Stopped Solifenacin

[Alloagirl]

Because of constipation side effect which was very unpleasant. Decided to come off Solifenacin. With my GP agreeing. Two weeks in and the withdrawal symptoms have been awful. Worst of all the pressure of wanting to pee all the time is worse than when I first started them. My GP has said she will insert a bladder pessary. Wondering if anyone has this experience. Also was going to ask her about mirabegnon, which my physio has suggested. I have vagifem pessary twice a week. Also the tens machine for the tibial nerve. None of which are much relief at the moment. Because of scarring from my hysterectomy it seems neither an op or Kegal 8 are good for me. Sorry this is so long, would love to hear of others experience. Have not been out socially since November.

[endoTHENmesh]

I suffered for 7 years with adhesions, scarring or what I thought was a permanent reaction to what mesh could not be removed... I got sick of not being able to bend over, or sit comfortably, and the chronic pain. Tried pelvic floor PT and regular PT, vaginal anti-spasmotics at night... Finally said ENOUGH!!!

Against doctor (GP) recommendations, found a GYN willing to inject botox into pelvic floor muscules in spasm. 1) it clarified the source of the spasms and what other muscules "unwound" once the paralysis took hold in the injected muscules, 2) the botox also numbs nerves, so I was able to stretch and move area that were too painful for that previously, 3) found a myofascial masseuse and twice a week suffered through unwinding all the fascia that had got pulled towards the painful location, and externally got the adhesions and scars worked.

It took 2 rounds of botox and 8 months of hard work - but I am nearly pain free. I hope there is more you can do to regain function... be ready to go against doctors orders and listen to your body. Look at alternative medicine. Acupuncture, CBD,... whatever is offered as an alternative. We can heal, but getting the scars and adhesions maually worked was key for me. Try myofascial manipulation at least twice. Find out if your fascia is gathered towards the pain?

Wishing you the best in finding relief! Btw baginal estrogen causes spasms for me?... just saying - pessary wo estrogen?

[Onslow729]

I’m so grateful that you have found the courage to post this.

I too have been put on the same medication from my Urologist Consultant.

At first it seemed successful for a few weeks helping me to pee at night.

I’d had a prostrate operation where clamps were put both sides of the prostrate to pull it away from the urethra making peeing easier.

The idea was to help hold more urine at night to reduce the number of trips to the loo. Was 6-7 times Using this drug about 3-4 times so an improvement.

I stopped suddenly because I started having symptoms of being extremely clammy Sweating and poor breathing.

My respiratory was my worry as I was very lethargic and breathless.

I was really feeling very ill and certainly getting worried

After stopping I was much better for the next couple of weeks but then suddenly I started feeling ill again as before

So now I don’t know if it was the tablets but then you say the affects of stopping them is still making you unwell

I just don’t know what to do as at night I’m getting up 6-7 times again but now I’m having real problems trying to pee

Standing for ever trying to squeeze it out

Hopefully it will improve as I haven’t seen a doctor yet

David

[Alloagirl in reply to Onslow729]

Hi David, the post was a while ago. The withdrawal symptoms did not last long and went back on Solifenacin. I do not have trouble at night it’s just a constant feeling of wanting to pass urine during the day. The Solifenacin has worked though caused constipation. It has now seemed to have stopped working. Reluctant to take the higher dose 10mg because of the constipation. It is definitely a life restricting condition. I think you should see a doctor especially as you are finding it difficult to pass urine. I hope you get some help medically.

[Onslow729 in reply to Alloagirl]

31 August 2023

Sorry I’m late replying but I’ve still not been well with the breathing issues etc.

After stopping the tablets for several weeks to eliminate them from causing these symptoms of sweating and breathing problems.

I’ve now gone back on them just 5 mg a day at Night.

At first I felt again they were the cause but continued to take them.

Strangely they are not helping as much as I thought they would.

Getting up at night is still at least 4 to 5 times and as before daytime I can manage.

But this time I’m further on from the prostate operation where I had 5 staples put in the prostate to release it from the urethra. Operation was in October last year 2022

I’ve now read that there is a high risk of increased Dementia when taking them !

This is something I wasn’t aware of so I’m thinking of stopping again ! I’m still taking Tamsulosin which the consultant said I can stop when I feel it’s possible. Again I’m not sure as I can’t risk it being worse.

The side effects of Tamsulosin are frightening in the it stops ejaculation

Which isn’t very pleasant !

So how are you now ? Are you still taking the tablets and how’s your night time trips to the loo ?

David xx

[Alloagirl in reply to Onslow729]

Hi David. I do not have much bother at night. Since I have been using the tens machine daily, I am having less of a problem during the day. The Solifenacin take at least a month to work properly. Yes one of the side effects is possible dementia along with other things too. Doesn’t mean it will affect you or me. I really think you should see your doc again if you are still having problems. I am hoping that I will soon be able to come off the tablets. Hope things improve for you.

[Onslow729 in reply to Alloagirl]

Thanks for replying so promptly.

I believe I may be getting a reaction taking these tablets when I’m still taking Diltizam !

I’m seeing the GP next Friday and the Urologist just before Christmas

As I was feeling so ill and having serious problems peeing I stopped the tablets yesterday again. I accept what you say about taking about it takes a time to get the tablets in the system to actually work. But I can’t feel this rough especially with regards the breathing 😮‍💨 the sweating is better but still happening and blood oxygen at time is 94/95 which doesn’t help.

I sincerely hoping that you can wean yourself off the tablets and pleased your nighttime is better. I am surprised that you’re using Tens machine and interested to know where you positioned the pads to affect the nerves for the bladder. I’ve used tens machine before for my spine issues and it had the habit of causing spasms on my back. Honestly it made life for me worse on my spine.

Hopefully Friday I’ll hear what the doctor says but I’m not going to get to exited as it’s the consultant that will answer the questions.

Take care I will write again when I’ve seen the doctor xx Look after yourself

[JP54]

I took Mirabegron for 10 years and it was life changing for me and then suddenly stopped working . Hope you can get some relief soon.

[Alloagirl in reply to JP54]

Hi JP54, As you can see it was a while ago that I wrote this post. Since then I have gone back on Solifenacin. Still causing constipation but worked since March. Now seems to have stopped working. I am on the lowest dose 5mg. Do not want to take 10mg because of the constipation. I was offered mirabegnon but was worried about my blood pressure and the UTI. Did you suffer from UTIs. It seems the most common with this drug. I am sorry the med has stopped working. 10 years is a long time. Were you on the 50mg. I hope you find something to help you.