Most children are not wetting the bed due to a real medical problem. In fact, for most kids, the bedwetting is entirely normal. Only your child’s doctor, upon full examination, can determine if medication might help. Having said that, some children do see an improvement with medication.
There are only two drugs for treating bedwetting that are available by the FDA. One thing to understand, though, is that these drugs are only useful if your child is wetting the bed due to an issue that can be treated by medication – such as an overactive bladder, which causes the bladder to let go of its content during sleep even if it’s not full.
DDAVP – Also Known as Desmopressin
This medication comes in the form of a spray or pill that the child takes prior to bedtime. The dose depends on the child, and you’ll start with one and go up or down as required. Basically, this medication imitates the antidiuretic hormone (ADH) that causes the body to produce less urine, while also making the urine more concentrated.
It can work well for sleepovers and when used part time, but you would need to try it out at home first. There are numerous side effects such as runny nose, headache, stuffiness, and nose bleeds.
Tofranil – Also Known as Imipramine
This medication is really an antidepressant. It’s been around for more than 30 years and often used to treat bedwetting. They don’t really know how it works, but it relaxes the bladder so that it can hold more urine comfortably without letting it go during sleep. Your child may experience side effects like constipation, anxiety, nervousness and other personality changes. Even death from accidental overdose has happened.
If you choose to give this drug to your child, pay meticulous attention not only to the dosage but also to your child’s reactions. Also, keep the mediation out of sight and reach of your child to help prevent them from using it on their own.
Drugs Not Approved but Used
There are some drugs that haven’t been approved explicitly for bedwetting, which nevertheless are sometimes used. Oxybutynin and hyoscyamine reduce unwanted bladder contractions and help deal with urgency and frequency as well as night-time bedwetting. They also have side effects like dry mouth, sleepiness, flushing, heat sensitivity and constipation.
One thing to note about a constipation side effect. Some kids wet the bed more if they are constipated. It’s essential to keep your child’s bowels regular, just like it is yours. It’s harder for a kid to deal with the effects of constipation and hard stools than an adult, so stay aware of this issue.
DDAVP and Tofranil drugs are the only drugs approved for treating bedwetting. Most of the time, they will not be prescribed unless there are other issues that need to be dealt with and a real physiological reason for bedwetting. Drug therapy doesn’t work without side effects, so it’s not the best way to go about it. Having said that, some parents have seen the results they desire.
