Book Reviews:

Waking Up Dry

Seven Steps to Nighttime Dryness

Wet Knights

Medical Bedwetting Solutions

It is important to note that bedwetting in children is normally a developmental issue and will eventually cease as the child grows. However, as the child passes other developmental and age milestones (10th birthday for example), it may be time to consult a physician. The problem may have a physical cause that can be treated through drugs or surgery.

There are a couple of drugs that can be used to help stop bedwetting. They should never be taken except under a doctors care, and the patient, or the parents of the patient, should fully understand the side-effects and ramifications of the drugs being used.

DDAVP

DDAVP is a synthetic construct of a hormone that the body makes normally during sleep called antidiuretic hormone (ADH). The hormone has the effect of slowing urine production in the body. This drug has been approved by the FDA for use in controlling bedwetting. But it is not considered a long-term solution and is often used as a stop gap measure, for going to camps or sleepovers. There are often no side-effects, but they may occur. Side-effects include: headaches, runny-nose, stuffiness and nose bleeds. It comes as both a nasal spray and a pill which is taken just before going to bed.

Tofranil

Trofanil is an antidepressant. It has the effect of loosening the tightness of the bladder so that it seems to hold more fluid. This is a drug that absolutely must be taken in correct dosages, because overdoses can cause irreparable harm and even death. Given in correct dosages, short term side-effects are said to be few, but include anxiety, constipation, nervousness, and even personality changes.1

Ditropan and Levsin

Neither Ditropan nor Levsin are approved by the FDA specifically for bedwetting; however, some doctors will prescribe them. They are anticholinergic² drugs that reduce bladder contractions as well as other types of contractions.³ The side effects of these drugs include: blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, facial flushing, and fluctuations in mood.⁴

Homeopathic Remedies

There are homeopathic remedies available for bedwetting. Parsley leaves are thought by some to help control enuresis.5 Cranberry juice may be effective in cases where a bladder infection is at the root of the problem. Equisetum also called marestail or horsetail is recommended by many homeopaths⁶ and comes in most remedies designed specifically for bedwetting.

Surgical Remedies

For children, surgical remedies are generally not considered an option except in cases of abnormal development of the urethral valves, or the ureter. However, it is interesting to note that some connections have been made between sleep disorders like sleep apnea and enuresis⁷. In many cases curing the sleep apnea will end the bedwetting.

<< How to Use a Bedwetting Alarm | Adult Enuresis >>