The Best Overactive Bladder Medication Options For Relief

An overactive bladder can be one of the most uncomfortable and distressing conditions women face. After all, running to the loo over and over again can disrupt your life and take a toll on your confidence. But it doesn't have to be that way. In fact, it shouldn't be that way.

The first-line treatment for overactive bladder is actually bladder retraining rather than medication. Bladder retraining is aimed at gradually increasing the time between peeing, helping the bladder to hold more urine and reduce urgency. It involves following a structured schedule for voiding and slowly extending the intervals between bathroom visits to retrain the bladder. Bladder retraining is often completed under medical supervision and also includes recommendations on lifestyle factors and modifying certain behavioural habits.

However, if bladder retraining does not work for you, then your doctor may recommend medication. With the help of a comprehensive treatment plan from your GP or urologist, an overactive bladder can be manageable. Plus, when you find a regime that works for you, you can kiss your symptoms goodbye and wave hello to a stronger, healthier bladder.

Medication Options For Overactive Bladder

For many women, managing the discomfort of an overactive bladder (OAB) can be tricky. And for some, it may feel helpless. But it's important to remember that there are medications and other treatments out there that can help you take control of your bladder and rebuild your confidence. And don't forget - you aren't alone.

With the help of a GP, you can use one of these medications to relieve your OAB symptoms, particularly if bladder retraining has not worked for you.:

Anticholinergic medications

Anticholinergic drugs (also called antimuscarinics) block a neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine. The way that these medications work is relatively simple.

Acetylcholine is responsible for triggering bladder contractions, which is what sends your body the signal that you have to pee. When this happens too often, you may feel the need to pee more frequently, which is what leads to an overactive bladder.

So, by reducing these contractions, these medications help control symptoms like urgency, frequency, and urinary incontinence (leaks).

There are several types of anticholinergic meds that your doctor may prescribe, but the most common is Oxybutynin. It helps to relax the bladder muscle and lowers the frequency at which you need to run to the loo.

It's important to note that some women may struggle with certain side effects when taking anticholinergic drugs. Luckily, Oxybutynin can also be prescribed in patch form and can be used to reduce the risk of side effects like dry mouth. There are also a number of other anticholinergic medications like Solifenacin (vesicare), tolterodine, and fesoterodine (Toviaz).

Beta-3 adrenergic medications

Another medication commonly used for treating overactive bladder is beta-3 adrenergic meds. These medications stimulate the beta-3 receptor cells in the detrusor muscle (the bladder muscle). Since the detrusor muscle is responsible for contracting, it can be incredibly helpful in reducing how often you go to the loo and urge incontinence.

When the beta-3 receptor cells are stimulated, they help the detrusor muscle - and the rest of your bladder muscles - relax. As a result, your bladder can hold more urine before it signals to your brain that it's time to find a bathroom.

Generally, there are two specific beta-3 adrenergic meds used to treat OAB: Mirabegron and Vibegron. Vibegron has recently been approved by the MHRA for use in the UK. Both are taken once a day to reduce overactive bladder symptoms and improve your bladder control.

Usually, these meds are considered as an alternative to anticholinergic drugs when they aren't effective enough or produce too many side effects. However, to be considered for this OAB treatment, you'll need to discuss your specific symptoms and lifestyle with your GP.

Hormonal treatments

If you are currently going through (or have already gone through) menopause, your GP may suggest treating your OAB with vaginal oestrogen therapy, particularly if you are experiencing vaginal dryness. These therapies, particularly topical oestrogen (applied to the skin), can strengthen the muscles and tissues around the bladder and urethra.

As women age, their oestrogen levels naturally take a dip. In turn, the tissues around your bladder become weaker and you may lose a certain level of bladder control.

Fortunately, hormonal treatments like oestrogen creams can be prescribed by your doctor to replenish your oestrogen stores and reverse the problem. And, after consistent use, you could significantly improve your OAB symptoms.

Botox injections

Much like anticholinergic drugs, Botox can be used to block acetylcholine. As we mentioned before, this is a type of neurotransmitter that sends signals to your bladder to contract (even when your bladder isn't necessarily full).

By injecting Botox directly into the bladder wall, it can temporarily paralyse the muscles and improve symptoms of OAB. However, this treatment may need to be repeated.

Typically, Botox is only suggested as a treatment when lifestyle changes, home remedies, and other medications haven't been effective. For most women, it's considered a second-line treatment if they haven't responded to (or had adverse reactions to) oral medication.

Food supplements

For many of us, the thought of taking medication to treat OAB symptoms can be daunting. But there are other alternatives that you can consider using to support your bladder.

For example, Jude's Bladder Care Supplements contain natural ingredients, pumpkin seed extract, and soy phytoestrogen to help support your bladder. Although these supplements don't require a prescription, you should always consult your doctor before starting a new supplement..

By taking them consistently, you may experience relief from nocturia (frequent nighttime urination), urge incontinence and urgency.

Of course, you can also use handy products like incontinence pads or leak-proof pants to relieve the anxiety of OAB. With these comfortable and discreet products, you'll feel more confident than ever.

FAQs

What is the most effective medication for overactive bladder?

Generally, all the medications prescribed by doctors for overactive bladder can be effective. Still, the effectiveness of each can vary from woman to woman. For example, mild cases of OAB may be better treated with one medication, while more severe cases may require high doses or surgical procedures. There is also no one-size-fits-all solution.

Instead, your GP will prescribe a medication that is best suited to your specific condition and the symptoms you're experiencing. So, if you want to use the most effective treatment, you'll need to consult with your GP.

What calms down an overactive bladder?

If you want to calm an overactive bladder, there are several things you can try. Lifestyle changes: Such as avoiding certain foods like spicy or acidic foods and specific drinks (including caffeine and alcohol).

Bladder retraining: This involves waiting longer between bathroom trips to strengthen your bladder muscles. This is the first-line treatment you should try.

Pelvic floor exercises: Exercises like Kegels can also strengthen the pelvic floor muscles that support your bladder.

In more severe cases of overactive bladder syndrome, surgeries like percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation may be necessary to control your symptoms.

What vitamin stops overactive bladder?

There aren't any specific vitamins that stop overactive bladder but some women have found that maintaining a balanced diet, rich in nutrients, can also support their overall bladder health.

It's always a good idea to discuss any nutrients or supplements you want to add to your diet with your GP. That way, they can advise you on how to safely introduce them into your diet or give you alternative suggestions that may work better for you.

Final Thoughts

Whether you've been struggling with OAB in silence or you've recently started experiencing the symptoms, it's never too late to seek help. Although bladder retraining is the first-line treatment, you can also chat with your doctor about a medication that will work for you and your bladder.

Using these medications consistently and (in some cases) pairing them with lifestyle changes and other treatments, can help you find relief.

Jude’s clinically proven supplements give you better bladder and pelvic floor control, helping you sleep through the night and regain the freedom to live life on your own terms. With just one capsule morning and night, you'll have relief from need-to-go urgency in just 12 weeks.