Bed-Wetting

Medicines that either increase the amount of urine that the Reference bladder Opens New Window can hold (bladder capacity) or decrease the amount of urine released by the kidneys may be used to treat Reference bed-wetting Opens New Window. These prescription medicines may be used to control bed-wetting for a little while. They don't completely stop it.

• Medicines work well to control accidental wetting for short periods of time, such as when children are on overnight trips or at camp.
• Your doctor may suggest them for bed-wetting that is related to a stressful event, such as divorce or the birth of a sibling.
• Sometimes medicines are used along with other treatments or for children who have not been able to control bed-wetting with other treatments. Medicines can help to encourage and motivate a child who is having trouble with other treatments by letting the child feel what it is like to have dry nights.

Medicine choices

Reference Desmopressin for Bed-Wetting (DDAVP)

Reference Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) for Bed-Wetting (such as desipramine or imipramine)

In a few cases, when a small bladder capacity or overactive bladder is thought to be the cause of bed-wetting, oxybutynin (such as Ditropan or Oxytrol) may be used to treat bed-wetting, especially when the child also has Reference daytime accidental wettings.

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