Bedwetting: Medications for enuresis

Bedwetting: Medications, a miracle pill?

Certain medications can be used to temporarily resolve bedwetting problems in children. It should be noted that these medications are primarily effective in cases of primary, monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis. Treatment should only be continued for periods of four months and a maximum of two times.

These "bedwetting" medications are based on an antidiuretic hormone derivative. The principle is to limit urine production during the night so that the child's bladder does not become full and therefore does not cause an accident in the middle of the night.
As you've probably gathered, this medication treats the symptoms, not the cause. That's why we are completely opposed to it . Furthermore, if you look at the list of side effects, many parents are likely to be truly frightened.

One example is desmopressin, the most prescribed molecule in France.

Furthermore, it should be noted that stopping treatment will almost always lead to a relapse (90%) if taking medication has not been followed by a background treatment such as psychotherapy in order to resolve the underlying causes of the child's enuresis.

In all cases, it is essential to consult a child psychiatrist to identify the cause of the enuresis and find an appropriate treatment. It should also be noted that medication can be combined with the use of bedwetting alarms to maximize results. However, we advise against this practice as the techniques are contradictory.