Guide to Medications for Neurogenic Bladder Management
Neurogenic bladder is a condition that results from damaged communication between the neurological system and the bladder. This condition can lead to symptoms such as urinary frequency, urgency, incontinence, and retention.
In managing neurogenic bladder, the first line of treatment often involves conservative management. This may include bladder training, fluid restrictions, pelvic floor exercises, and lifestyle changes. If these measures are insufficient, medication may be prescribed.
Antispasmodics are a class of medications used to treat neurogenic bladder. Hyoscyamine, an antispasmodic with a wide range of uses, is one such medication. However, it's important to note that the side effects of these medications can vary depending on the specific medication. 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.
If anticholinergic medications such as oxybutynin, trospium chloride, or propiverine are insufficient, injection of Botulinumtoxin A into the detrusor muscle is a promising second-line therapy. Botox injections are used to treat neurogenic bladder by causing muscles to relax and relieve symptoms. However, 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 also cause more serious side effects such as 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.
Solifenacin is another antispasmodic used to treat symptoms such as urinary urgency and incontinence in neurogenic bladder. Solifenacin side effects can include dry mouth, dry eyes, blurry vision, constipation, pain while urinating, heat intolerance and heat stroke, 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.
It's crucial to discuss any side effects experienced while taking medications for neurogenic bladder with your doctor. The cost of neurogenic bladder medications depends on factors such as the medication prescribed, location, insurance company, and plan details. It's least expensive to take a generic medication for neurogenic bladder. It's also important to check with your insurance company to see what they might cover, as they have a list of medications that they cover called a formulary.
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