffy or runny nose, or pain in the genital area.
Sources
Original publication date: May 2008