My husband took Flomax because he had an enlarged prostate. This was prior to his diagnosis of AD. It helped him urinate better..rather than little dribbles and drips, and having the urge to go throughout the night and day. (Think: Flomax: Increased Flow To The Max...thus the name)... I cannot see how it would help with incontinence, but what do I know???
Hi! My DH took Flomax, also for an enlarged prostate. Never heard of it for incontinence. As my DH became more incontinent, Dr never mentioned going back on it and trying it. Let me know if you try it..sure would use it!
My husband takes Flomax for an enlarged prostate also. Most of the usual incontinence medications have the opposite action to Aricept and Exelon so are off limits. Flomax might help either by ensuring better emptying or reducing muscle twitchyness.
pamsc--you are absolutely right about the meds given for prostate problems--they aren't good for men with dementia. Last summer my husband was put on Flomax and it didn't help with the leaking of urine he was experiencing. Then he was put on Avodart and it caused delirium. His urologist was unaware that it should not be used for dementia patients; and as pam said, they exacerbate problems that AD is already causing.
flomax also has a serious side effect which can occur which is Syncope, sudden fainting or severe drop in blood pressure. its why we had to stop the med several yrs ago. went to ER with very low BP and had to stay in til they could get it up again. the dr took him off it at that point. it relaxes the bladder muscles so that the bladder doesnt spasm and they can urinate and not retain urine. it does eliminate the dribbling thus probably making it seem it helps with incontinence and not having to rush to bathroom with dribbling sensations. divvi
Thank you for your input. Guess we will pass on the Flomax. Had a few bad experiences with it and I quit giving it to him, but was thinking of trying it again since he is now in Depends full time. Thought it might help and the doctor gave me the impression that could.
If you want a good laugh (wasn't funny at the time), he was on Flomax. We were out in the middle of Wyoming in a construction zone. He insisted that he had to "go right now". My brother was driving and we were at a standstill. I asked him if there was a woman driver behind us, and he said "yes". Hubby and I got out of the car and I held my sweater in such a way as to not offend the lady driver too much and he did his thing and I said to him "the things I don't do for you!" He just grinned at me. As I helped him back into the car, I waved at the people behind us, by then several cars deep. But anyway, it definitely makes the urge to go much more urgent. We had stopped not too long before that as well so that he could go to the bathroom, so he was really feeling it that day.
Husband is taking Flomax for frequent urination. The doctor felt if he wasn't sleeping and having to get up to use the bathroom that it may cause more problems with AD. I don't think this makes any sense, but what do I know?
Just want to pass this along--a geriatrician who sees my husband said there is a blood pressure pill that also shrinks the prostate, without the bad side effects of the other prostate drugs (for dementia patients). If my husband had the frequent urination problem, I would look into that, because he takes blood pressure med anyway.
This info was a surprise to read as in June 2009, PJ was put back on Flomax; with his prostrate problem back, he was also put on Avodart. He has taken Oxybutynin for 3+ years for frequent urination issue.
Our neurologist (spec in AZ) knows about these meds; our new geriatric phys saw list and even suggested increasing his Flomax to 2/d.
Last month we also learned that his leg problems is Lymphedema and in March he will begin treatment. Last week Neuro wanted to change to Aricept 23. After reading blog comments, went online and saw that diarrhea is added issue for Aricept 23. Can't handle that with leg wraps for the next several weeks.
PJ doesn't have blood pressure problems
Keeping up with med issues when doctors don't is major challenge. Thanks for all your comments.
NancyJ--your husband may not have a problem with those meds. Mine exhibited delirium shortly after starting the Avodart, that's why I knew it must be the cause.