What are the side effects of incontinence medication?

Whenever we have been prescribed a medication we need to consider the side effects that may occur. This can feel scary but it's important to be aware ahead of time so you can feedback to your GP and look at changing medication if the side effects you experience prove debilitating.

When you talk to your GP it is important that you get a thorough understanding of the different side effects incontinence medications can produce. In summary (see the NHS guide for more info):

• stress incontinence is when you leak when your bladder is under pressure; for example, when you cough or laugh

• urge incontinence this is the type of leaks you experience if you feel a sudden and intense urge to pee

• overflow incontinence (chronic urinary retention) this presents itself when you're unable to fully empty your bladder, which causes frequent leaking

• total incontinence - this is when your bladder cannot store any pee which means that you have to pass urine all the time

For stress incontinence your GP may recommend an antidepressant medicine called duloxetine. This can help increase the muscle tone of the urethra, therefore helping it to stay closed and preventing leaks.

The potential side effects can include:

• nausea

• dry mouth

• extreme tiredness (fatigue)

• constipation

For urge incontinence antimuscarinics may be prescribed. They may also be prescribed if you have overactive bladder syndrome.

Some examples of typical antimuscarinic medicines are:

• oxybutynin

• tolterodine

• darifenacin

The possible side effects of antimuscarinics medications include:

• dry mouth

• constipation

• blurred vision

• extreme tiredness (fatigue)

If these are unsuitable it's possible you may be prescribed mirabegron - this causes the bladder muscle to relax, which helps the bladder fill up with and store urine.

Side effects of mirabegron can include:

• UTIs or urinary tract infections

• a fast or irregular heartbeat

• suddenly noticeable heartbeats

• a rash/itchy skin

If you experience nocturia then you may be prescribed desmopressin. Nocturia is when you have the frequent need to get up in the night to pee. Another type of medicine taken late in the afternoon, called a loop diuretic, may also prevent you getting up in the night to pass urine.

Diuretic medicine increases the production and flow of urine from your body. A GP may suggest using an unlicensed medicine if they believe the benefits of treatment will be greater than any side effects or risks associated with the medication. Loop diuretics are not licensed to treat nocturia.

This means the medicine may not have gone through clinical trials.

Overall it is worth remembering that it may take a while to find the right medication for you. Side effects are also likely with any medication so it is about having an open and frank discussion with your GP and getting their opinion on what will work best for you. To find out more about how to speak to your GP about bladder weakness check out this useful article.