Hi @orlando27, that's somewhat concerning!!! I read about it on the same website that you forwarded to me re famprya, that we are both subscribed to. I did read all the SEs on their pamphlet, which have some fairly serious ones, inc 1 in 10 patients have blurred vision etc, to more rare ones such as liver disorders and renal disorders.

However, I literally requested it in the basis of the possible neuro-protective properties. Your SEs pale that benefit into insignificance! 

I have required med for my bladder for the whole year, but as usual, avoided it due to potential SEs. If this has this added negative, I'm most concerned about continuing to take it. 

Is there anyone who takes it, has significant benefits, without any negative side effects? 

Hi @orlando27, are you able to recommend a less toxic drug pls with the same aim?

@orlando27, this is my own paranoia re any form of drugs! Given I have issues with restless legs and spasms, I cannot afford to exacerbate them in any shape or form! 
Do you control both the urinary symptoms and the spasms through the combination of gabapebtin and preglabin? Have these symptoms improved at all after Lem in comparison to how they were prior, using the same symptom relief?
The current cold spell, combined with me being out more as on hols, is making the restless legs worse...

Orlando, how did you connect the anticholinergic effects to increased nerve pain incidentally ?

Hi, I take vesicare 5mg once daily. It's completely transformed my bladder issues, I no longer have 3/4 trips to the loo at night, I'm not hunting for the nearest loo whilst out and about with the panic that I may wet myself when I get there. 

It's been a game changer for me and I highly recommend it. 

I've had no side effects. 

Also have a look at Betmiga (uk). It's newer but works in the same way. 

Best practice before you start Solifenacin is to have a bladder scan to check you are not retaining urine, 100ml or over and you may have to SCU 

Hi @mousy and @orlando27, my I pad died before could press "submit". Will send when back from my break Tomo.
Mousy, when do you take the pill, am or pm pls?

Also , how long does it take to show that it has any impact?  Three nights have elapsed, and nothing! I'm still torn as whether I should take it bearing in mind the spasms issue. Do you know if it's commonly prescribed, as I just requested it to be delivered to a chemist near where I'm staying. My GP generally does not question things with me as he is aware how rarely I take any med unless I'm desperate! 

Hi, I take it am. I noticed a difference in the first week. 
I wish you bags of good luck with it. 



Hello Monica

I started on 5mg solifenacin and noticed some improvement within the first week and for a good few months. After that some symptoms of urgency and nocturia returned again, but i was told to up dose to 10mg solifenacin which is allowed. The only side effects i have is an extremely dry mouth at times. I also had retention so have been self catheterising for over a year. This helped significantly and continues to do so. 
This was before i had lemtrada last february. Since then again i had some improvements but not 100%, so they added in 0.2mg desmopressin for my needing to getting to go to the toilet at night which was disrupting my sleep - life saver but you cant use it during the day time! When symptoms were starting to return more frequently a few months after lemtrada, they added in Betmiga 25mg daily - HUGE improvements almost immediately, thank god. I was close to wanting Botox for my bladder. Have an appointment next week to see if this is necessary. Unfortunately despite lemtrada and my three meds and self catheterisation, occasionally urgency and accidents (although minor now) are still an issue, usually associated with walking. 
If you need the meds I really wouldn't worry about side effects. The results on improving your quality of life is worth it. 

Best wishes, Sinead

Thank you @sinead for your comments. I did not have an opportunity to really "test" the drugs as was too distracted with extreme nightly spasms. I discontinued in the event of the small possibility of a connection...may recommence at al later date. May research the night time option you mentioned!
Best wishes,
Monica 

Hi, I've just commenced this drug 2 nights ago for my bladder (and apparently Neuro protective), and was enquiring as to how long it takes for benefits to become apparent pls?