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Oxybutynin Side Effects
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Oxybutynin has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occurred in a group of people taking the drug were documented and then compared to the side effects that occurred in another group of people taking a placebo (a "sugar pill" that does not contain any active ingredients). As a result, it was possible to see what side effects occurred, how often they appeared, and how they compared to the group not taking the medicine.
In these studies, the most common side effects of oxybutynin included:
- Dry mouth -- in up to 71.4 percent of people (see Ditropan and Dry Mouth)
- Dizziness -- up to 15.6 percent
- Drowsiness -- up to 12.6 percent
- Constipation -- up to 12.6 percent (see Ditropan and Constipation)
- Nausea -- up to 10.1 percent.
Other common side effects, occurring in 2 to 9 percent of people, included:
- Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
- Headaches
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Diarrhea
- Blurred vision
- Bladder infection (urinary tract infection or UTI)
- Weakness
- Nasal dryness
- Feelings of a rapidly or forcefully beating heart (known as heart palpitations)
- Swelling or water retention in the calves, ankles, or feet
- Insomnia
- Nervousness
- Dry skin
- Dry eyes
- Changes in taste.
You may experience some or none of the oxybutynin side effects listed in this article. Unfortunately, there is no way for your healthcare provider to know beforehand whether you will have side effects from a medicine that you have never tried.
Therefore, make sure to let your healthcare provider know if you develop any side effects while taking the drug or if something "just does not seem right." While it may not be an oxybutynin side effect, your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD