Medication for Incontinence

There are two main types of incontinence: stress and urge. People with stress incontinence leak urine while coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising. Urge incontinence is characterized by frequent, sudden urges to urinate and very little control over the bladder. Fortunately, there are certain medications to treat incontinence.

Anticholinergics

• Anticholinergics are commonly used to inhibit the contractions of the bladder and increase the bladder's capacity, which ultimately delays the initial urge to empty the bladder. Side effects may include dry mouth, blurred vision and constipation.

Antispasmodics

• Antispasmodics help to relax the bladder muscles; they are used for bouts of urge incontinence. Possible side effects include weakness, drowsiness, insomnia, dry mouth and restlessness.

Darifenacin

• Darifenacin, or Enablex, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2004 for the treatment of urge incontinence. Clinical studies have shown that these medications can reduce episodes of weekly incontinence by 83 percent. Constipation and dry mouth are common side effects.

Alpha-Adrenergic Agonists

• Alpha-adrenergic agonists can be used to strengthen the smooth muscles that surround the internal sphincter, which can help patients who have mild stress incontinence. However, evidence on their benefits is lacking and side effects can be quite serious.

Antidepressants

• Surprisingly, antidepressants are commonly used to treat patients with urge and stress incontinence. The antidepressant medications work to relax the bladder and strengthen the internal sphincter. The use of antidepressants could negatively affect the heart and lungs, may cause drowsiness and may actually worsen incontinence in some people.