Ditropan (Oxybutynin) is an anticholinergic agent used to treat certain conditions of the bladder.
Understanding Bladder Control Problems: Urine -- the fluid that results when the kidneys filter the blood -- is stored in the bladder. Nerves located in the bladder tell your brain when the bladder is full. This results in a sensation that the bladder is full, causing the "urge to go." When you get to the bathroom, your brain signals muscles that surround the bladder opening, called sphincter muscles, and tells them to relax. When these muscles relax, the brain signals the muscle that lines the bladder, called the detrusor muscle, to contract and discharge the urine. This permits urine to flow. An overactive bladder is a medical condition with symptoms of sudden, powerful urges to go to the bathroom, caused by involuntary muscle spasms in the bladder. It does not have to be considered normal or natural at any age, and it can be treated. You may be experiencing symptoms of overactive bladder if: You urinate eight or more times in a 24-hour period(Frequency), you get up two or more times a night to urinate (Nighttime Frequency or Nocturia), you may get sudden urges to urinate immediately (Urgency), you may experience an urgent need to urinate followed by leakage or wetting incidents (Urge Incontinence). Ditropan (Oxybutynin) helps control the involuntary spasms of the bladder muscles, which lead to the symptoms of overactive bladder, making the urge to go less intense and less often. Many people experience relief in as little as two weeks after taking Ditropan(Oxybutynin). Keep in mind, however, that people respond differently to medications, and some may require a longer time frame before experiencing symptom relief. Ditropan (Oxybutynin) can be taken as a single dose at bedtime or sometimes your doctor will prescribe it to be taken once, twice or three times daily. It is best to let a physician decide which dose of Ditropan (Oxybutynin) is best for you.
Ditropan side effects, that may go away during treatment, include dry mouth, decreased sweating, blurred vision, changes in sexual ability, drowsiness, dizziness, or constipation. If Ditropan side effects continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience Ditropan side effects like fast heartbeat or hallucinations. If you notice other Ditropan side effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.