Solifenacin

[barry1010]

How long does my wife need to take these before she feels any benefit from them?
She has tentatively been diagnosed with interstitial cystitis

[Sqad]

Interstitial cystitis is notoriously difficult to treat and it will be at least 2-3 months before any improvement is noted.
This is a long term treatment , perhaps one year or more depending upon response.

[barry1010]

Thanks, Sqad, we understand this medication is just to help limit her number of trips to the loo but won't help with the pain.
She is currently alternating ibuprofen and paracetamol - she can't take aspirin - but is still in much discomfort especially during the evening.
She has a constant dull ache with irregular cramping spasms. Her sleep is badly affected both by the trips to the loo and the pain. Can you recommend anything to help with the pain?

[Sqad]

Sorry barry, I cannot suggest better pain relief than you are implementing.
Perhaps Gabapentin but discuss this with your GP or Urologist.

[barry1010]

Thanks again, Sqad

[tinkerbell23]

Agree with Sqad solifenacin takes months and can cause dry moth.

It can also be doubled to 10mg if needed.

Look into betmiga or tolterodine.

Cocodamol if toletated.

Drink plenty as we tend to avoid drinking when we have such symptoms but it actually worsens the symptoms.

Cut out caffiene , even de-caff.

She might need intravesical treatment if it keeps up for the cystitis.

Im so sorry…. Its horrible x

[tinkerbell23]

Could consider low dose nitrofurantoin prophylaxis also x

[barry1010]

Thanks, tinkerbell