The medications most commonly taken for OAB are prescription anticholinergics or beta-3 adrenergic agonists.
Here’s what you gotta know about medication options to help control symptoms of OAB.
Strategies with proven effectiveness include the following:
Several types of medications may be prescribed for OAB management.
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Anticholinergic Medications
Anticholinergic medications help alleviate OAB symptoms by blocking nerve signals that trigger bladder contractions.
These medicines can reduce symptoms of OAB by up to 70%.
Most anticholinergic medications for OAB are taken by mouth once or twice a day.
If you are experiencing severe side effects from your medicine, discuss other options with your healthcare provider.
Your doctor may lower your dose, switch to another medicine, or try alternative treatments.
They are as effective as anticholinergic medications in treating the symptoms of OAB but with fewer side effects.
You should also contact your prescriber, as abruptly stopping a medication like duloxetinecan be dangerous.
Hormones
Estrogenis a hormonal option for controlling OAB symptoms in females after menopause.
As always, discuss the pros and cons of hormone therapy with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.
The ideal dose ofBotox for OABis 100 units.
Alternative Treatment Approaches
Other alternative treatments are generally recommended only after other therapies have failed.
These treatments aren’t generally studied like prescription medications, so we know less about their benefits and risks.
More research is necessary before they can be routinely recommended.
This means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Overactive Bladder Causes
Though the exact cause of OAB is unknown, there are several theories.
Some involve dysfunction of body parts like the detrusor (bladdermuscle) or theurethra.
Older age is recognized as a risk factor for developing OAB.
These providers can diagnose and recommend therapies or medications that help.
Summary
When it comes to OAB, there are lots of treatment options available.
Before adding medications, the latest recommendations call for lifestyle modifications and behavioral interventions.
Procedures like posterior tibial nerve stimulation or sacral neuromodulation are options as well.
There are notable precautions to keep in mind for whichever option you choose.
Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can help you decide which intervention or medication may be best for you.
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