How does solifenacin work?
Solifenacin is a type of medicine called an antimuscarinic (or anticholinergic) muscle relaxant.
It works by relaxing the muscle that is found in the wall of the bladder. This helps to increase the volume of pee your bladder can hold and control the release of pee.
When will I feel better?
Solifenacin starts to relax the muscle in your bladder after 3 to 8 hours of taking your first dose. However, it can take up to 4 to 6 weeks for it to work fully and for your symptoms to get better.
Are there any long-term side effects?
Do not take solifenacin for longer than you need to. Your doctor will check every 6 to 12 months that your treatment is still needed.
There may be an increased risk of confusion and possibly dementia getting worse in older people taking solifenacin, but more research needs to be done. If you're worried about this, talk to your doctor.
What will happen if I stop taking it?
If you've been taking solifenacin for at least 6 months your doctor may suggest that you stop taking the medicine for up to 4 weeks to see how your symptoms change without it.
Some people find that their symptoms are still better after they've stopped taking the medicine. Talk to your doctor if you're thinking about stopping your medicine.
Do not stop taking solifenacin without talking to your doctor first.
Are there other medicines for overactive bladder?
Solifenacin belongs to a group of medicines called antimuscarinics. There are other antimuscarinics that can be used for overactive bladder, including:
- oxybutynin
- tolterodine
- darifenacin
- fesoterodine
- propiverine
- trospium
They all seem to work just as well as solifenacin. However, if you get side effects with one antimuscarinic a different one may suit you better.
Also, solifenacin is taken once a day but some of the other medicines you have to take twice a day or more.
If antimuscarinics are not suitable for you, they have not helped your overactive bladder, or you've had side effects, you may be offered a medicine called mirabegron, which works in a slightly different way.
Will I gain or lose weight?
Solifenacin should not make you lose or gain weight.
However, very rarely solifenacin can make you feel less hungry, so you may lose weight.
If you start to have problems with your weight while taking solifenacin, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.
Will it affect my contraception?
Solifenacin does not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill or emergency contraception.
Can I drive or ride a bike?
Do not drive a car, ride a bike, use tools or operate machinery if solifenacin makes you sleepy, gives you blurred vision, or makes you feel dizzy, clumsy or unable to concentrate or make decisions.
This may be more likely when you first start taking it, but could happen at any time. For example, it could happen when you increase the dose or start another medicine.
It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive.
Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if you're not sure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking solifenacin. GOV.UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving.
Can I drink alcohol while taking solifenacin?
Try not to drink alcohol when you first start taking solifenacin, or if your dose is increased, until you see how the medicine makes you feel. Solifenacin combined with alcohol can make you feel very sleepy.
Drinking alcohol may make you more likely to need to get up in the night to pee.
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?
You can eat normally while taking solifenacin.
If you have urinary incontinence, it can help to cut down on alcohol and drinks containing caffeine, such as tea, coffee, cola and energy drinks.
Are there lifestyle changes that can help overactive bladder?
There are some lifestyle changes that may help your symptoms. It's a good idea to:
- cut down on drinks that contain caffeine, such as tea, coffee, cola and energy drinks, as caffeine can increase how much you pee
- drink the right about of fluid during the day – not too much or too little, as this can make incontinence worse
- lose weight if you're overweight or living with obesity, as being overweight can increase your risk of urinary incontinence – calculate your body mass index (BMI) to find out if you're a healthy weight for your height
- try non-surgical treatments for urinary incontinence, such as pelvic floor muscle training (Kegel exercises) and bladder training
- discuss other options for urinary incontinence with your doctor, such as surgery and procedures