Medications
Patients who suddenly develop an overactive bladder may need to give their medicine cabinet a thorough check. Common medications indicated for various conditions may contribute to the development of an overactive bladder. Over-the-counter and prescription medications include hypertension, antidepressants, diuretics, and sleeping pills.
Alpha-blockers work by relaxing the blood vessels to regulate blood pressure effectively. Doctors usually prescribe alpha-blockers to assist men with urinary issues. For instance, men with enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia are prescribed alpha-blockers to relax the bladder muscles, promote efficient urine flow, and improve the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, women who are prescribed alpha-blockers to resolve their high blood pressure may experience an overactive bladder as a side effect.
While a few antidepressants, such as Elavil and Tofranil, may treat an overactive bladder, in some cases, these medications can make the condition worse. This is because antidepressants may render the bladder to contract and empty at the right time. In addition, the excessive use of diuretics may lead to the formation of an overactive bladder in the long run. Finally, sleeping pills may worsen an overactive bladder, especially at night.
