7 Oxybutynin Side Effects and How to Manage Them

If you have sudden urges to go to the bathroom or find yourself needing to urinate more often than you’d like, you’re in good company. Millions of people experience symptoms such as these on a daily and nightly basis.

While some might associate these symptoms with older adults, they’re not considered a “normal” part of the aging process. As with many other health conditions, they can be addressed, treated, and managed.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB), your healthcare provider may recommend a medication like oxybutynin (Ditropan, Ditropan XL, Oxytrol). Oxybutynin helps manage symptoms of OAB by relaxing your bladder muscles; it does this by interfering with a chemical called acetylcholine. Unfortunately, blocking acetylcholine can have unintended consequences — such as anticholinergic side effects. 

Promotion disclosure

Oxybutynin

Avg retail price

$37.32(Save 75.27%)

GoodRx discount

$9.23

Compare all prices

But, there are steps you can take to manage these side effects. Here, we’ll discuss seven oxybutynin side effects and some recommended tips for managing them.

1. Dry mouth

Dry mouth is the most common side effect of oxybutynin, but it’s often manageable.

These are a few ways you can combat dry mouth on your own, such as:

• Sucking on ice cubes

• Chewing gum

• Using dry mouth lozenges

• Using a saliva substitute

• Decreasing caffeine intake

• Reducing alcohol consumption

Oxybutynin also comes in multiple forms. One form is an immediate-release (IR) tablet that’s taken multiple times a day. The extended-release (ER) tablet only needs to be taken once a day. In clinical studies, people taking oxybutynin ER had dry mouth about half as often as those taking oxybutynin IR. The topical patch version of oxybutynin also has lower rates of dry mouth. 

If your dry mouth is severe or persists for a long time, you should contact your care team. They may switch you to another OAB medication that’s less likely to cause dry mouth. Untreated, chronic dry mouth can lead to problems like infection and tooth decay.

2. Constipation

While it’s not as common as dry mouth, you may experience constipation while taking oxybutynin. Thankfully, a proactive mindset can help address this. 

Many people don’t drink enough water, eat enough fiber, or get enough physical activity throughout the day. These tendencies can raise the risk of constipation, with or without oxybutynin. Incorporating them into your daily routine is a first step to prevent and manage constipation. If this isn’t effective, you can ask your pharmacist for a laxative recommendation that would be appropriate for you.

Let your healthcare provider know if you experience persistent constipation after starting oxybutynin. They may change you to a longer-acting form of the medication or lower your dose. People who take oxybutynin ER generally have fewer instances of constipation than those taking oxybutynin IR. As an alternative, they may switch you to another treatment altogether. 

3. Upset stomach

Some people report abdominal discomfort, nausea, or other gut-related side effects after starting oxybutynin. But they’re not quite as common as dry mouth and constipation.

If you have symptoms like these, know that small dietary changes can make a difference. Adequate hydration and avoiding trigger foods, such as spicy foods, are good starting points. Smaller, more frequent meals in the place of larger, less frequent ones can also help. When needed, you can ask your healthcare provider about products such as ginger, peppermint, or Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate).

If you’re still feeling queasy, let your provider know. They can recommend a number of things to help manage an upset stomach, including changing the dose of your medication or switching you to another OAB treatment.

4. Blurry vision

As we get older, our vision may get fuzzier. But if you’re experiencing new or worsening blurry vision after starting oxybutynin, it might be a side effect of your medication. 

This is another side effect that can often be managed by switching from oxybutynin IR to oxybutynin ER. But if you have any sudden or persistent changes in your vision, it’s a good idea to contact your care team as soon as you can. This may be a sign of a more serious condition.

5. Dizziness and drowsiness

Some people taking oxybutynin have reported feeling dizzy or drowsy. These symptoms are often just an inconvenience. But they can be dangerous while you’re driving or performing other high-alert tasks. They can raise your risk of an accidental fall, too.

Again, you may be able to skip this side effect by switching to oxybutynin ER. Taking your daily dose close to bedtime can help too. If you tend to have trouble falling asleep, you might even be able to benefit from this side effect.

6. Other brain-related side effects, including insomnia

Some people have the opposite reaction to oxybutynin, as it’s possible to experience insomnia. If it happens, you can try adopting a consistent bedtime routine and avoiding caffeine late in the day. Minimizing naps and avoiding screens close to bedtime may also help. However, if you practice good sleep hygiene habits and your insomnia doesn’t seem to be letting up, it may be time to contact your care team.

Headaches are also possible. They may be due to oxybutynin, something else, or some combination of the two. Over-the-counter headache medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), can provide temporary relief. But make sure to loop in your provider if your headache is lasting more than a few days.

7. Difficulty urinating

Oxybutynin can sometimes work too well. In some cases, you may have difficulty urinating after starting oxybutynin. This includes straining to pee or only being able to void small amounts of urine at a time.

This overcorrection can be problematic. But it can be treated in a number of ways, including trying oxybutynin ER or receiving a dose adjustment.

Good to know: Severe lower abdominal pain or fever and chills alongside urination troubles can be symptoms of something more serious. In this case, reach out to your care team right away.

When to contact a healthcare provider about oxybutynin side effects

You should contact your healthcare provider if you develop any bothersome or long-lasting side effects. They can make adjustments to help you manage oxybutynin side effects, such as changing the formulation of your medication, lowering your dose, or even switching medications. In some cases, it takes a combination of approaches to achieve a dose that’s tolerable and effective for your symptoms.

In other situations, you may need to see a healthcare professional more urgently. In rare cases, if you’re taking high doses of multiple medications that block acetylcholine, you may experience anticholinergic toxicity. Signs and symptoms of anticholinergic toxicity may include:

• Skin flushing

• Dry skin or eyes

• Decreased sweating

• Dilated pupils

• Confusion

• High body temperature

• Difficulty urinating

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Mandeep Sohal, PharmD

Mandeep Sohal, PharmD, has more than 7 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and is licensed in California. In his career, he’s had experience with specialty pharmacy, community pharmacy, pharmacy benefit management, and pharmaceutical manufacturers.

Edited by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

Reviewed by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts