Waking up in the middle of the night to see an embarrassed child who has wet his bed is a typical occurrence of parenthood. The Mayo Clinic says that bed-wetting is also known as nighttime incontinence or nocturnal enuresis. It states that bed-wetting prior to age of 6 or 7 isn't cause for concern. However, certain medications are available to treat bed-wetting if it persists beyond those ages.
Desmopressin
Desmopressin is a hormone medication that works to balance water and salt in the body. MedlinePlus says desmopressin is also used to treat diabetes insipidus, a condition characterized by thirst and excessive urination.
Diarrhea, abnormal thinking, a headache, weight gain, hallucinations and seizures are some of desmopressin's side effects. Desmopressin also causes muscle weakness or spasms, vomiting, nausea, a poor appetite, restlessness and irritability, says MedlinePlus.
Taking desmopressin with such medications as aspirin, ibuprofen, heparin or lithium requires alterations in dose, as this may lead to the aforementioned effects.
Oxybutynin
Oxybutynin works to reduce the muscle contractions of the urinary tract and bladder. Drugs.com says oxybutynin also treats overactive bladder, incontinence and frequent urination.
Oxybutynin's side effects include constipation, dry mouth, a runny nose, trouble sleeping and drowsiness. This drug also causes weakness, stomach pain, blurry vision, dry eyes, diarrhea and a runny nose, says Drugs.com.
Oxybutynin should not be combined with such drugs as ritonavir, flecainide, itraconazole or ipatropium, as these drugs interact and lead to the aforementioned effects.
Hyoscyamine
Drugs.com says hyoscyamine is an anticholinergic medication that works to reduce stomach and intestinal movement, as well as stomach acid secretion. Hyoscyamine also treats bowel ulcers or cramping and bladder problems such as cystitis.
Hyoscyamine's side effects include blurry vision, constipation, dry mouth, weakness and trouble sleeping. Nervousness, weakness, a fast heartbeat and hallucinations are hyoscyamine's other side effects.
Drugs.com says hyoscyamine can interact with antihistamines, amantadine, phenothiazine and tricyclic antidepressant medications. The combination of these drugs may elevate the risk of hyoscyamine's side effects.
Imipramine
Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant medication. Unfortunately, it is still unknown how imipramine decreases bed-wetting episodes.
Imipramine's side effects include drowsiness, nausea, anxiety, weakness, constipation and frequent urination, says MedlinePlus. Imipramine also causes blurry vision, trouble breathing, a sore throat and an irregular heartbeat.
It is important to understand that imipramine can elevate the risk of developing suicidal thoughts or behaviors, especially in children, teenagers and adults who are up to 24 years of age.
