Tolterodine and Dry Mouth: What Users Say

• itz...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 21, 2013

Tolterodine for Urinary Frequency "62-year-old male with overactive bladder symptoms for 15 years. Seems to be caused by nerve damage in lumbar vertebrae. Was going to the bathroom every twenty minutes. Taking Detrol LA for nine years allows me to extend that to, usually, three or four hours between bathroom visits. Down to once at night, used to go several times at night. It does have side effects, like dry mouth, sluggish thinking, and a few others, but the trade-off would be to spend my life hovering around a bathroom."

• Bel...
• September 27, 2020

Tolterodine for Urinary Frequency "Third day on Detrol, it’s working beautifully. I have slept through the night for the first time in years. I went out yesterday without wearing a pad. My initial copay was going to be $300 for a 90-day supply. I put in for a tier exception with my insurance co. and was approved for a copay of $5 for a 90-day supply. So I am thrilled. So far, the only side effect is slight dry mouth."

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 14, 2019

For Urinary Frequency "I've been on tolterodine for 3 weeks now for my overactive bladder, and it's not helped at all. If anything, it's made it worse, not to mention side effects. Causes a very restless night, and they were supposed to help me sleep by stopping me from urinating at night, not keeping me awake. Also, I get constipation and dry mouth. I've stopped taking them for the last few days now, and I feel better already. I slept great last night, well, apart from having to get up 4 times for the toilet, but at least I get back to sleep straight away."

• oab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 28, 2021

For Urinary Frequency "I've been taking the generic version of this drug for a few months now. I have gotten used to the dry mouth and eyes, and it is only bad at night. I only notice a slight improvement in my symptoms, though, and I'm putting on weight really quickly. Does anyone else have this happen? Normally, my weight is fairly stable, and since Christmas, I've put on 5 lbs."

• Lin...
• July 28, 2017

For Urinary Frequency "I've been on it for a couple of days, over a week maybe, by like the 7th day, I started feeling slightly bloated/sick on my stomach. By the 9th day, it made me feel like I had a stomach bug, not to mention I haven't noticed any kind of bladder relief. Anyone else experience the upset stomach and diarrhea? Oh, and yes, extremely dry mouth."

• lul...
• August 5, 2016

For Urinary Frequency "My doctor prescribed this for bladder pain, as an anti-spasmodic to reduce the bladder contractions. I suffer bouts of I.C. and can honestly say that this has saved me! I was curled up in agony on the sofa for days on end, not able to function at all or even walk without pain. This drug gave me my life back. Yes, it does cause dry mouth and eyes (and I already have Sjögren's), but the pain subsided the same day I started taking it. I have lupus and fibro too, so am very wary of taking any type of drug, so just take it in half doses. I am weaning off after less than a week now, but will keep it handy for any future problems. I.C. pain is BRUTAL, so this is amazing. It can also cause headache, but this is manageable if you keep well hydrated."

• Anonymous
• October 26, 2009

Tolterodine for Urinary Frequency "Before using Detrol, I was up 2-4 times a night to urinate, plus there was severe urgency. After taking Detrol for a little over a week, all of these conditions stopped. I do have some dry mouth, but it is more than acceptable considering not taking Detrol."

• Smk...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 3, 2017

For Urinary Frequency "I've been on it for almost a week. Side effects are not fun. I am so tired, irritable, dry mouth, and walk around like a zombie. Dr. appointment Friday. Not sure if I should continue. Good news is I can fully empty my bladder now, still have urgency, and some pain when I try to hold it and get to the bathroom. Not sure if side effects will go away."

• vio...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 11, 2021

For Urinary Frequency "I have taken tolterodine for quite a few years now, they have been very good at controlling my urgency, although they cause a dry mouth, nose lining, and dry eyes at times. Before taking tolterodine, I didn't snore, and now I snore every time I fall asleep. Not very ladylike!"

• Smi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 14, 2020

For Urinary Frequency "I’ve been on the meds for 6 days. Of course, no relief since it takes 4 to 6 weeks. I did get dry mouth and constipation. This is because the meds relax your bladder and intestinal muscles. You are supposed to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day to offset side effects. Defeats the purpose of the meds."

• Val...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2017

For Urinary Incontinence "I took Bethanecol for many years to combat dry mouth from other medications. Eventually, it led to an issue with incontinence, so I discontinued. Several months passed, and the incontinence continued (apparently, it becomes permanent in some cases). My doctor prescribed Detrol/Tolterodine, but after 3 months the only change is the awful side effects-extremely dry mouth, eyes, sinus, skin, headache, increased lethargy, irritability, mental processing impaired, etc. But barely noticeable improvement of the urgency/incontinence issue. Also, my disability income can't sustain the copay (if it worked, it might be worth going without heat or something else). Hoping that I can discontinue without any added complications. Very disappointing."

• can...
• December 3, 2009

Tolterodine for Urinary Frequency "53 yr female, started using Detrol LA 4 mg approximately 2.5 yrs ago. Also tried Enablex and Vesicare. Insurance company dropped Enablex and now is dropping Detrol. Main side effects are constipation, headache, dry mouth. Headache goes away after a few days. Have gradually decreased dosage to 1/2 capsule daily, then 1/2 capsule 2-3x per week. This has relieved side effects and am still pain-free. Hoping to get off medication entirely eventually."

• Gan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 7, 2021

For Urinary Frequency "First week of tolterodine was good except for the dry mouth and throat. But after that, the dry mouth and throat got too bad for me to continue taking this. I would rather get up 2 to 3 times at night to the restroom."

• Gan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 7, 2021

For Urinary Frequency "First week of tolterodine was good except for the dry mouth and throat. But after that, the dry mouth and throat got too bad for me to continue taking this. I would rather get up 2 to 3 times at night to the restroom."

• 1...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 19, 2025

For Overactive Bladder "52 yr old male and was experiencing some sudden onset overactive bladder issues. I have been taking tolterodine 4 mg for 1 week now. It has cut my nighttime accidents by more than half. Only a little dry mouth and no constipation issues so far. My only issue is now I’ve had some daytime issues that I didn’t have before. Sometimes I have a 3-hour stretch in the middle of the day where I’m peeing constantly. I’ll give it more time than just a week because I’m loving getting better sleep and not having nighttime accidents."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 4, 2024

For Overactive Bladder "Worked well for OAB, but caused excessive dry mouth and sore throat."

• The...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2013

Tolterodine for Urinary Incontinence "I just received the medication today. So far, so good. My pad is dry. I don't have severe dry mouth."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 25, 2021

For Urinary Frequency "This drug has calmed OAB right down, side effects are dry mouth, but water solves that. Now I can plan trips out again and exercise properly, it's great."