If exercise and behavioral therapies are not successful, your doctor might combine these treatments with medicines. (Taking a medicine by itself rarely cures incontinence.)

Anticholinergic medicines relax the bladder and increase bladder capacity. Examples include oxbutynin and tolterodine. These medicines are most frequently prescribed for urge incontinence. They often are effective, but they can cause side effects, including dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and an inability to urinate. Newer medicines, including time-release and skin-patch formulas, may have fewer side effects.

•    Certain antidepressant medicines may also be used to treat urge or stress incontinence. An antidepressant may be used in combination with an anticholinergic medicine.