From the FDA Drug Label
Adverse Reactions ... Urinary: Dysuria, enuresis, nocturia, urinary retention ... In addition to the relatively common (i.e., greater than 1%) untoward events enumerated in the table above, the following adverse events have been reported in association with the use of benzodiazepines: ... incontinence and urinary retention.
Urinary Retention is a reported adverse event associated with the use of benzodiazepines, including clonazepam 1 and alprazolam 2.
- Clonazepam labels list urinary retention as an adverse reaction.
- Alprazolam labels also mention urinary retention as an adverse event associated with its use. Key points:
- Benzodiazepines may cause urinary retention.
- This adverse event is mentioned in the labels of both clonazepam and alprazolam.
From the Research
Benzodiazepines can potentially cause urinary retention as a side effect, though this is not among their most common adverse effects, and management options include dose reduction, switching to a different benzodiazepine, or considering alternative medications for anxiety or insomnia, as supported by studies such as 3 and 4.
Key Points to Consider
- Medications like diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), and clonazepam (Klonopin) may contribute to urinary difficulties in some patients, particularly the elderly or those with pre-existing urological conditions.
- The effect of benzodiazepines on urinary retention occurs because they can relax smooth muscle throughout the body, including in the urinary tract, and may also interfere with normal neural signaling that controls bladder function, as noted in 3.
- Patients experiencing urinary retention while taking benzodiazepines should contact their healthcare provider promptly, as this may require medication adjustment or discontinuation.
- Elderly patients are at higher risk for this side effect and may benefit from starting at lower doses with careful titration, as suggested by 4.
Management and Prevention
- For patients with a history of urinary problems, physicians should exercise caution when prescribing benzodiazepines and monitor bladder function.
- Alternative medications for anxiety or insomnia should be considered, especially in patients at high risk for urinary retention.
- Studies such as 5 and 6 provide additional context on the effects of benzodiazepines, though the most relevant information for urinary retention is found in 3 and 4.