Solifenacin is prescribed to treat the symptoms of an overactive bladder (OAB). OAB occurs when the muscles in the bladder contract even when there is only a small amount of urine in the bladder.

Common causes of an overactive bladder include:

• Age
  
• Neurological disorders (such as neurogenic detrusor overactivity)
  
• Diabetes
  
• Hormone changes during menopause
  
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  
• Enlarged prostate
  
• Constipation
  
• Medication usage (such as diuretics or pills that must be taken with water)
  

The symptoms of an overactive bladder can be embarrassing. While an overactive bladder is rarely classified as a medical emergency, treatment can help alleviate these inconvenient effects of the condition.

Common symptoms associated with an overactive bladder include:

• Frequent need to urinate
  
• Urge to urinate even if you just emptied your bladder
  
• Incontinence (involuntary urination)
  
• Frequent need to urinate at night
  

Neurogenic detrusor overactivity is a bladder dysfunction condition in which damage to the nerves of the detrusor (the muscle that controls the contraction of the bladder) causes symptoms of OAB. Neurogenic detrusor overactivity is commonly caused by multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and other trauma to the detrusor nerves.

Solifenacin has been shown to cause some side effects. If these adverse reactions do not go away within a few days, talk to your health care provider.

Common side effects reported while taking solifenacin include:

• Dry mouth
  
• Heartburn
  
• Headache
  
• Constipation
  
• Stomach pain
  

This is not a complete list of adverse effects – though these are among the most common. Seek medical attention right away if you experience symptoms such as swelling, chest pain, fainting, rash, hives, or difficulty breathing.

As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with, and any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with solifenacin. Solifenacin can interact with other forms of medication and substances, causing potentially serious side effects. In addition, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with this medication.

Solifenacin is commonly prescribed as a suspension (liquid) or oral tablet. For adults and children over the age of 12, the preliminary dosage of solifenacin tablets starts at 5 mg to be taken once a day. Your doctor may adjust this dosage as needed. This medication can be taken with or without food.

The preliminary dosage of solifenacin suspension liquid commonly starts between 3-5 mL, depending on the patient’s age and weight. This medicated liquid should be taken once a day. This dosage may be adjusted as needed.

Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of solifenacin without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.

Solifenacin is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not solifenacin is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for solifenacin to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.