Effects of milnacipran and paroxetine on overactive bladder due to neurologic diseases: a urodynamic assessment

Abstract

Aims: To determine the effects of milnacipran hydrochloride, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), or paroxetine hydrochloride, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, on overactive bladder (OAB) in neurologic diseases, given by objective measures of urodynamic studies.

Methods: This is a prospective open trial, and we enrolled 24 patients (16 men, 8 women; mean age, 63.9 years) with OAB in a neurology clinic. They were randomly allocated into two groups: the milnacipran group (11 patients), and paroxetine group (13 patients). We started with 100 mg/day of milnacipran or 40 mg/day of paroxetine. Before and 3 months after the treatment, we performed a urinary questionnaire and urodynamic studies.

Results: Milnacipran reduced daytime urinary frequency (average, from 9.4 to 7.1 times, p < 0.001), improved the quality of life index (p = 0.023), and increased bladder capacity (average, from 289 to 377 ml, p = 0.009) as shown in urodynamic studies. No such changes were noted in the other categories of the lower urinary tract symptoms questionnaire or urodynamic studies, or in the paroxetine group. One male patient complained of mild voiding difficulty. Other adverse effects were not seen during the observation period.

Conclusion: Milnacipran, an SNRI, increased bladder capacity as shown in urodynamic studies, and thereby ameliorated OAB in patients with neurologic diseases without serious adverse effects.