There are many medications that could be used to treat a neurogenic bladder. Which one you’re prescribed will depend on the cause of your condition.
Neurogenic bladder is a condition that happens when the communication between your neurological system and your bladder is damaged.
There are a variety of underlying causes for neurogenic bladder, and it can lead to symptoms such as urinary frequency, urinary urgency, incontinence, and urinary retention.
Medication can help manage these symptoms. There are a few options, and finding the right one for you will depend on your specific symptoms.
There are a few different medications you might be prescribed if you’re diagnosed with neurogenic bladder.
Medications might belong to a class called antispasmodics or might be Botox injections. Sometimes, medications are the same as those used to treat overactive bladder.
You can read about medications for overactive bladder here.
There are two primary antispasmodic options: solifenacin and hyoscyamine.
Solifenacin for neurogenic bladder urinary frequency
Solifenacin is an antispasmodic that can help with symptoms such as urinary urgency and incontinence. You might also be prescribed solifenacin under the brand name Vesicare LS.
Hyoscyamine for neurogenic bladder
Hyoscyamine is an antispasmodic with a wide range of uses. It’s prescribed to help with multiple stomach and digestive conditions, along with kidney and bladder conditions. The medication helps to control bladder muscle spasms and can reduce the symptoms of neurogenic bladder.
It’s available in multiple forms and under several brand names, including:
- Levsin
- Levsin SR
- Levbid
- NuLev
- Oscimin
- Hyosyne
Botox for neurogenic bladder
Botox injections are also used to treat neurogenic bladder. Botox causes muscles to loosen and relax. This can help relieve some symptoms of neurogenic bladder.
It’s available under the brand name Botox or under the generic name onabotulinumtoxinA.
What’s the first line of treatment for neurogenic bladder?
The first line of treatment for neurogenic bladder depends on factors such as the type and cause of neurogenic bladder.
However, it’s common for steps such as bladder training, fluid restrictions, pelvic floor exercises, and other lifestyle and behavior-based treatments to be the first line of treatment. Sometimes, these treatments can help people without the need for treatments such as medication or surgery.
The side effects of neurogenic bladder medications depend on which medication you’re taking. Not everyone will experience side effects, and some side effects are more common than others.
It’s always a good idea to let your doctor know about any side effects that you experience while taking any medications for neurogenic bladder.
Solifenacin
Side effects of solifenacin include:
Rarely, solifenacin can cause more serious side effects. It’s important to stop taking solifenacin and to seek medical attention if you experience these side effects. Serious side effects include:
- dehydration
- severe abdominal pain
- headache
- eye pain
- confusion
- drowsiness
- constipation lasting longer than three days
- burning during urination
- hallucinations
- seeing halos around lights
- nausea
- weakness
- chest pain
- irregular heart rate
- pins and needles or tingling feeling
Hyoscyamine
Hyoscyamine side effects can include:
- rash
- blurry vision
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- fatigue or sleepiness
- headache
- dry mouth
- constipation
- diarrhea
- bloating
- abdominal pain
- nausea and vomiting
- decreased sweating
- decreased urination
- decreased sense of taste
- disinterest in sexual activity
- difficulty or inability to achieve orgasm
Rarely, hyoscyamine can cause more serious side effects. It’s important to stop taking the medication and to seek medical care if you develop these side effects. Serious side effects can include:
- slurred speech
- memory problems
- anxiety
- confusion
- hallucinations
- weakness
- difficulty with balance
- difficulty controlling your muscle movements
- heart palpitations
Botox
Botox side effects can include:
- headache
- neck pain
- back pain
- arm or leg pain
- cold-like symptoms
- flu-like symptoms
- painful urination
- difficulty urinating
- difficulty swallowing
Botox can sometimes cause more serious side effects. It’s important to see urgent medical care if you develop any of these side effects. Serious side effects of Botox can include:
- new muscle weakness
- severe muscle weakness
- hoarseness
- difficulty talking
- drooping in your eyelids or eyebrows
- eye pain
- changes to your vision
- irregular heart rate
- chest pain or pressure
- pain that spreads from your chest to your jaw or shoulder
- sore throat
- shortness of breath
- worsening or change to your bladder symptoms
The cost of your neurogenic bladder medications will depend on a variety of factors. This includes the medication you’re prescribed, your location, your specific insurance company, and the details of your plan. In general, it’s least expensive to take a generic medication.
It’s a good idea to check with your insurance company to see what they might cover. Insurance plans have a list of medications that they cover. This is called a formulary, and it should be available with your plan documents. You can also reach out to your plan’s customer service to ask them about your coverage.
There are a few different medication options for neurogenic bladder. The one you’re prescribed might depend on the cause of your neurogenic bladder and your exact symptoms.
Neurogenic bladder medications can sometimes have severe side effects. It’s important to talk with your doctor about any side effects that you experience.