Myrbetriq versus Oxybutynin

[Aaron98]

I've been taking Myrbetriq for several years to help with urinary symptoms. It's not a perfect solution, but it does help. Prior to getting on the medication, I was having to wake up 4-5 times every single night to urinate, which was intolerable. Now, it's between 1-3 times per night. That's not perfect, but a major improvement to quality of life.

Here's the deal. I just got onto Medicare this year because being on my wife's insurance was beginning to cost way too much, but Medicare doesn't want me to take Myrbetriq anymore because it is such an expensive drug. They want me to talk with my urologist about switching to Oxybutynin. I've never taken it and know little about it.

I'm wondering, has anyone taken both Myrbetriq and Oxybutynin (at different times) and can compare the two for me? Or is anyone taking Oxybutynin and really happy with it? Thanks a lot, and be well!

[tieaknot]

Hi there! I am currently in the fight (for 3 years) to get my insurance to cover Myrbetriq. I am on samples now and not sure how much it helps yet but I have to try something! I’ve tried the oxybutinin among others but I tend to have the worsening constipation (which is enough of an issue before taking anything!) as well as the dry mouth and eyes and blurred vision fromAnticholinergic meds. One doc said that the oxybutinin should theoretically help me

more than myrbetriq, but for me? They just don’t work well at all. It’s worth a try for sure!

If they don’t work as well you could fight to go back on the M.

[easygoin1]

Hello Aaron,

I have been taking Myrbetriq for a number of years and for years took Oxybutinin as well, but after I developed a massive bladder stone that they had to break up with laser and remove my Urologist took me off of the Oxybutinin and said I have a "weak" bladder and it would only make it worse and he only left me on the Myrbetriq. Unfortunately I don't think he knows much about our illness and the effects on the bladder, but for a time after going off the Oxybutinin the function of my bladder seemed to improve, but it didn't last. My being able to go has gotten so difficult that a lot of the time I have to massage my bladder to be able to start the flow, except when the urgency is strong and then I am going without control. Fun and games isn't it?

I don't think I have given you any answer to your question, but I hope you can gain something from my rambling!

Be well and have a great day!

[Aaron98 in reply to easygoin1]

Easygoin1, you wrote: "My being able to go has gotten so difficult that a lot of the time I have to massage my bladder to be able to start the flow, except when the urgency is strong and then I am going without control."

Yup, I can totally identify with that. This is actually referred to as the "Crede maneuver" by urologists. I have to push down on my bladder with my fingertips to be able to empty completely. Sound familiar?

[easygoin1 in reply to Aaron98]

Yes, that does sound familiar. Although I am currently only using it to start flow, not to fully empty. Unfortunately it is a similar thing for bowels as I can't go when I want most of the time and get tired of sitting waiting and have to trigger it with a technique that my physiatrist taught me. This is a little more involved and unpleasant so I won't share unless you would like to know.

Be well and have a great day!

[Aaron98 in reply to easygoin1]

I'm always down for learning more, particularly as I have bowel issues, too. I won't get grossed out, I promise - and I think everyone on here is very open and honest. Personally, I have to stimulate the nerves around my anus by pressing on them with toilet paper in order to get things going. I do this every morning, at about the same time, in order to keep consistent bowel habits. Otherwise, I really struggle with constipation and urgency.

If you feel like sharing, I'm always interested in learning tips that may help.

[easygoin1 in reply to Aaron98]

Hello Aaron,

It is similar to what you describe, but I use a bit of toilet paper on my fingers and rotate just in my anus to trigger, mainly because I will feel a slight urge and go sit on the toilet and the urge goes away entirely, and if I get up and go back to whatever I might have been doing, usually up and around, and it will come back, sometimes with more urgency than I can control... Fun and games!! My Physiatrist had told me about using a small amount of lube on the finger, but I prefer just the TP.

[COwithAMN Administrator AMN EASIER Volunteer]

I was on Oxybutynin for several years until my neurological consultant asked me to switch to Mirabegron (Myrbetriq). This switch happened a number of years ago. The reason was that evidence was emerging of a possible side-effect of Myrbetriq related to cognitive decline and perhaps dementia.

This seems to be a side-effect related to all anticholinergics and not just Myrbetriq. See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antic...

I have been on Mirabegron since then. Works well for me. A common reported side-effect is high blood pressure although this doesn't seem to be a problem for me.

[Giuseppe_]

Hi there,

My urologist adviced me a very simple method not to wake up many times at night... just avoid drinking too much after 5 pm. I only take half glass of water for diner.

Believe me that it works!

Of course I'm not dehydrated because first thing I do in the morning is drinking an entire glass of water.

Best,

[SongStream in reply to Giuseppe_]

I cut down on PM water drinking and rehydrate in the A.M.It helped along with Myrbetriq.

[krel5940]

I went about it a different way. I received Botox injections in my bladder. Also you Detrol now I do have to cath in order to void completely but I pretty much go the whole night without having to void. Just something to ask you Uro doc about possibly.