www.incontinentsupport.org

It still baffles me that at the age of 38 and in generally good health I have suddenly developed UI. It started 5 months ago when I had too much beer to drink at an event and leaked (no one knew b/c I was wearing a multiple layered dress with ruffles). About 10 months ago I started Loxapine 10mg/day, an antipsychotic med. I read that one of the rare side effects of this drug is loss of bladder control. I've started doing more research and have read that about 30% of people on antipsychotics become incontinent. Read: "An exploratory study for bladder dysfunction in atypical antipsychotic-emergent urinary incontinence" https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5270270/.

I can't help but wonder if the medication, although I'm on a low dose, has caused the UI/OAB in me. Anyone else have similar stories?

Yes it is possible. I have UI issues from my Psychiatric medication. I’ve asked nurses and doctors in behavioral health units who said they see it all the time. Bed wetting is fairly common. My psychiatrist is aware of my situation but it’s extremely complex and outside his scope. You’re not alone.

I'm on thorazine and lithium and while my issues stem from nerve damage I'm sure these drugs dont help. But mentally I'm doing pretty well (minus the winter depression) so I would have incontinence problems without them so I opt to take them.

Justej, your incontinence began before the thorazine? Was it nerve damage from surgery that caused it?
I've talked to my doctor and I'm planning to reduce my dosage of Loxapine to 5mg/day starting Christmastime to see if there is any improvement in my incontinence/OAB. There's just a sh*tload of articles about the link b/w these meds and UI. I'll keep everyone posted w/ my results!

Icgirl - I've been on psychiatric drugs since 2000. I became incontinent when I fell down an escalator January 3rd of 2015. I broke my leg in 4 places and damaged nerves which paralyzed my bladder. I dont think I had any episodes of incontinence before that. I had a couple accidents when I first started lithium but who knows if that was the cause.

I'm so sorry to read about your accident, justej! I remember you mentioning that you were having surgery on your leg a few months ago. How are you doing now? Hope you are feeling better and on your feet soon!!