Interstitial Cystitis is a chronic disorder where the bladder is inflamed and has Hunner’s ulcers or hemorrhages. People with Interstitial Cystitis typically will experience frequent urination (up to 60 times a day for severe cases), pain and pressure in the lower abdomen, pelvic and vaginal area, and burning upon urination. Because of the pressure, Interstitial Cystitis patients will feel an intense urge to urinate. It will feel as though the bladder is extremely full, but very little urine is expelled. In Interstitial Cystitis patients, the protein (glycoaminoglycan) that protects the lining of the bladder from the toxins in urine has broken down. This in turn causes the bladder irritation and reduces the bladder’s capacity to store urine.
The cause or causes of Interstitial Cystitis is unknown and currently there is no cure. The symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis can seem similar to that of a bladder infection, but there is no bacteria found when a urine sample is tested. Interstitial Cystitis is treatable with using either a single medication, or for many patients, using a combination of medications and other therapies. Never try any medical treatment without consulting your physician first.
Elmiron
The most popular prescription medication used to treat Interstitial Cystitis is Elmiron. Elmiron is the only medication approved by the FDA to treat Interstitial Cystitis. Elmiron works by repairing the bladder wall with a protective coating over the inflamed areas. Elmiron may take anywhere from three to six months for the patient to see major results. Unfortunately, a lot of patients will quit taking Elmiron before it has been given a good chance to work because they expect to see immediate results. It took about six months for Elmiron to really work well for me but it was well worth it. I was able to introduce foods and drinks back into my diet that I hadn’t been able to tolerate prior to using Elmiron.
Like with any medication, side effects are possible. Common side effects with taking Elmiron include dizziness, drowsiness, blood in the stool, nausea, diarrhea, hair loss, headache, liver function abnormalities. While taking Elmiron, patients need to have lab tests run every six months to check liver functioning. If any side effects do occur, they go away once the medication use is discontinued.
Elavil
Elavil, a low dose antidepressant, is often prescribed to treat Interstitial Cystitis. Elavil works by calming the irritated nerves in the bladder and can help reduce pain. Elavil has to be taken daily and consistently in order to be effective.
Some side effects that may occur with using Elavil include weight gain, drowsiness, fast heart rate, dry mouth, blurred vision and constipation.
Pyridium
Pyridium is the prescription medication that turns your urine orange when you have a bladder infection or a urinary tract infection (UTI). As a pain reliever, Pyridium is excreted in the urine and it helps to soothe the bladder wall or lining. I was on Pyridium for a while but my urologist said it should not be taken long-term because of the harmful side effects. Taking Pyridium too long can cause the medication to build up in the kidneys.
Ditropan
Interstitial Cystitis patients often have the severe urinary urgency and frequency due to bladder spasms. Ditropan is a prescription antispasmodic that helps to calm the bladder and should then reduce some of the urgency and frequency.
Some of the common side effects from taking Ditropan include diarrhea, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, headache, blurred vision and dry mouth.
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