Oxybutynin and Constipation: What Users Say

• Din...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 22, 2019

Ditropan (oxybutynin) for Urinary Incontinence "Was on them for almost 3 years. I had my gallbladder removed 2 months beforehand. I then started taking Ditropan and got dry mouth, dry nose. I then started getting spasmodic stomach pains, nausea, occasional sickness, bloating, and constipation. At its worst, I had two admissions to the hospital by ambulance and was put on a morphine drip. I saw my GP, was referred to a gastroenterologist, and then to a specialist. I had a scan, MRI scan, and endoscopy as the medical “experts” thought it was gallbladder debris. Each time I asked if it could be any of the medication I was taking. Answer: No. I was concerned that this drug could be linked to dementia. Reading up on the side effects, all my symptoms I was experiencing were exactly the same as listed. Since coming off these tablets, the symptoms have stopped, and I’ve taken great pleasure in informing the medics of the cessation of these symptoms."

• Nee...
• March 3, 2016

Oxytrol (oxybutynin) for Urinary Frequency "Great product. I have been on other drugs that gave me back side effects - rash, itching, dry mouth, constipation, headache, dizziness, back pain, etc. I urinate on average 20-40 times a day, approximately every 15-20 minutes. After using the patch, I went as long as 2 hours without using the restroom. My skin is irritated and red, but it's better than spending my whole day in the bathroom. I can't believe my doctor didn't put me on this over-the-counter drug first before spending hundreds of dollars on prescription medications. I have suffered for over 30 years with the issue of urgency and frequency, this is a miracle for me. Praise the LORD."

• Det...
• December 3, 2013

Oxytrol (oxybutynin) for Urinary Incontinence "I am 23 years old and dealing with a couple types of incontinence. Before I talked to my doctor about it, I came across these in my grocery store. I bought them on a whim and tried them out. It works really well, no more leaking or stress incontinence. Within 12 hours, I was no longer running to the bathroom. The only side effect I have is some constipation. A change in diet and laxatives seem to help. The patch is rather uncomfortable at times, but I'm still experimenting with placement. I change it every 4 or 5 days because the adhesive comes off after a while, usually in the shower. I'd like to see a better material, but I'm content for now. It's a lot better than taking a pill every day."

• Tre...
• September 10, 2010

Oxytrol (oxybutynin) for Urinary Frequency "I had a very bad experience with Ditropan (Oxybutynin in tablets) with unacceptable side effects. After some years, my GP suggested a trial of Oxybutynin patches. That was the second best thing after sliced bread. Within 2 days, I went from up to 6 wetting incidents per 24 hours to 0, and in the following weeks, a substantial reduction in the leaking of urine. I have now used Oxytrol for 5 weeks, and the only side effect is severe constipation, which seems to be helped by changing the Oxytrol patch every 5 days instead of 3 or 4. I have no other side effects, no dry mouth, no sensitive skin where the patches have been sitting on either side of the body. So, I am a very satisfied user, no more large pads, nappies, PVC pants, just a normal size Tena pad."

• Osl...
• November 13, 2017

For Hyperhidrosis "I (man, 50) have struggled with severe generalized hyperhidrosis since I was in my early thirties. I started on 2 Ditropan tablets a day, and after just two or three days, the problem was 99% gone. It still is, 6 months later. No more changing of clothes two times a day, no more distracting and at times crippling sweat attacks at work, socially, etc. To me, this is a miracle drug. Yes, strong words, but my life quality has been immensely improved. Mild constipation is the only side effect, it seems to be alleviated when I reduce to one and a half tablets, so I will try that. In Norway, you need to ask your GP to refer you to a dermatologist who can write prescriptions and follow you up. I recommend anyone with similar problems to try this."

• Bek...
• August 25, 2018

For Urinary Frequency "I was recently diagnosed with OAB a few weeks ago after suffering for the past three months. I was prescribed so many medications leading up to my diagnosis, and they all made it worse. My urologist prescribed oxybutynin 5mg twice a day. I’m on day 6, and my side effects are extreme fatigue, extreme dry eyes to the point where no eye drops help me, constipation, and extreme dry mouth. Yes, it improved my bladder symptoms, but personally, I don’t think it’s worth it."

• Ril...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 26, 2018

Gelnique (oxybutynin) for Urinary Frequency "I am 72 and been on it for over a year. The only problem is it tends to not be as effective after a while. Took 5 mg twice a day. Now going to try 5 mg once a day. Side effects have been minimal. Some dry mouth and constipation. Drinking more water helps both."

• Sus...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 13, 2018

For Urinary Frequency "I actually take it for both overactive bladder as well as excessive sweating. I've been taking 10 mg 2x a day. I've been taking it about a year. I still have excessive sweating, and I have severe constipation...to the point where stool softeners don't even work. I also feel like I have a bladder infection a lot of the time. I'm going to the doctor in a few days, and I'm getting off of this stuff. It has helped my bladder problems, though, so I'm bummed about that. It was nice while it lasted. Hopefully my doctor has something else to try."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 30, 2018

For Urinary Frequency "This product so far has been horrible for me. I suffer from IC (interstitial cystitis), and it's supposed to reduce the amount of times I urinate, but it hasn't. And honestly, sometimes I can't get all of the urine out of my bladder because of this medication. It causes constipation, I pee more with this medication than without. I just feel like I'm never gonna find a pill that'll actually help me. I'm miserable."

• Gen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 11, 2021

For Urinary Frequency "I have interstitial cystitis and was going like every thirty minutes. Oxybutynin worked great at first, but then eventually caused retention so bad that I had to stop taking it because I was actually using the bathroom even more because my bladder wasn’t emptying. It also made me so constipated I developed hemorrhoids."

• Fed...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 7, 2022

For Neurogenic Detrusor Overactivity "Have Cauda Equina Syndrome, age 77. Oxybutynin 5 is the third anticholinergic to try, but same side effect as Solifenacin: brain fog, dry mouth, constipation even with laxatives and suppositories, low sodium. But all work in stopping involuntary wetting and bladder spasms. Just wish they’d do bladder Botox, hate the side effects. I'm in the UK."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 29, 2012

For Urinary Frequency "I'm 21 and unfortunately have had this condition for a while but just recently sought treatment for it. This is the only medication I have tried so far, but it is pretty decent and helps the majority of the time. I really have no side effects except occasionally dry mouth. It also causes constipation, so I also have to take laxatives on the side. Overall, I have had no problems on it."

• Skm...
• January 25, 2022

For Hyperhidrosis "I am female, 73 years old, and started taking oxybutynin, which for a while seemed to help with my incontinence episodes. However, I started having a dry mouth and had to use more medication for my dry mouth. Constipation, having to use more medication for this, oral meds to relieve the constipation, suppositories just to go, eventually small enemas after suppositories! Had indigestion, having to use more medicine to relieve that. I have had, in the past, hyperparathyroidism with surgery, and noticed some of my urinary labs were getting bad. My GP wanted to start ultrasounds for liver and GB (I had GB surgery in the 90s). Once I stopped oxybutynin, all the above symptoms cleared up! Not sure about the labs as of this date. Still have incontinence and have to continue wearing diapers! I wrote this because this medication is not for everyone, as any medication is not for everyone. Learn about the side effects of all your medications and report them to your doctor!"

• Isa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 25, 2020

For Urinary Frequency "I have been on oxybutynin for 3 weeks at a dose of 10 mg once a day. My side effects are dry mouth (tolerable), constipation (severe), and pain in my esophagus (severe). Much better for OAB. I decided to lower the dose to 5 mg once a day. If esophagus pain does not go away, will discontinue. Good luck!"

• Fly...
• February 23, 2018

For Urinary Frequency "Male (64 years old). Dr. prescribed Oxybutynin to help with bladder spasms caused by catheter/urine bag for the first four days after the Urolift procedure. After catheter removal, while taking Oxybutynin (twice daily), could hold up to 10 oz of urine (previously avg 4-5 oz) with less urgency than my 'normal.' Did experience dry mouth and feeling of dehydration but countered with increased water consumption. Used stool softeners to avoid constipation. Unfortunately, I still got myself constipated, passed a very hard stool, and got gastroenteritis (not due to Oxybutynin). Stopped Oxybutynin to avoid constipation, and my urologist has recommended Myrbetriq (mirabegron). New drug and very expensive (up to $350 a month!). Side effects are about the same as Oxybutynin, with the added danger of much higher blood pressures (which I'm also dealing with)! I don't have a long history with Oxybutynin. However, if I continue taking a drug for my sensitive bladder, I would stick with Oxybutynin."

• Jud...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2023

"I get hot flashes and have been using this medication for 10 days. Within a few days, I had such a dry mouth, I developed a burning tongue, I have been vomiting with dry heaves, constipation for a week, despite using laxatives every day, stomach cramps, and a rash on my leg that will not go away. I will avoid this whenever I can."

• Cas...
• November 28, 2014

Ditropan XL (oxybutynin) for Urinary Frequency "Extreme constipation, dry cough, sweating, insomnia."

• Anonymous
• October 19, 2010

Ditropan (oxybutynin) for Urinary Frequency "Gave me constipation and bloating - worse than the problem it was supposed to treat."

• Nan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2019

For Urinary Frequency "It gives me dry mouth, dry throat, and constipation, and I go to the bathroom to wee now more than ever. No good! I am going to stop taking it."

• Anonymous
• September 27, 2011

Ditropan (oxybutynin) for Urinary Frequency "Had constipation side effect. Effectiveness greatly diminishes after 1-2 months."

• Anonymous
• March 22, 2009

For Urinary Frequency "This did not help my overactive bladder. All it did was cause constipation and give me a dry mouth."

• Che...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2014

Gelnique (oxybutynin) for Urinary Frequency "I will not be continuing this medication, experiencing severe constipation and lower back pain and dry mouth."