Many people are not aware that the medications they take to treat various ailments may have an effect on urinary incontinence, either worsening incontinence that is already present, or causing incontinence for the first time. The effect of medications on voiding are not always high on a physician’s list to mention to you if he/she is concerned about your heart or another vital organ–this is why it is important for you to mention any difficulties with urination that you may have. There may be other medications to treat your problem that do not have an effect on urination. If you do not inform your doctor, he/she cannot help you.

What are some of the culprits that frequently have an effect on urination? Diuretics are probably the most notorious for causing urinary incontinence, due to the fact that these medications cause your bladder to fill very quickly with urine. Certain blood pressure medications, sedatives, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, anticholinergics, and other drugs are also high on the list as causal factors in urinary incontinence.

Informing your doctor immediately if you become incontinent after starting a medication, or if you experience worsening of symptoms, is very important. Your physician should be aware of the problem so that an alternate medication can be prescribed, if possible.

If you would like more information on incontinence, you may wish to download our free DryForLife Guide to Living With Incontinence.