Specific Types of Medicines Which Cause Incontinence
Urinary incontinence can happen when medicines affect any of these muscles or nerves. For instance, medicines to treat
high blood pressure may make the sphincter muscles too tight or too loose. Medicines to treat colds can have the same effect.
You may take medicine to calm your nerves, so that you can sleep or relax. This medicine may dull the nerves in the bladder, and therefore keep them from signaling the brain when the bladder is full. Without the message and urge, the bladder overflows. Drinking alcohol can also cause these nerves to fail.
Water pills (diuretics) take fluid from swollen areas of your body and send it to the bladder. This may cause the bladder to leak, because it fills more quickly than usual.
Caffeine drinks, such as coffee and cola, have the same effect. Some foods, such as chocolate, can also cause incontinence.
Medications and Incontinence -- What To Do?
Before your next doctor visit, make a list of all the prescription medicines you take. Also list medicines you buy without a prescription. Or you can bring all your medicines with you to show the doctor. Ask your doctor if any of the medicines could cause incontinence. Your pharmacist can also give you information about your medicines.
You may have to continue taking a medicine that causes incontinence. Ask your doctor to help you find another way to control your bladder, such as:
- Exercises for the muscles that close the bladder
- Devices to stimulate the muscles
- Training the bladder to hold more urine.
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