A patient’s decision to take any prescription medication is a very personal one that requires the patient to weigh several variables, including the potential benefit the medication could provide as well as the possible risks. Most patients rely heavily on their doctor’s input, who, understandably, rely on information provided by the drug’s manufacturer. But what happens if a prescription drug manufacturer doesn’t disclose certain risks to a doctor? In this case, doctors are kept in the dark, which means patients don’t get all the information they need to make an informed decision about their healthcare.

While the symptoms of overactive bladder syndrome are certainly unpleasant, they pale in comparison to the life-changing impact of a dementia diagnosis. However, after several studies suggested a connection between Ditropan and dementia, many patients who took the overactive bladder medication Ditropan have recently begun to express concerns over a potential link between Ditropan and dementia. In fact, dozens of patients have already started filing Ditropan dementia lawsuits.

As we’ve discussed in previous posts, drug manufacturers have a legal duty to inform doctors and patients about the risks associated with taking their products. And when a drug company fails to inform the public about known risks or doesn’t conduct thorough testing prior to releasing a drug to market, the company may be financially liable for patients’ injuries. Those interested in learning more about a Ditropan lawsuit should reach out to an experienced product liability attorney for assistance.

Does Ditropan Cause Dementia?

Research shows that medications that block muscarinic cholinergic transmission, such as Ditropan, interfere with learning and memory. Cognitive side effects tend to occur if the medication crosses the blood-brain barrier into the central nervous system.

One study published by the Society for Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine, and Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU) found that the prolonged use of anticholinergic medications containing oxybutynin has been linked to an increased risk of dementia.

Another study examined brain samples of patients with Parkinson’s disease, with no history of dementia, who were taking anticholinergic medication for bladder problems. Moreover, plaques indicating Alzheimer’s dementia were found in significantly higher quantities in those using OAB drugs for greater than two years, compared to the control group who were not using any anticholinergic medications.

Additional research revealed that patients taking anticholinergics such as Ditropan had lower recall memory scores and executive function scores compared to those not taking these drugs.

Symptoms of Ditropan-Related Dementia

An overwhelming amount of evidence suggests that the side effects of Ditropan can cause dementia. Dementia refers to a group of symptoms that result from damage to the brain caused by different diseases, such as Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Mad Cow Disease. Ditropan-related dementia can cause the following symptoms:

• Memory loss,
• Difficulty concentrating,
• Mood changes,
• Confusion, and
• The inability to carry out daily tasks.

In light of these serious adverse effects, health agencies advise that patients using Ditropan should be monitored for side effects related to the nervous system, such as hallucinations, agitation, confusion, and somnolence. This is particularly important for older adults within the first few months of treatment or after an increase in their dosage of Ditropan.

Advanced Age and Certain Drugs May Increase Ditropan Risks

Advancing age may also impact the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, which may be an issue for older adults since nearly 70% of Ditropan patients are 61-80 years old. Furthermore, over 600 prescription and over-the-counter drugs are known to increase anticholinergic effects, which increases the risk of dementia for those taking Ditropan. The cumulative effect of taking these drugs can increase the risk of dementia in older adults.

More About Overactive Bladder Syndrome

Overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) is a chronic condition marked by urinary urgency, and it is often accompanied by nocturia, which is the need for frequent urination at night. It is a common disorder and affects nearly 33 million Americans and 30% of people over 65 years old. While some children and young adults may develop OAB, it is most common in individuals over 40.

OAB impacts the performance of many activities of daily living, such as work, traveling, exercise, sleep, and sexual functioning. Most patients report that nocturia is the most bothersome symptom, resulting in decreased sleep quality, depression, and quality of life.

Treating Overactive Bladder Syndrome

Generally, there are three primary types of treatments for OAB: behavioral therapy, medication therapy, and advanced therapies. Behavioral therapy typically includes lifestyle changes, bladder training, and pelvic floor muscle training. Advanced therapies often include Botox in the bladder, pelvic pacemakers, and nerve stimulation. However, after lifestyle changes, medication therapy is the most widely used treatment for OAB. The most common medications used to treat OAB include the following:

• Detrol (Tolterodine),
• Ditropan (Oxybutynin),
• Trospium,
• Vesicare (Solifenacin),
• Toviaz (Fesoterodine), and
• Myrbetriq (Mirabegron).

These anticholinergics and antispasmodics work to relieve stomach, intestinal, and bladder cramps. Studies have raised concerns about those prescribed oral oxybutynin, marketed as Ditropan and Ditropan XL. The common side effects of Ditropan include:

• Dry mouth and eyes,
• Blurred vision,
• Constipation,
• Stomach pain,
• Thirst, and
• Painful urination.

In addition to these side effects, there is a growing level of concern that OAB medications pose significant risks to older adults.

Patients who were prescribed Ditropan and were subsequently diagnosed with dementia, or believe they are experiencing the early signs of dementia, may have a defective drug claim against the manufacturer of Ditropan. However, these Ditropan lawsuits are exceptionally complex and require the assistance of an experienced product liability attorney.