There are multiple methods of treating enuresis. Your doctor can recommend medication, alarms, protective bedding or undergarments, and even behavior modification programs. Every child is individual in what works, and sometimes several things may need to be tried before treatment is successful.
Medication
There are medications on the market that have successfully treated enuresis in children (and adults). Some have better success rates than others and varied side effects. The risk of side effects must be discussed with your doctor in depth and weighed carefully.
Desmopressin (DDAVP) - This is a synthetic form of ADH (antidiuretic hormone). Most children have an increase in ADH at night. This causes them to have less urine. Many children who wet the bed do not have an increase in ADH. DDAVP comes in tablet form and a nasal spray. Success rates at 70% have been claimed while the child is taking the medication. DDAVP is considered to be safe and has few and rare side effects. Side effects can include a headache, nausea, runny nose and stomach ache. Occasionally an increased heart rate, chills, fever, rash or shortness of breath may occur.
Imipramine- This is a tricyclic antidepressant. This medication has been widely used over the years, but is not used as frequently now. The mechanism of action is not well understood. Because of the potential for overdose and severe side effects, Imipramine is not the drug of choice for many physicians. The side effects can include mood changes, insomnia, hallucinations, nightmares, excitement or anxiety.
Ditropan- This is an antispasmotic and helps the bladder muscles relax, hence reducing the bladder ability to contract and expel urine. Rare side effects include eye pain and a skin rash. More common, sour stomach or belching, constipation or diarrhea, dry eyes, mouth, nose and throat, headache, nausea and vomiting or blurred vision are possible.