Urinary Incontinence Medication

Urinary incontinence medication is a treatment option that you can speak with a physician about at the Urology Division and the Women’s Center for Continence and Sexual Health at Premier Medical Group. Urinary incontinence medication can be used to treat urinary incontinence in conjunction with behavioral techniques like bladder retraining, dietary changes, and exercise or rehabilitation.

What is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence (UI) is when a person loses control of their bladder or is unable to control the frequency or urgency of their urination. UI is a common condition that is often different for each person experiencing it. Avoiding daily disruption and treating it while it is a minor problem is possible. Seek expert treatment as soon as you notice recurring or worrying symptoms.

When should I talk with my doctor about urinary incontinence medication?

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A healthcare professional may be reluctant to prescribe urinary incontinence medication before exploring alternate treatment methods. You might discuss urinary incontinence medication if:

  • Surgery is not safe or practical
  • Lifestyle changes (bladder training, weight loss, quitting smoking) cannot manage your urinary incontinence symptoms
  • Frequent or significant urine leakage affects your daily life

It is best to speak with a medical expert before UI escalates. If you are not satisfied with your current specialist, you may consider getting a second opinion.

How does urinary incontinence medication work?

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Urinary incontinence medication will reduce leakage and sometimes help to stabilize the muscle contractions that otherwise lead to an overactive bladder. Other specific medications help assist the muscles in relaxing so that your bladder can completely empty itself. Speaking to a urologist may also result in exploring hormone replacement therapies. These therapies typically involve a patient taking estrogen to compensate for lower levels due to menopause.

Which urinary incontinence medication is best for me?

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Different types of urinary incontinence require their own specialized treatment plans. Lifestyle changes and surgery are not always the solutions for someone experiencing urinary stress or urge incontinence.

 

Duloxetine

For urinary stress incontinence, Duloxetine is an antidepressant medicine that helps to improve the urethra’s muscle tone and keeps it closed. Your healthcare provider will need to monitor you for as long as you take the tablets twice per day.

Duloxetine is not suitable for every patient. Your doctor will need to discuss existing medical conditions that you have to determine whether or not you can safely take it.

Duloxetine side effects may include:

  • Nausea
  • Dry mouth
  • Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
  • Constipation

 

Antimuscarinics (Anticholinergics)

Urinary urge incontinence has other options for medication treatment. A doctor may prescribe an antimuscarinic, also referred to as an anticholinergic. Antimuscarinics are ty