If no underlying medical condition is causing your child to wet the bed, there is no real medical need to treat your child. Bedwetting tends to go away by itself. However, if after talking to your child's doctor you decide to treat your child with medications, several drug therapies are available.

The two drugs approved by the FDA specifically for bedwetting are DDAVP and Tofranil. Other medications used to treat bedwetting, which are not specifically approved for bedwetting, include Ditropan and Levsin.

Drug therapy does not work for everyone, and these medications can have significant side effects. Talk to your child's doctor to determine if drug therapy is right for your child.

Drug Therapy

DDAVP

DDAVP is a synthetic form of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), a substance that occurs naturally in the body. This drug works by imitating ADH in the body, which increases the concentration of the urine and reduces the amount of urine. Its main use is for children who have not been helped by an alarm. It is also used as a stopgap measure to help children attend camps or sleepovers without embarrassment. It is an FDA-approved treatment for bedwetting.

DDAVP comes as a nasal spray or pill and is taken before bedtime. The dose is adjusted until effective. Once it is working, the dose is tapered, if possible.

Side effects of DDAVP are uncommon but may include:

Headache
Runny nose
Nasal stuffiness
Nose bleeds

Tofranil

Tofranil is a tricyclic antidepressant that has been used to treat bedwetting for about 30 years. How it works is not clear, but it is known to have a relaxing effect on the bladder, allowing the bladder to hold more urine comfortably.

Side effects tend to be rare with correct dosage but may include:

Nervousness
Anxiety
Constipation
Personality changes

Warning

Tofranil can have toxic side effects if taken improperly. Deaths have been attributed to accidental overdoses.

Ditropan and Levsin

Ditropan and Levsin work by reducing unwanted bladder contractions. Side effects may include:

Dry mouth
Drowsiness
Flushing
Heat sensitivity
Constipation

WebMD Medical Reference

View Article Sources Sources

Reviewed by Leonard J. Sonne, MD on January 01, 2007

Sleep Disorders Guide

Overview & Facts

Symptoms & Types

Diagnosis & Tests

Treatment & Care

Living & Managing

Support & Resources

Depression Symptoms — Treatment May Help

Important Safety Information Full Prescribing Information

Real Migraines, Real People

Learn How TOPAMAX Can Help from Patients Who Have Been There

Important Safety Information | Prescribing Information

TOPAMAX is approved for migraine prevention in adults only.
TOPAMAX is not used to stop a migraine after it starts.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Serious risks associated with TOPAMAX include lowered bicarbonate levels in the blood resulting in an increase in the acidity of the blood (metabolic acidosis). Symptoms could include hyperventilation (rapid, deep breathing), tiredness, loss of appetite, irregular heartbeat or changes in the level of alertness. Call your doctor immediately if you get these symptoms. Your doctor may want to do simple blood tests. Chronic, untreated metabolic acidosis may increase the risk for kidney stones or bone disease.

Other serious risks include decreased sweating, increased body temperature, kidney stones, sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and increased eye pressure (glaucoma). Call your doctor immediately if you have any decrease in vision or eye pain. These problems can lead to blindness if not treated right away.

More common side effects are tingling in arms and legs, loss of appetite, tiredness, nausea, diarrhea, taste change and weight loss.

Tell your doctor about other medications you take. Please see full U.S. Prescribing Information.

WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.