Key takeaways
Darifenacin (formerly branded as Enablex) and solifenacin (Vesicare) are both medications used to treat overactive bladder (OAB), but they have some differences. Darifenacin is a urinary antispasmodic, while solifenacin is an anticholinergic and antimuscarinic medication. Both are taken once a day, but darifenacin is available only in a generic form, whereas solifenacin is available in both brand and generic forms. Darifenacin typically starts working within 2 weeks, while solifenacin may take up to 4 weeks to show improvement and up to 12 weeks for full effects. Common side effects for both include dry mouth and constipation, but darifenacin has a higher risk of causing severe dry mouth and constipation. Additionally, solifenacin can cause rare but serious heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation), which is not a noted risk for darifenacin. Both medications can cause dizziness and drowsiness, especially in older adults, and can reduce your ability to sweat, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion.
