Which medication class is commonly used to treat overactive bladder?

Anticholinergics are the medication class commonly used to treat overactive bladder because they work by inhibiting the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that can trigger involuntary bladder contractions. By blocking these signals, anticholinergics help to reduce urgency and frequency of urination, which are key symptoms of overactive bladder. They can lead to increased bladder capacity and decreased urgency, improving the quality of life for individuals suffering from this condition.

Other classes of medications, such as antidepressants or antibiotics, do not specifically target the mechanism of bladder contractions and are therefore not effective treatments for overactive bladder. Diuretics, on the other hand, are used to increase urine production and can exacerbate symptoms in individuals with overactive bladder. This makes anticholinergics the most appropriate choice for effectively managing the symptoms associated with this disorder.