Levsin SL

Examples of other anticholinergics include
Ditropan, Oyxbutinin, Urispas, Bentyl, Cystospaz, Probanthine, Banthine, Urised, Pyridium Plus, Hyosciamine

Why are these drugs prescribed?
Anticholinergics are a class of medications that are used in urology principally to relieve bladder symptoms, especially urgency (to urinate) and/or frequent urination, getting up at night to urinate, and sometimes bladder pain or spasms. These drugs have other uses in medicine as well.
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How do I take the medication?
The directions will be on the prescription bottle or container. You should follow the directions as written. Many times with the use of these drugs you will need a higher or lower dose, depending upon your tolerance to the medication and the symptom relief you receive from the medication. If you need your dosage changed we will discuss this with you for your special situation. Usually, hyoscyamine is taken in 0.125 mg pills by mouth or under the tongue every four to six hours. Occasionally, a double dose at bedtime is appropriate.
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What should I do if I forget to take a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. Do not take more than one dose at a time.
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What are the side effects of taking this medication?
All these drugs have somewhat similar side effects -- a drying effect of the mouth and skin. Some people will experience a little blurred vision. All these side effects are related to the dosage of the drug and will usually subside with lowering of the dosage or with discontinuance of the medication. The side effects will usually go away in a day or two when you stop taking the medication. Symptoms to watch for include:

Dry mouth
Chew sugarless gum; suck sugarless hard candies.

Increased sensitivity of eyes to light
Wear sunglasses.

Dizziness, nervousness, drowsiness, difficulty sleeping, weakness, headaches, loss of sense of taste, nausea, vomiting, bloating, confusion (especially in the elderly)
Contact us if these effects are severe or persist.

Fast heartbeat, palpitations, blurred vision, eye pain, difficulty urinating, constipation, skin rash, itching
Contact us.
In most cases, we prescribe these drugs to reduce frequency of urination. It is possible that we could relax the bladder enough that you will not be able to urinate at all. If reducing the dosage or frequency of the medication does not help, please call.
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What are the contraindications to taking this medication?
People with closed angle glaucoma should not take anticholinergic medication.
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