Does anybody know how long it takes for drugs for urinary incontinence to take effect? Would it be right away, or a week, or a month, or ???

I think the doctor is thinking of Detrol, and we will find out in few days when he sees the urologist for a follow-up.

quote:

Originally posted by Bobcat:

Don't panic, about the association with UTIs. I don't know if there is a study with that conclusion ...

Ditto from me. I just found it interesting that you had experienced this, and think that it could be related to how often and completely they void their bladders. Some of these drugs suppress the natural urge so I'd imagine that if he's aware of that and is careful to toilet often push out as much as he can, the UTI's would be less a problem.

I urge all care givers to get all meds at one pharmacy and preferably to get the primary care physician to write all scripts after consulting with the specialists. It has helped me tremendously, but not all PCPs will cooperate.

There are many sites with decent info about drugs, but do look at several to compare. Chances are they will say the same, but not always.

This overview is probably old news for you, but it is concise and may help others zeroing in on this topic.
http://www.webmd.com/urinary-i...n-men-topic-overview

Don't panic, about the association with UTIs. I don't know if there is a study with that conclusion, BUT these drugs are BIG sellers, so forgive my skepticism, but sometimes they need study after study after study after study to admit any counter indications exist.

He had surgery for an enlarged prostate a few months ago, so it shouldn't be that. But I am now worried about the UTIs!!! We certainly don't want that - been there, done that, got the tee shirt!

He had a catheter in for 6 months because he wasn't strong enough for the prostate surgery, and he couldn't pee at all with the enlarged prostate. And with the catheter in, he got UTI then CDIFF then UTI then CDIFF so many times - that's one of the reasons he couldn't have the surgery - he was so weak.

Finally catheter out, no UTI, and no CDIFF! I don't want to go back to that!

I am worried like the dickens about this medication, but if it's fast-acting and fast to leave the body, maybe he can try it for a bit... But he has absolutely no control at all, either to hold it in, or probably, to push it out.

We are waiting until one of his other meds is done to try it, but now that you mention it, Bobcat, I really need to do my homework on ALL of the meds.

Thanks for all the info.

quote:

Originally posted by Bobcat:

My mother has not had a UTI since she quit one of those drugs 5 years ago. before that she was constantly on macrobid for a lowgrade infection that never quite cleared up.

You know, that makes sense to me since these drugs sometimes keep them from emptying their bladders often enough. Almost work too well for some people. I know that my MIL had an issue with being unable to tinkle sometimes. Then it would overflow like a flood. Dr. said it was the meds, but at the time her dementia was still mild to moderate and she didn't want to discontinue the meds.

Lantern, sorry I don't have an answer to your quesetion, but I think thy work pretty quickly UNLESS to incontinence is due to enlarged prostate or UTIs but I hope you will use caution, double check with other medication. Here is a thread from sometime ago with an article showing the incontinence drugs and dementia meds may be incompatable. Please read the article mentioned in this thread.

http://eldercare.infopop.cc/ev...6064151/m/8471047145

My mother has not had a UTI since she quit one of those drugs 5 years ago. before that she was constantly on macrobid for a lowgrade infection that never quite cleared up. That may be entirely a coincidence but I wonder.

Just a thought. I know you have good reasons to go this route.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Bobcat,