Experiences with Solefenacin / Vesicare?

[Coco51]

Does anyone have experience with this drug Solefenacin ? I've been prescribed it but reading the common side effects I am reluctant to take it especially as I'm on holiday in France for a few weeks! The leaflet says there's a 1 in 10 chance of diarrhoea, nausea, dry mouth, raised blood pressure, which all sound unpleasant.

On the other hand if it works and I'm one of the lucky ones, it could be liberating.

My overactive bladder is getting worse. I'm 73. At times I can wait 2 hours to pee but often it's only an hour. Trying to train myself to wait as the GP suggests results in leaks especially when I actually get to the loo. Doing the pelvic floor exercise regime 6 times a day with the NHS Squeezy App hasn't yet made a difference (I'm 2 weeks in). I'm always aware of some discomfort in my bladder- except just after a pee.

I've had a couple of infections too in the last few months, and have been told to keep up fluid intake which doesn't help. Wearing pads is a mixed blessing that respect as they can be sweaty.

So any experiences would be helpful. Thanks in advance.

[Alloagirl]

Hi, I have taken Solifenacin for well over a year. I only take one tablet a day and it has worked well for me. I haven’t really had any side effects except constipation. So have needed laxitives. Better than that constant feeling of wanting to go to the loo. I do drink loads of water and am able to do this . It takes a couple of weeks to take the full effect. After all if it does not agree with you just stop taking it. I am 76 by the way. Good luck.

[Coco51 in reply to Alloagirl]

Thank you for taking the time to reply. Your experience is very reassuring. I think on that basis I might give it a go. At the moment there are times I feel I need the loo even when I know my bladder is empty. It's very wearing as you know. And you are right. I can stop at any time! Sometimes I need reminding of this!

[BlueJewel]

Solefenacin has been amazing for me personally. I'm 62 with an overactive bladder. It has given me my life back actually. I take one per day. Yes, I do have the side effect of a dry mouth but I take it in the middle of the day so rarely have this issue. If i forget and take it closer to going to bed, then i do have the problem of dry mouth. No other side effects for me at all. I have no constipation issues unlike when I was on the ditropan. That caused me a few problems. I've been taking it now for approx 8 months and I only have an occasional day when its not working perfectly. So I highly recommend it from my point of view.

[Coco51 in reply to BlueJewel]

Wow that is great. Thank you. Do you take other medications? I am on other meds for heart and blood pressure.

[BlueJewel in reply to Coco51]

I am prescribed for a blood pressure medication. Also a low dose anti-depressant for sleeping. None of which cause me any issues with taking the solefenacin.

[Coco51 in reply to BlueJewel]

Good to know.