Oxybutynin oral tablets side effects: A detailed guide

This article describes possible side effects of oxybutynin oral tablets. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for oxybutynin. You can explore this overview article to learn more about oxybutynin oral tablets, including the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Oxybutynin immediate-release* oral tablet is a generic medication. It isn’t available in a brand-name version. Oxybutynin extended-release* oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Ditropan XL. Oxybutynin also comes in topical forms, but these forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about these forms, talk with your doctor.

* Immediate release means the drug is released into your body as soon as you take it. Extended release means the drug is slowly released into your body over time.

More common side effects of oxybutynin

Oxybutynin oral tablets may cause mild or serious side effects.

Below are some of the more common side effects of oxybutynin oral tablets that occurred during the drug’s studies. The more common side effects varied based on the form of oxybutynin prescribed.

More common side effects reported in people taking oxybutynin immediate-release oral tablet include:

• dizziness
• constipation
• sleepiness
• nausea
• dry mouth*

More common side effects reported in people taking oxybutynin extended-release oral tablet include:

• constipation
• diarrhea
• headache
• sleepiness
• dry mouth*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of oxybutynin in detail” section below.

Mild side effects of oxybutynin

Oxybutynin may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.

Mild side effects of oxybutynin oral tablets that occurred in studies include:

• blurry vision
• constipation
• diarrhea
• urinary hesitancy (difficulty starting or keeping urine flow)
• dizziness
• fatigue (low energy)
• headache
• indigestion (upset stomach)
• nausea
• sleepiness
• insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
• dry mouth*
• mild allergic reaction*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of oxybutynin in detail” section below.

These side effects were reported in studies of oxybutynin immediate-release (IR) oral tablet and oxybutynin extended-release (ER) oral tablet.

Oxybutynin oral tablets may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information for oxybutynin IR oral tablet and oxybutynin ER oral tablet.

Serious side effects of oxybutynin

Oxybutynin may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from oxybutynin oral tablets, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room.

After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with oxybutynin.

Serious side effects of oxybutynin oral tablets that occurred in studies include:

• irregular heart rhythm or palpitations (a feeling of skipped or extra heartbeats)
• central nervous system problems*
• urinary retention*
• severe allergic reaction*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of oxybutynin in detail” section below.

These side effects were reported in studies of oxybutynin immediate-release oral tablet and oxybutynin extended-release oral tablet.

Common questions about side effects of oxybutynin

Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of oxybutynin oral tablets. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Does oxybutynin cause long-term side effects?

No, long-term side effects aren’t expected with oxybutynin oral tablets. In studies, specific side effects weren’t seen in people who had taken the drug for a long time. Long lasting side effects after treatment ended also weren’t reported. (For details about oxybutynin’s studies, see the prescribing information for oxybutynin immediate-release [IR] oral tablet and oxybutynin extended-release [ER] oral tablet.)

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about possible long-term side effects with oxybutynin.

Is withdrawal a possible side effect of oxybutynin?

No, withdrawal wasn’t reported as a side effect in studies of oxybutynin IR oral tablet and oxybutynin ER oral tablet.

Withdrawal symptoms refer to side effects that can happen when you stop taking a drug your body is physically dependent on. With dependence, your body needs a substance to function as usual.

Although withdrawal symptoms aren’t expected with oxybutynin, symptoms of your condition may return or worsen if you stop taking the drug.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about stopping treatment with oxybutynin.

Coupon for oxybutynin

Visit these pages to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for oxybutynin immediate-release oral tablet and oxybutynin extended-release oral tablet when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs. 

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Side effects of oxybutynin in detail

Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of oxybutynin oral tablets.

Central nervous system problems

In studies, central nervous system (CNS) problems were rare in people taking oxybutynin oral tablets. These side effects may be mild or serious. CNS problems were reported in studies of oxybutynin immediate-release (IR) oral tablet and oxybutynin extended-release (ER) oral tablet.

Your CNS is made up of your brain and spinal cord. It functions as the primary command center for your body.

CNS problems reported in people taking oxybutynin include:

• agitation
• confusion
• hallucinations
• severe sleepiness

The risk of CNS problems may be higher when you first start taking oxybutynin. And it may be higher any time your dosage is increased.

Certain other factors can also increase the risk of CNS problems with oxybutynin oral tablets. These include being age 65 years or older or taking certain medications for dementia.

Ways to manage

If you experience symptoms of CNS problems, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend lowering your oxybutynin dosage or stopping the treatment.

Urinary retention

In studies, urinary retention was rare in people using oxybutynin oral tablets. This side effect may be serious. Urinary retention was reported in studies of oxybutynin IR oral tablet and oxybutynin ER oral tablet.

With urinary retention, you’re unable to completely empty your bladder. Symptoms may include:

• needing to urinate but being unable to do so
• being able to urinate, but not being able to completely empty your bladder
• feeling pain or discomfort in your abdomen or around your hips
• having a weak or irregular urine stream

Certain factors can increase the risk of urinary retention with oxybutynin oral tablets. These include bladder obstruction and certain digestive problems.

Ways to manage

Sudden urinary retention can be dangerous. If you suddenly cannot urinate and have extreme pain or discomfort in your abdomen or bladder, seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or a local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you experience mild symptoms of urinary retention, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend stopping treatment with oxybutynin. They can review other treatments for overactive bladder with you instead.

Dry mouth

In studies, dry mouth was the most common side effect in people taking oxybutynin oral tablets. This side effect is usually mild. Dry mouth was reported in studies of oxybutynin IR oral tablet and oxybutynin ER oral tablet.

With dry mouth, the salivary glands in your mouth don’t produce enough saliva (spit). This leaves your mouth feeling dry. It can also cause other symptoms, including cracked lips and dry throat.

Ways to manage

If you experience symptoms of dry mouth, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend lowering your oxybutynin dosage. Or they may suggest stopping treatment with the drug.

Allergic reaction

For some people, oxybutynin oral tablets can cause an allergic reaction. These reactions were rare in studies of oxybutynin immediate-release oral tablet and oxybutynin extended-release oral tablet.

Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:

• itchiness
• skin rash
• swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
• swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to oxybutynin oral tablets, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Warnings for oxybutynin

Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking oxybutynin oral tablets.

Warnings

It may not be safe for you to take oxybutynin oral tablets if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether oxybutynin oral tablets are a safe treatment option for you.

Before taking oxybutynin oral tablets, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:

• bladder obstruction
• dementia
• digestive problems, including ulcerative colitis
• heart conditions
• kidney conditions
• liver conditions
• myasthenia gravis
• Parkinson’s disease
• hyperthyroidism
• past allergic reaction to oxybutynin

Oxybutynin and pregnancy

It’s not known whether oxybutynin oral tablets should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

Oxybutynin and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether oxybutynin oral tablets should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

Oxybutynin and alcohol

Oxybutynin oral tablets are known to interact with alcohol.

Drinking alcohol while using oxybutynin can increase the risk of sleepiness and central nervous system (CNS) problems. These are side effects of oxybutynin. The combination may also increase the severity of these side effects. (For details about CNS problems, see the “Side effects of oxybutynin in detail” section above.)

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with oxybutynin oral tablets.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes common and serious side effects of oxybutynin oral tablets. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• How do side effects of oxybutynin compare with other treatments for overactive bladder?
• Does my health history raise my risk of side effects from taking oxybutynin?
• Will mild side effects caused by oxybutynin go away if I continue taking the drug?
• Should I avoid driving and similar activities when I first start taking oxybutynin?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.