Comments for Consumers
This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.
Australian Prescriber is unable to comment on individual cases or give second opinions.
Australian Prescriber Vol. 29 No. 1 2006
Overactive bladder
Overactive bladder can be a distressing problem. Patients feel the urge to pass urine often. They may have to go to the toilet more than eight times a day and have to get up during the night. Sometimes they wet themselves.
Although overactive bladder may be caused by medical problems, often there is no obvious cause.
The symptoms of overactive bladder can be helped by lifestyle changes. These include drinking less alcohol and coffee and holding on for longer between visits to the toilet. Some people are helped by bladder training programs.
Sometimes a medicine is needed to control the overactive bladder. Several products are available on prescription, but they all work in a similar way. These medicines are not always very effective and some are more likely to cause side effects. The most common side effect is a dry mouth. Some people stop their medicine because the side effects are more bother than their overactive bladder.
