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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Mary on July 8, 1999, at 2:55:44
I have recently been told that I have "neurogenic bladder" as a result of taking various antidepressants over the past 20 years (most recently Zoloft and BuSpar). As I understand it, the anticholinergic effects have interfered with involuntary bladder control. The result is having to push to urinate, causing pain, frequency, and stress incontinence. This drug-savvy urologist says he has seen this frequently among his female patients on antidepressants. He also speculated that I might lose voluntary control if I continue the meds. (Of course this side-effect is news to my GP and shrink as well.) With a history of life-long depression, I have tried virtually every TCA and SSRI except for Remeron and Celexa. I have also had visual side effects with many of the newer SSRIs such as Serzone. My doctor won't even consider MAOIs. I wonder if any other women have encountered this problem and found any way to manage it. I appreciate any feedback. Thanks.
Posted by JohnL on July 8, 1999, at 4:20:11
In reply to antidepressants and bladder problems, posted by Mary on July 8, 1999, at 2:55:44
Hi Mary, I noticed your post here and had to comment...nice to know I'm not the only one up at this site at 2:55 in the morning! Good morning, how are ya? Concerning your question, I have no clue. All I know is a girl I know had same problems at 40mg Paxil and it went away when she quit the drug. She has been OK and apparently cured of depression ever since, but I fear the other shoe is yet to drop. I have strong urination urgency and frequency on ADs as well, but just 25mg Lamictal calms my bladder way down, even more calm than when not on an AD. Anti-convuslants like Lamictal calm down a lot of things, not just mind problems. Not sure with your symptoms, but Lamictal might be worth a try because if it is going to work, you will know in a few short days. No long waiting period.Curious, did you find Zoloft+Buspar magical as I have seen it described? What's for breakfast? :) JohnL.
Posted by Mary on July 8, 1999, at 17:20:07
In reply to Re: antidepressants and bladder problems, posted by JohnL on July 8, 1999, at 4:20:11
Hey John!
Don't eat breakfast since I am a nightowl. Unusual for me to be on the computer in the afternoon too...but here I am. Was only coasting on the Zoloft + BuSpar. Found it hard to take a bid dose of BuSpar since the hours I keep are weird. Thanks for the info on Lamictal. I wonder if Lamictal might also counter some vision problems I had with Zoloft. I see my shrink next week and will let him know what you said. P.S. I guess I shouldn't assume only women have AD-related bladder problems. Won't be so chauvinist next time. It's also very nice to know I'm not the only depressed nightowl who haunts cyberspace.
Posted by anita on July 8, 1999, at 22:07:42
In reply to antidepressants and bladder problems, posted by Mary on July 8, 1999, at 2:55:44
Hi Mary,
I had this exact same problem the first few months I
was on Nardil. My pdoc gave me a prescription for bethantacol (sp?),
taken 3X/day, and it *completely* solved the problem. No side
effects and it didn't interfere with the antidepressant effects. I'm
suprised your doc didn't mention it!anita
Posted by Ruth on July 11, 1999, at 20:39:41
In reply to Re: antidepressants and bladder problems, posted by anita on July 8, 1999, at 22:07:42
I was glad to read your post. I'm having bladder problems and it never occurred to me that they could be related to the celexa I'm on. I asked my internist and he said it wasn't connected, but I think I'll speak to my psychopharmacologist about it and see what he says.
(my problem is a combination of frequent urination, urgency and if I can't get to a bathroom in time some dribbling>Hi Mary,
>
> I had this exact same problem the first few months I
> was on Nardil. My pdoc gave me a prescription for bethantacol (sp?),
> taken 3X/day, and it *completely* solved the problem. No side
> effects and it didn't interfere with the antidepressant effects. I'm
> suprised your doc didn't mention it!
>
> anita
Posted by Anonymous on July 12, 1999, at 23:03:09
In reply to Re: antidepressants and bladder problems, posted by Ruth on July 11, 1999, at 20:39:41
I had bladder problems prior to starting antidepressants (possible mild interstitial cystitis?), and found that the AD's actually helped eliminate most of the symptoms (frequency and pain with negative urine cultures). In fact, I told my urologist that I was convinced it was the norepinephrine action assoc. with Effexor. Since he couldn't figure out what was wrong with me to begin with, it sounded like as good a hypothesis as anything!
Now that I've switched to Celexa, I have some concern that the old problems will reappear.
> I was glad to read your post. I'm having bladder problems and it never occurred to me that they could be related to the celexa I'm on. I asked my internist and he said it wasn't connected, but I think I'll speak to my psychopharmacologist about it and see what he says.
> (my problem is a combination of frequent urination, urgency and if I can't get to a bathroom in time some dribbling>
>
> Hi Mary,
> >
> > I had this exact same problem the first few months I
> > was on Nardil. My pdoc gave me a prescription for bethantacol (sp?),
> > taken 3X/day, and it *completely* solved the problem. No side
> > effects and it didn't interfere with the antidepressant effects. I'm
> > suprised your doc didn't mention it!
> >
> > anita
This is the end of the thread.
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