Tolterodine and Headaches: What Users Say

• Pat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 18, 2018

For Urinary Frequency "I started tolterodine 2 mg ER 2-3 weeks ago. Started working within hours. Was happy, no more pads for a couple of days. But started leaking some, but still it cut down on the rushes to the bathroom. However, even though it helped some, I could go through the night. Now the really bad part. I have splitting headaches all the time and feel very nauseous all the time. I am going to quit it now. On another hand, I had been taking Vesicare very successfully for 4 years until it stopped working. Now I'm back to square one. Anyone else experiencing this?"

• Acc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 10, 2014

For Urinary Frequency "I have been on tolterodine for about 9 days now, and I haven't had the embarrassing accidents, but during the day, I still go a lot, but not as often. On the other hand, I am getting more sleep, only getting up once compared to 5 times as I was used to. I do get mild headaches and really dry mouth, but it is worth it to not have to locate the nearest facility everywhere I go."

• 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."

• Aub...
• February 21, 2017

For Urinary Frequency "My bladder wasn't emptying properly, and so I was feeling uncomfortable all the time. It was affecting my life, as when it was really bad, I couldn't go out due to the pain. Took this, and it worked almost straight away. I would give it 10 out of 10 for the way it worked, but, and there is always a but, I got too many side effects... difficulty swallowing, runny and blocked nose, headaches, dizziness, and extreme tiredness, it was like having the flu. So sadly, I have to stop it. This is the second one I've tried, the other one was oxybutynin, but that was as bad, I could not pass urine. So back to the drawing board."

• Cou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 10, 2017

For Urinary Frequency "I have been on this med for a week now. The first couple of days were horrible, headaches, fatigue, and overall felt like a walking zombie, and on top of that, the drug didn't kick in until three days in. Day 7 now, and the drug has started working. I do not feel the overwhelming urge to pee myself during the day, which is wonderful. But I have my first appointment since starting it now, and I have to decide if the fatigue is worth it."

• sus...
• November 2, 2009

Tolterodine for Urinary Frequency "I started taking Vesicare for my overactive bladder, but it has stopped being as effective as it was for the past several years. My doctor gave me a sample of Detrol LA 5 days ago, and I've had side effects. I have had a terrible headache, fatigue, and just felt awful. Finally figured out that it correlated to when I started on the Detrol LA. I've called and asked to switch to another medicine. I can't function this way."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 16, 2013

Tolterodine for Urinary Frequency "I had Detrol and saw its effect in two days, but it gave me such an intense headache that I couldn't tolerate it."

• Anonymous
• July 21, 2009

Tolterodine for Urinary Frequency "I tried Detrol for overactive bladder, and it helped that problem. However, my headache increased, so my doctor changed me to Vesicare, which seems to be a little better."

• jus...
• December 2, 2010

Tolterodine for Urinary Frequency "I have used Detrol for two months, and it fixed the problem, but it gave me headaches every day. I am switching to Vesicare to see if it works for me."