Medication To Stop Bladder Spasms

Complementary And Alternative Therapies

Acupuncture. Some research has suggested that bladder-specific acupuncture may significantly reduce bladder muscle contractions and the urge to use the bathroom.

Biofeedback. Biofeedback is a method that teaches the mind how to control normally automated body functions. Bladder training is a type of biofeedback. Some doctors believe biofeedback and behavioral changes work better than medicines for treating urge incontinence. A combination of biofeedback and medications may work best.

Final Thoughts On Interstitial Cystitis Natural Treatment

An inflamed bladder can cause a number of troublesome symptoms, including abdominal and pelvic pressure, accidental leakage of urine, frequent urination, the urge to urinate, and burning or pain upon urination. You are also at risk for anxiety, depression, and emotional stress.

Thankfully interstitial cystitis natural treatment can help relieve your symptoms. For instance, you can train your bladder make positive dietary changes manage your stress drink more water or try pelvic floor physical therapy, acupuncture, or other mind-body relaxation techniques. Inflamed bladder home remedies also include arginine, quercetin, green tea, turmeric, baking soda, apple cider vinegar, and hot compresses.

Relief with natural treatment for interstitial cystitis is possible. It is a good idea to consult a natural practitioner like a holistic nutritionist or naturopathic doctor for further guidance in the treatment of interstitial cystitis and bladder problems.

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How Do Urinary Antispasmodic Agents Work

Urinaryantispasmodic agents are medications prescribed to treat bladder overactivity which can cause urinary urgency and incontinence. Urinary antispasmodic agents increase bladder capacity, delay the desire to void, decrease the frequency and urgency to urinate, and reduce pain caused by difficulty in urination.

Urinary antispasmodic agents relax the detrusor smooth muscle which contracts to release urine and prevent spasms of the muscles around the urinary tract. Urinary antispasmodic agents work in the following ways to decrease uninhibited bladder contractions:

• Block acetylcholine from stimulating muscarinic receptors, which are protein molecules on smooth muscle cells in the bladder lining. Acetylcholine is a natural chemical that nerve endings secrete to make muscles contract.
• Block the activity phosphodiesterase, an enzyme that breaks down signaling molecules known as cyclic adenosine monophosphate . An increase in cAMP concentration results in the relaxation of smooth muscles.

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Getting The Best Results With Herbs

Getting the best results with herbal medicine involves taking the right herb for your individual needs. Work with a Naturopath or Herbalist who can take a detailed case history and give you the most appropriate prescription. This is especially important if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or are taking medication. Not all the herbs mentioned above will be suitable for you.

How Does Bladder Pain Syndrome Affect Pregnancy

Some women find that their bladder pain symptoms get better during pregnancy. Others find their symptoms get worse. During pregnancy, you need to urinate more often and are at higher risk for urinary tract infections and constipation. This can make symptoms worse for some women. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids, especially water.

If you are thinking about becoming pregnant, talk to your doctor about your bladder pain syndrome and any medicines you might be taking. Some medicines and treatments are not safe to use during pregnancy.

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Medications That Can Cause Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence, or the loss of bladder control, can be caused by various health conditions and physical changes, such as childbirth, changes in diet, infection, prostate issues, menopause, and neurological disorders. But there are also a number of medications can cause urinary incontinence in both men and women in a variety of different ways.

From Better Bladder and Bowel Control, Harvard Health Publishing

Image: Thinkstock

Use Of Myrbetriq And Important Safety Information

Do not take MYRBETRIQ® if you are allergic to mirabegron or any ingredients in MYRBETRIQ. MYRBETRIQ may cause your blood pressure to increase or make your blood pressure worse if you have a history of high blood pressure. You and your doctor should check your blood pressure while you are taking MYRBETRIQ.

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Other Bladder Control Medications

If symptoms of urinary incontinence are thought to be caused by an enlarged prostate, different medications can be offered to reduce these symptoms. The prostate gland wraps around the urethra , and if it is enlarged, it could squeeze the urinary passage tight, making the emptying of bladder more difficult and incomplete.

In brief, the following categories are available for the treatment of urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate :

• Alpha-blockers, terazosin , doxyzosin , alfuzosin , silodosin , and tamsulosin , work by relaxing the muscles around the urethra and prostate, thus, making urination more comfortable and complete. These medications start to relieve symptoms within a few weeks, but they do not affect the prostate size.
• 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, finasteride and dutasteride , work by reducing the size of the prostate gland. They may take several months to become effective.

When Should I See A Healthcare Provider

See a healthcare provider if you experience any symptoms of an overactive bladder.

Age-related OAB may develop gradually and slowly worsen over time. If your symptoms develop suddenly and you have heavy leakage, your OAB may be a symptom of another condition, such as an infection or a neurological issue. Its best to have a provider check these symptoms sooner rather than later.

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Palliation Of Bladder Spasms

Background: Bladder spasms induced by involuntary bladder contractions are a distressing symptom affecting 7-27% of men and 9-43% of women . Seriously ill patients may develop bladder spasms as a complication from genitourinary malignancies, indwelling catheters, or other medical issues. For some, these contractions may be imperceptible and only appreciated on urodynamic testing for others, they can be incapacitating and associated with urinary incontinence.

Differential Diagnosis: Common etiologies of bladder spasms include a urinary tract infection , ingestion of chemical irritants like diet soda or caffeine, constipation, obstruction of the bladder outflow tract , disinhibition from interruption of upper motor neurons, or irritation of the detrusor muscle from a tumor, catheter, or intramural stone . Medications can also lead to spasms either by bladder irritation or disruption of the detrusor muscle or bladder outlet . See Fast Fact #287.

Clinical Evaluation of Bladder Spasms:

Interventional Procedures:

References

What Other Information Should I Know

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to phenazopyridine.

Phenazopyridine can interfere with laboratory tests, including urine tests for glucose and ketones. If you have diabetes, you should use Clinitest rather than Tes-Tape or Clinistix to test your urine for sugar. Urine tests for ketones may give false results. Before you have any tests, tell the laboratory personnel and doctor that you take this medication.

Phenazopyridine stains clothing and contact lenses. Avoid wearing contact lenses while taking this medicine.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable.

If you still have symptoms after you finish the phenazopyridine, call your doctor.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

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Tips To Any Newcomers

Lesson learned: bladder spasms hurt. Like, a lot. And although they are common, they are also apparently pretty preventable. Im part of a few bladder cancer support groups, and when newcomers ask for tips and advice, my answer is always the same: take your meds and prevent bladder spasms before they start.

Would you like to talk to others in the bladder cancer community about tips for newcomers? Reach out in our forums.

How To Take Liquid

If you are giving this medicine to a child to help stop them wetting the bed, give the last dose just before bedtime.

Oxybutynin liquid will come with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure out the right dose. If you do not have one, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not give the right amount of medicine.

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Control Your Urge To Urinate

You may be able to control, or suppress, the strong urge to urinate, which is called urge or urgency suppression. With this type of bladder training, you can worry less about finding a bathroom in a hurry. Some people distract themselves to take their minds off needing to urinate. Other people find that long, relaxing breaths or holding still can help. Doing pelvic floor exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor also can help control the urge to urinate. Quick, strong squeezes of the pelvic floor muscles can help suppress urgency when it occurs, which may help you get to the toilet before you leak.

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Whats A Bladder Spasm

Have you heard of the term bladder spasm? If you have an overactive bladder or incontinence, its likely that you have experienced them.

Bladder spasms are when the bladder muscle squeezes suddenly, without warning, making you feel like you need to empty your bladder immediately. This is one of the hallmark symptoms of Overactive Bladder the urgent and frequent needs to urinate, and can sometimes also result in urge incontinence if youre unable to make it to the bathroom in time.

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What Tests Will Be Done To Diagnose Overactive Bladder

A healthcare provider may order tests to help diagnose overactive bladder. These tests may include:

• Urinalysis. A urinalysis examines the visual, chemical and microscopic aspects of your pee. A provider will look for red blood cells, white blood cells and bacteria. If you have any of them in your pee sample, you may have an infection that causes OAB.
• Urodynamic testing. Urodynamic tests measure how much pee remains in your bladder after you go to the bathroom, how much you pee, how fast you pee and how much pressure is on your bladder as it fills with pee.
• Ultrasound. An ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging test that allows a healthcare provider to take a detailed look at your bladder.
• Computed tomography scan. A CT scan is a noninvasive imaging test that produces 3D images of your bladder.
• Cystoscopy. A healthcare provider will use a special instrument to look inside your bladder from your urethra. The provider typically uses a numbing gel so you dont feel pain in your urethra. In rare cases, they may use general anesthesia, so you arent awake, wont move and wont feel any pain.

How Doctors Diagnose Whats Causing The Spasm

Before running any tests, your doctor will assess your medical history and notes on any medications youre taking. Theyll also perform a physical exam.

Afterward, your doctor may examine a sample of your urine to check for bacteria, blood, or other signs of infection. If infection is ruled out, there are several tests that can help diagnose bladder issues.

Some tests measure how much urine is left in your bladder after voiding. Others measure the speed of your urination. Some tests can even determine your bladder pressure.

If these tests arent pointing to a specific cause, your doctor may want to perform a neurological exam. This will allow them to check for different sensory issues and certain reflexes.

Exercise and changes in your lifestyle may help ease your bladder spasms. Medications are another treatment option.

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How Should I Take Phenazopyridine

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take phenazopyridine after meals.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking phenazopyridine.

Phenazopyridine will most likely darken the color of your urine to an orange or red color. This is a normal effect and is not harmful. Darkened urine may also cause stains to your underwear that may be permanent.

Phenazopyridine can also permanently stain soft contact lenses, and you should not wear them while taking this medicine.

Do not use phenazopyridine for longer than 2 days unless your doctor has told you to.

This medication can cause unusual results with urine tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using phenazopyridine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What Medications Are Used To Treat Overactive Bladder

As youre retraining your bladder, a healthcare provider may prescribe medication. Medications can help restore normal bladder function. Commonly prescribed medications for overactive bladder include:

Anticholinergic medications

Beta-3 adrenergic medication

Beta-3 adrenergic medications cause the detrusor muscles in your bladder to relax so your bladder can store more pee. A healthcare provider may prescribe:

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When To See A Doctor

• Pain or cramping in your pelvic or lower abdominal area
• Pain or burning while urinating
• Urgent or frequent need to use the bathroom
• Leakage of urine
• Blood in your urine

If you have or think you are having bladder spasms, it is important that you see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. Your symptoms may be due to an infection that can be treated. In rare cases, bladder spasms may be a sign of a serious underlying condition.

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How Bladder Spasms Are Treated

How your bladder spasms will be treated is entirely dependent on whats causing them and, more often than not, it will be a combination of multiple treatments. But lets look at some of the options out there.

Change in dietIf your spasms are caused by certain foods and drinks, your GP might suggest that you make small changes to your diet. A food diary can be super helpful for this kind of thing as it will help you keep track of which foods and drinks worsen your symptoms. That way youll know exactly what to cut out!

Timing your toilet tripsThis type of therapy usually involves you going to the toilet every 1.5 to 2 hours and is often very successful in treating bladder spasms in children. As your situation is improving and youre having fewer accidents you can keep longer times between toilet visits.

Pelvic floor exercises These types of exercises help strengthen your pelvic floor which helps your body to hold on to urine. To do Kegels, simply tighten the muscles in your pelvic floor. How? Just squeeze them the same way as you would if you were trying to stop peeing or trying to not pass gas. Make sure youre exercising the correct muscles, though, as exercising the wrong ones can put even more pressure on your bladder and might lead to accidents. If youre not sure which muscles you should exercises, speak to your GP they might be able to refer you to specialist.

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Pharmacologic Agents That Cause Urinary Incontinence

A variety of drugs have been implicated in urinary incontinence, and attempts have been made to determine the mechanism responsible based upon current understanding of the processes involved in continence and the transmitters that play a role. Each of the processes described previously can be manipulated by pharmacologic agents to cause one or more types of incontinence.

The drugs commonly pinpointed in urinary incontinence include anticholinergics, alpha-adrenergic agonists, alpha-antagonists, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, sedative-hypnotics, ACE inhibitors, and antiparkinsonian medications. Depending upon the mode of action, the effect may be direct or indirect and can lead to any of the types of incontinence. Taking these factors into account, it is important to consider a patients drug therapy as a cause of incontinence, particularly in new-onset incontinence patients and in elderly patients, in whom polypharmacy is common.11,12

On the other hand, a pharmacologic agent or any other factor that results in chronic urinary retention can lead to a rise in intravesical pressure and a resultant trickling loss of urine. In this way, drugs that cause urinary retention can indirectly lead to overflow incontinence.2

It is useful to note that many antidepressants and antipsychotics exhibit considerable alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonist activity.1