Soliten (solifenacin) is used to help patients manage an overactive bladder. An antispasmodic medication, Soliten reduces bladder contractions which in turn reduces symptoms of frequent, urgent urination. While it is effective in minimizing symptoms, it is not a cure. Unless underlying causes are addressed, symptoms will likely return if treatment ends.

Soliten should not be used by patients with gastric retention or who have difficulty urinating.

What It Does

The majority of overactive bladder sufferers experience abnormal contractions or spasms of the bladder wall; this is a condition referred to as detrusor overactivity. Most patients who experience this are older, but the condition does affect some younger patients. It produces symptoms such as:

• Urgent urination
• Frequent urination
• Incontinence
• Nighttime incontinence
• Frequent waking up to urinate

Note that bladder spasms are not the only cause of the above; ideally the condition will be diagnosed by a doctor before choosing a treatment. Soliten will not provide benefit when symptoms are not caused by spasms.

If the condition is caused by spasms, odds are good that Soliten can help. The medication relaxes the bladder wall, minimizing spasms and therefore reducing urgency, frequency, and incontinence. Relaxed bladders can also often hold more urine without producing the urge to urinate, further reducing symptoms.

Some patients find Soliten completely eliminates symptoms, while others find some symptoms linger but are greatly reduced.

Dosage & Administration

Soliten comes in tablet form, typically taken just once per day. Tablets should not be split, crushed, or dissolved into foods or fluids.

Treatment is very similar for the vast majority of patients:

• Start with 5 mg once per day. This dose is sufficient for most patients.
• Dosage may be increased to 10 mg per day if 5 mg fails to produce good results.

Most people notice some improvement within two weeks of starting treatment, but it may take a month for full benefit to be seen. If no significant improvement is seen after one month, it is unlikely the medication will provide benefit if treatment continues; alternative options should be considered.

Treatment can last as long as needed, which in some cases will be indefinite. However, patients should periodically stop treatment to see if it's still needed, especially if other measures to correct the problem have been taken in the meantime.

Other Options

Most patients with overactive bladders are advised to also make lifestyle changes, some of which are quite simple. While unlikely to completely resolve the issue, they can help considerably:

• Not drinking before bed
• Avoiding caffeine
• Practicing kegal exercises
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Controlling diabetes or other conditions

In some cases overactive bladder is caused, or worsened, by other, unrelated medications being taken for another condition. In these cases a doctor may prescribe Soliten to help manage bladder issues until treatment with the other medication ends.

More commonly overactive bladder develops on its own. It is more common in older women, though it does affect some men as well. Some patients will need to resort to surgery to fix the issue; bladders can be expanded or replaced with an artificial bladder. But surgery is invasive and costly, and many patients would rather take Soliten indefinitely than go through surgery.

Injections of botox directly into bladder tissues can alleviate symptoms for up to 5 months at a time before an additional injection is needed. Unfortunately side effects are common, one of which is urinary retention that requires catheterization.

Adverse Reactions

Common side effects associated with Soliten include:

• Stomach upset
• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Weakness
• Blurred vision
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Dry eyes

The above side effects are not cause for concern unless severe or persistent. In most cases they will stop occurring as the body adjusts to treatment.

Soliten can interact with a range of other medications. Dangerous interactions are very unlikely, but it can reduce the effectiveness of one or more of the medications involved. To be on the safe side check with a doctor or pharmacist before taking other medications along with Soliten.

Some patients are at increased risk of heat stroke while taking Soliten, as the medication can reduce sweat output. Care should be taken to avoid overheating; exercising or physical labor in hot weather, hot tubs, saunas, and similar activities should be avoided until effects are known.

Soliten can induce drowsiness and blurred vision, particularly at the start of treatment, for some patients. Avoid potentially dangerous activities, such as operating machinery, until effects are known. These side effects usually stop occurring after a few weeks of treatment.

The effects of Soliten on unborn or nursing babies are unknown.