Oxybutynin Alternatives

Oxybutynin is a drug that can be prescribed for various problems of the bladder and urinary tract. If you are allergic to the medication or worried about its vision, skin, and stomach pain side effects, you may wish to find an alternative. There are several herbal remedies that may be able to produce similar positive effects with fewer negative ones.

• Oxybutynin Alternatives for Bladder Issues

Oxybutynin

• The medication oxybutynin is meant to reduce the muscle spasms of the urinary tract and bladder. It is used to treat symptoms of an overactive bladder like incontinence (urine leakage), increased nighttime urination, and frequent or urgent urination. Oxybutynin is known to have an effect on the vision and should not be used if you have been diagnosed with glaucoma. It will also not interact with your body properly if you have a liver or kidney disease, an enlarged prostate, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or if you have an allergy to oxybutynin. Some side effects include dry skin, severe stomach pain, burning during urination, and a blockage of urination.

Vitamins and Minerals

• Since the symptoms of an overactive bladder may be caused by stress and a weakened immune system, it is important to supplement with the B complex vitamins. These can boost nervous and immune system function and reduce the effects of stress on the body. Weakened bladder muscles can be improved upon by supplementing with vitamin E and the element magnesium. Calcium is important for bladder health as it reduces the need for frequent urination by allowing the bladder to stretch and retain urine for a longer period of time. Further improving the immune system and overall health is supplementation with probiotics such as the Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Herbal Remedies

• The herb horsetail serves bladder health in several ways. It can strengthen the walls of the urinary bladder when taken as a tea, tincture, or juice. It also makes the connective tissues of the body stronger and allows the urinary system to be more efficient. There are multiple herbal remedies that can relax the overactive bladder muscles. Mix 25 drops of cypress oil with a tablespoon of olive oil and rub the lower abdomen three times a day to help to soothe and relax the muscles. Hot sitz-baths with herbs like horsetail, oat straw, and chamomile can improve the circulation of the urinary system to improve health.

Homeopathic Remedies

• Urinary incontinence can be healed by taking a 30c dose (where c is equal to 100 times the standard homeopathic potency) once before bed of one of the following remedies. Causticum should be taken if the symptoms include bed wetting, urination during coughing, laughing, walking, or sneezing, dribbling urine, and bladder and rectum spasming. Equisetum can be used for young children and older adults who have a frequent nighttime need to urinate, dark urine, dull pain, and a worsening of symptoms when in motion. Pulsatilla can be used if urine comes out while passing gas and during chills that sometimes occur after a case of the measles or during pregnancy. The need for pulsatilla can be accompanied by nervousness, a lack of thirst whatsoever, and an improvement of symptoms in open air.

Warnings

• Prescription medication should not be stopped unless directed to do so by a doctor. Herbal remedies may cause allergic reactions or negative interactions with your medication. Homeopathic remedies should only be taken as recommended as they may cause side effects when taken improperly. Talk with your doctor, integrated medical practitioner, or homeopathic doctor before adding alternative remedies to your treatment routine.