Anticholinergics

How they work

Anticholinergic drugs block the action of the chemical messenger acetylcholine. Acetylcholine sends signals to your brain that trigger bladder contractions associated with an overactive bladder. These bladder contractions can cause a need to urinate even when the bladder isn't full.

Anticholinergic medications include:

• Oxybutynin (Oxytrol)
• Tolterodine (Detrol, Detrol LA)
• Darifenacin
• Solifenacin (Vesicare, Vesicare LS)
• Trospium
• Fesoterodine (Toviaz)

These prescription drugs are usually given as a pill or tablet taken by mouth. Oxybutynin is also available as a prescription gel or skin patch that delivers a continuous amount of medication.

In addition, oxybutynin is available as a skin patch without a prescription (Oxytrol for Women).

It can take several weeks before symptoms begin to improve on an anticholinergic medication. It might take 12 weeks to see the full effect of the drug.

Side effects

The most common side effects of anticholinergics are dry mouth and constipation. An extended-release form taken once a day might cause fewer side effects.

For dry mouth, try sucking hard candy or chewing gum to produce more saliva. Other less common side effects include heartburn, blurry vision, rapid heartbeat, flushed skin and trouble urinating. Cognitive side effects may also occur. They include trouble with memory and confusion.

The oxybutynin skin patch might cause skin irritation. Your healthcare professional may suggest that you rotate the location of your patch.