Vesicare for Treatment of Frequent Urge to Pee and Overactive Bladder in Men and Women

by Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger, a board-certified urologist, and specialist in the treatment of urinary problems in men and women including frequent urination, burning with urination, and urinary retention.  

If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation or if you need a second opinion, please contact us or call: 646-663-4151

Vesicare (solifenacin) is an Effective Treatment for Frequent Urination and Overactive Bladder

Vesicare (solifenacin) is an effective treatment option for frequent urination and overactive bladder. It works by relaxing the bladder muscles and helping patients regain bladder control.

Vesicare belongs to a class of medications called anticholinergic medications. Vesicare is very effective in treating symptoms of frequent urination, urinary urgency, and urge incontinence in men and women with overactive bladder. It

 can also help alleviate symptoms of urinary urgency and frequency in patients with UTIs and STDs.

Can Vesicare Be Used Long-Term?

Anticholinergic medications, including solifenacin, are safe to use in the short-term; however, there are some concerns about using these medications long-term due to known neuropsychiatric side effects. In particular, cognitive impairment leading to memory loss has been demonstrated in elderly patients treated long-term with these drugs.

For patients who need temporary relief of symptoms, Vesicare is a good option. However, for patients who have severe symptoms of an overactive bladder that are longstanding and require long-term treatment to the order of years, anticholinergic medications are not ideal, given that they can lead to cognitive impairment (memory loss) with extended use.  The concern is particularly relevant when used in the elderly with pre-existing dementia or neurocognitive decline.

Vesicare (solifenacin) for Urge Urinary Incontinence

Vesicare is effective in treating men and women with urge urinary incontinence when it is not caused by incomplete bladder emptying. Typically, a bladder ultrasound with postvoid residual will help evaluate incomplete bladder emptying. Solifenacin can typically decrease symptoms of urinary frequency as well as decrease urinary urgency and resulting urge incontinence (urine leakage). These symptoms are common in patients with overactive bladder and neurogenic bladder and patients who have undergone urological surgeries such as cystoscopy, bladder tumor resection, and treatment for enlarged prostate with TURP, Greenlight laser, Holmium laser ablation, Rezum, and Urolift treatments.

Vesicare Side Effects

It is important to understand that not every patient gets side effects from medications. Some patients develop minor side effects that are tolerable, and solifenacin treatment can be continued in these patients. Some men and women who take solifenacin (Vesicare) develop dry mouth and constipation. Long-term use of this and other anticholinergic medications such as oxybutynin and Toviaz can lead to cognitive impairment.

Myrbetriq and Vesicare Can They Be Taken Together?

Studies show that a combination of medications such as solifenacin and beta-3 adrenergic receptor agonist Myrbetriq leads to greater benefit in terms of relieving urinary urgency, urinary leakage, and frequent urination symptoms than taking either medication alone. There is no significant increase in side effects from taking both medications together. At New York Urology Specialists, we usually start patients on one medication and then add the second medication a few weeks later. This is done to make sure the patient does not experience side effects to either medication.

Vesicare and Tibial Neuromodulation Together

Tibial nerve neuromodulation is an effective treatment option for men and women with overactive bladder symptoms such as frequent urination and urge to urinate. Studies show that a combination of medications, such as solifenacin with tibial neuromodulation leads to better outcomes than using Vesicare alone or tibial neuromodulation alone. At New York Urology Specialists, we offer combination therapy with tibial neuromodulation and solifenacin to patients.

Alternative Options for Patients Who Experience Side Effects on Vesicare

Patients who require long-term treatment for moderate to severe symptoms of urinary frequency, urinary urgency, or urge incontinence are not advised to use anticholinergic medication such as Vesicare long-term. At New York Urology Specialists, we advise alternative treatment options, including Myrbetriq, tibial neuromodulation, sacral neuromodulation with InterStim device, and Botox injections as effective treatment options for men and women with overactive bladder symptoms and neurogenic bladder. Talk to our experienced urologists today to see if solifenacin (Vesicare) is right for you.

If you have any questions about a urinary problem treatment, schedule a consultation, contact us or call/text: 1-(646) 663-4151.  We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners. 

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Urinary Problems Are Treatable in Nearly Every Man and Woman

At New York Urology Specialists, our urologists are specially trained in the evaluation and treatment of urinary problems.  We understand the challenges that urinary problems create for our patients, their relationships and their self-esteem.  We help you find a treatment for your urinary problems that fit your needs, lifestyle, and your preferences.

Urologists are doctors specializing in the treatment of women and men with frequent urination, poor urine flow, frequent UTI, blood in urine, urinary incontinence, urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate, prior surgery, neuropathy, chemotherapy, and radiation. By the virtue of our experience and skill, we are able to offer an effective treatment option for nearly every man and women who desire an effective treatment for their urinary problems. We specialize in minimally invasive highly effective treatment for symptoms of bladder pain, urethral burning, pelvic discomfort, incomplete bladder emptying, urinary frequency, and urgency.

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Why Choose New York Urology Specialists for Treatment of Urinary Problems?

• All treatment is performed by a board-certified urologist experienced in treating men with symptoms of frequent urination, urinary urgency, urinary incontinence and bladder pain using medical therapy, minimally invasive therapies, lasers, and open surgery.
• We are one of the few practices in the region to offer a full range of options for treatment of urinary problems in men and women
• We offer treatment options for overactive bladder, UTI and urinary incontinence in our office which avoids the risks, costs, and recovery from general anesthesia.  
• Extensive Experience: Hundreds of men and women have treated successfully using medical therapy, Botox for overactive bladder, Interstim for frequent urination and tibial neuromodulation.

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Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger is a board-certified urologist, who specializes in all aspects of care for men and women with urinary problems including frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, urinary urgency, and incontinence.  He has successfully treated hundreds of men and women with urinary problems including urinary retention, painful urination, and frequent urination.