Solifenacin and Constipation: What Users Say

• von...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2013

Solifenacin for Urinary Frequency "I am a male with overactive bladder. Initially treated for prostate problem, as usual for men, but I have no prostate difficulty. Asked Dr. for Vesicare, after reviewing symptoms on internet sources. Vesicare is targeted at women by the drug co. Astellas, but I had the same symptoms. Started with the 5mg dose, and my symptoms significantly improved within the first few days. Severe bathroom urges every hour or two. Woke up to pee several times at night, sometimes every 2 hours; miss a bathroom, and pee in pants. A week later after starting Vesicare, get up once a night, or not at all, and bathroom visits are once in 3-5 hours. Wow, got my life back. Only nasty side effect is constipation, cured by taking pill less frequently than daily."

• Kat...
• February 24, 2013

Solifenacin for Urinary Incontinence "Prescribed for urinary incontinence, notably stress incontinence. I started with 5mg (eventually began 10 mg) of VESIcare, and it worked overnight. When I am running low on tablets and payday is off in the future, I have good success with taking 10mg every other night. Side effects: 1. Very dry mouth, but a good excuse to drink more water, keep TicTacs handy, over time, it has greatly diminished. 2. Drowsiness: I started taking it at night. 3. Constipation: drank more water and took a daily stool softener until my body readjusted."

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 20, 2019

Solifenacin for Urinary Frequency "I took VESIcare for 4 months. VESIcare did improve my overactive bladder, and the urinary urge did decrease. I did not immediately experience side effects except some constipation and reduced stool frequency. I also started getting full nights of sleep without waking to use the loo. That’s the positive part. After 2 months, I started getting occasional liquid diarrhea and then bouts of constipation lasting 3-4 days, then again liquid diarrhea. Throughout this time, lots of gas and cramping. The symptoms were on-off. Then after 3 months, I experienced continuous liquid diarrhea and gas/cramping after every meal. During the space of 30 days, I lost over 5kg in weight and had fatigue, very cold feet, and hands. I stopped VESIcare immediately, and normal bowel movements restored within 5 days. The fatigue and cold extremities have also gone. My conclusions: the VESIcare drug works, but the side effects are intolerable for a significant portion of patients, including myself."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 24, 2012

Solifenacin for Urinary Frequency "I am a 27-year-old female. I started noticing that I was going to the bathroom an average of 12 times a day. I was losing sleep because I would get up 2 or 3 times a night. At work, I was constantly running to the bathroom, which seemed like every hour. I went to my OB/GYN, who gave me a test and started me on 10mg of VESIcare. Within the first day, I saw instant results. I have been taking it for over a month, and about 2 weeks ago, I started to have severe abdominal pains, constipation, lower back pains, as well as light-colored stool. I lowered my dosage to 5mg, and everything seemed to improve until today. I experienced the same severe side effects again, so I had to stop taking it."

• fre...
• March 24, 2014

Solifenacin for Urinary Incontinence "I started using VESIcare about 7 months ago and it worked fantastic. Side effects are going to make me stop it today: dry mouth, raspy voice, blurred vision, sore throat, constipation, and leg cramps (we used to call them charlie horses). I am 81 years old and can't stand the pain in my leg all day and night, it's worse. But for the incontinence, it was a blessing not to have to run to the bathroom every few hours and not make it home from shopping without being wet. I have tried Detrol but get terrific headaches from that. I will see my doctor and hopefully we can work something out. I am on the 5 mg."

• 123...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 11, 2014

Solifenacin for Urinary Frequency "I am only 26 and was going to the bathroom every hour, and sometimes every half an hour during the day. I took VESIcare for 7 months and saw a decent decrease in the number of trips to the bathroom. However, I was often constipated, bloated, had a headache, and experienced a change in eye prescription. I stopped taking the medication and switched to another. It took 6 months before my eye prescription stabilized to where it had originally been before VESIcare."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 31, 2014

Solifenacin for Urinary Incontinence "I took VESIcare for interstitial cystitis, and it was life-changing! I'd go to the bathroom about every 7 to 10 minutes for a period of about 5 hours during the day and 3 to 4 times at night and pretty much incontinent. I was miserable. The only side effects I had were dry mouth and constipation. But me only going to the bathroom every few hours, less pain, and not waking up at night was worth it to me. I lost my insurance that paid for it and had to be off of it for a year and just now got assistance for it through my doctor's office pharmacy, and I couldn't be happier to get back on it and start feeling better!"

• nur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 19, 2017

Solifenacin for Urinary Frequency "My bladder was out of control! Having to urinate almost every 45 minutes to an hour. Seriously, I was going 25-30 times a day. It was awful. The doctor put me on VESIcare 5 mg. It worked great from the 2-3 days, however, after a week or so, my symptoms came back. He decided to put me on the 10 mg. At first, my mouth and eyes were very dry, I almost stopped taking it. I decided to give it some time and see what happened. The drug was a lifesaver for me, the dry mouth and eyes went away after the 2nd week. Constipation was kind of an issue, but I started using Miralax and had no problems at all. Well, that is until about 3-4 weeks of taking the 10 mg... It seems as though my symptoms are coming back."

• Jan...
• August 10, 2020

For Overactive Bladder "I started Vesicare (generic - Solifenacin Succinate) three months ago for OAB. At first, the medication worked, 10 mg daily, with my urge incontinence, so I was pleased with the results. After a week, I began to experience dry mouth, and constipation was a challenge, but I was also able to 'deal' with it due to the results from this medication, so I recognized that would be a trade-off. But when the lightheadedness started, on and off, that caused an additional problem that was far more challenging than dry mouth and constipation. The dosage was dropped to 5 mg on one day and 10 mg on another, alternating. The problem persisted, and after three months, I found that this medication was not working to its full effect. I called the doctor and stopped, and after three days, all side effects were gone - no more dry mouth, bathroom issues normal, and lightheadedness GONE! This medication made me feel terrible!! The side effects outweigh the benefits of this medication."

• Cri...
• November 15, 2019

Solifenacin for Urinary Frequency "My side effects from VESIcare are constipation, dry mouth, dizziness, sore throat, itching, and burning. I have some reduction in urinary frequency but not enough to justify the side effects. Took for 35 days."

• flo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 11, 2016

Solifenacin for Urinary Frequency "I'm 21 and recently started taking VESIcare, at first, it was 10 mg, but I literally could not poop. I would go 2-3 days without pooping and had severe heartburn. My doctor lowered it to 5 mg, and it helps a bit with the urinating, but I do notice in situations where I'm stressed it doesn't seem to work as well, but when I'm relaxed, it's perfectly fine. Also, with the 5 mg, I'm still having constipation and only poop about every other day, and I'm still having bad heartburn every few weeks or so. I'm not sure if I want to stick with this medication or not because I should not be having this bad of heartburn at 21."

• Sil...
• April 30, 2015

Solifenacin for Urinary Frequency "Have been on VESIcare for 3 or 4 years now and am on 10 mg a day. I remember the doctor saying that dry mouth can be a side effect, but now after reading all these comments about constipation and pain, etc., I'm a little concerned that she never warned me about these. Although I have never experienced these, if I had, I would have not connected it to being a side effect from the medication. I notice that if I stop taking it for a week or so, things get bad, and I have no control whatsoever. I feel like I will be on this medication for a very, very long time, but I guess it's worth it. Even though I am taking 10 mg a day, I still go to the toilet a lot, but I have some control back, which is great. People still comment on the amount of times I go to the toilet."

• 46f...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 12, 2019

Solifenacin for Urinary Incontinence "I was put on VESIcare after experiencing urinary incontinence while running. To the point that I could not hold it in before I got home. I also lost my urine during sex and was starting to have to rush to the bathroom within 2 minutes of feeling the need to go. VESIcare worked great! I go half as often, can wait up to 45 minutes before finding a toilet, and can run “home free”! However, the side effects are horrible. Feeling bloated, constipated, and feeling like I drank an ocean of salt water - all the time, day and night. Nothing could relieve this. I tried everything from laxatives to curcuma to fiber and water to changing my diet. The pharmacist said that was to be expected. But it was too much for me, so I quit the meds. Two days later, side effects are still in full swing, but all my symptoms are back! Quite discouraging. I am a fit person, 46, no kids, and sexually active. If this medication had less severe side effects, I would give it a 10."

• Wea...
• August 31, 2016

Solifenacin for Urinary Incontinence "Started 3 nights ago, 5 mg. I take it in the evening after dinner. On the first morning, I was constipated, but no side effects since. I notice a huge difference. My pads are staying dry. I smoke, and when I cough, it's the only time I leak now. My insurance covers it, and my co-pay is only $3.65. I can't wait to see if this works long-term. I'm lucky to have no side effects, as I seem to be allergic to everything. My metabolism seems to be slower than most people, so I think the 5 mg is enough for me. I worry about weight gain because I'm already considered obese. Before I started taking it, I would leak for no reason at all. I would have to use 4 or 5 pads a day. Nights were horrible, I would wake up soaked. Not anymore."

• Anonymous
• March 5, 2011

Solifenacin for Urinary Frequency "I got positive results after the first tablet. I stayed with the medication for two weeks but had to discontinue use due to constipation. In fact, the constipation was so bad in the second week I was giving myself enemas to get relief."

• LaT...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 14, 2015

Solifenacin for Urinary Frequency "Been having cold-like symptoms. Running nose, sneezing, stomach pain, constipation, heart beating too fast. I've been taking only 4 days but stopped today. Side effects are too much, and they're making me miserable."

• Anonymous
• December 2, 2011

Solifenacin for Urinary Frequency "The relief from 'leakage' was moderate to good, but I continued to have to use feminine hygiene pads. I was 'down' to six changes a day, which was a real improvement. However, I had no idea what real constipation was about and how severe it could be until VESIcare. All in all, the cost/benefit ratio just wasn't there. Speaking of cost, the price was outrageous."

• Giz...
• September 7, 2016

Solifenacin for Urinary Frequency "It was helping with the frequency. I still have bad days. Started it on March 16. I also have a problem with constipation. I don't eat or drink enough, have lost 2 and a half stone. As I live in the UK, I don't have to pay full price, just a prescription charge. I find I have become obsessed and anxious about it not continuing to give me some relief. I will be going back to the doctors for more help with this distressing condition."

• Hea...
• July 10, 2017

Solifenacin for Urinary Frequency "Besides the high cost, the effectiveness of this medication is diminished due to the side effects. I started on this medication for nine days and stopped. Constipation was the primary side effect almost on the first day, the worst I ever had, in addition to abdominal pain, slight headache, and bloating. My doctor did warn me about the side effects."

• Zoe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2016

Solifenacin for Urinary Frequency "Found myself getting up 4-8 times a day and needing the toilet a lot during the day. First prescribed 5 mg, and it did absolutely nothing, so the doctor upped them to 10 mg and still nothing except constipation. So I've stopped them and will just have to deal with it."

• Gra...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 23, 2023

For Neurogenic Bladder "I began taking solifenacin 2.5 years ago. At first, I struggled with side effects (dry mouth, constipation, anxious feeling). My doctor advised me that if I could handle it for a few weeks, those side effects should die down, and they did. I have MS, and my bladder has taken a hard hit, feeling like I always have urine in my panty liner, and feeling dirty sucks. It still happens here and there, but nothing like it used to. 6 months ago, my insurance stopped approving it. I tried other meds, and they were terrible! Finally got insurance to let me go back on this, and I’m so grateful!!!!!"

• Ton...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 18, 2019

For Urinary Frequency "I was prescribed this drug for overactive bladder after a urolift procedure. It was completely ineffective and caused more problems than it solved. The main problem being constipation. And with being constipated and pressing on the bladder, it was making the OAB worse. Discontinued the drug, but it has a long half-life of 48 hours and took 2 days to clear the system. Found ciprofloxacin to treat an underlying infection and a stool softener much more effective. I certainly wouldn't recommend it."

• Diz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 14, 2021

For Overactive Bladder "29 yrs old and had nasty UTIs around 5 years ago. Also had prolapses from difficult birth. But then UTIs were happening but no actual infection could be grown. Urethra would swell, spasm, and bleed randomly. Sometimes unable to pee but pushing and straining, needing to pee. Sex, baths, swimming, standing, and tight clothes all trigger these flares. I’ve tried everything, as have doctors. 6 weeks ago, my new private uro-gynae said to try solifenacin as it could hopefully act as an antispasmodic for urethra and ease the flares. After 2 weeks, I noted no difference or side effects. 4 weeks, I realized I hadn’t had a major flare-up. 6 weeks now and my urethra is doing really well. I’m still sore and uncomfortable, but the flare-ups that are horrific have eased. The issue is that the tummy pains, cramps, and constipation have set in. I’m sat with a hot water bottle, buscopan, trying to ease the cramps. I will continue and hope it eases, as these meds could really change mine and my children’s lives!"

• Jim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 29, 2016

For Urinary Frequency "3 days in on 10 mg per day, bloodshot, dry and sore eyes, vision problems, dry mouth, severe headaches, nausea, constipation, flu-like symptoms, helped with frequency, but I'd rather pee every 1/2 hour than feel like this :(("

• UK ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 2, 2014

For Urinary Frequency "Suffered urge incontinence for over 40 years. Now 77. Pelvic floor exercises, as advised by G.P., did not work, and incontinence (mild) and frequency, especially at night, was an increasing problem. Saw a consultant who prescribed solifenacin, and the improvement after a month is good - get up once a night instead of 3-4 times, so sleep better. Problem is side effects! Dry mouth and nasal passage not really a problem, but blurred vision and being dazzled by bright sun, car headlights when driving, plus some cognitive deterioration and constipation is proving a bit of a worry. Not sure if I will carry on long term."