What medication class is often prescribed to help manage overactive bladder symptoms?

Anticholinergics are often prescribed to manage overactive bladder symptoms because they work by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in the contraction of the bladder muscle. This action helps to reduce involuntary contractions of the bladder, leading to decreased urgency and frequency of urination. By inhibiting muscle contractions, these medications relieve symptoms associated with overactive bladder, making them a first-line treatment option for patients experiencing this condition.

Other medication classes, such as antibiotics, are used to treat infections rather than manage symptoms of overactive bladder. Antidepressants, while sometimes used in certain cases for their side effects—that may benefit bladder control—are not the primary treatment for overactive bladder. Diuretics, on the other hand, increase urine production and may exacerbate symptoms rather than alleviate them. Hence, anticholinergics are specifically targeted to address the underlying issues related to overactive bladder.