There are a number of treatment options available for OAB. In certain cases drug treatment may be useful.

There are several effective prescribed drugs that work on the detrusor muscle to ease overactivity. The aim is to assist bladder control and relieve symptoms like the sudden, uncontrollable urge to go urinate and getting up frequently at night. Your doctor can advise you on which might be appropriate.

This group of medications is know as the anticholinergics or antimuscarinics. They may be used in conjunction with bladder retraining.

These relax the overactive detrusor muscle in the bladder wall by blocking involuntary nerve messages, thereby easing the contractions. The capacity of the bladder to hold urine increases and symptoms are relieved.

There are different ways of delivery including tablets and patches. There can be some possible side effects from medication, including dry mouth. Sucking a sweet or some sugar-free gum can help this. If a drug does not agree with you, you can discuss the alternatives with your GP.

These drugs are not effective in stress incontinence because this has a different cause.

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