Bed Wetting and Treatment with Oxybutynin (Ditropan) Part 2

One of the anti cholinergic drugs widely used to treat bed wetting is called oxybutynin (Ditropan). It is available as a pill and a syrup. The drug has to be taken 2-3 times a day for 4-6 weeks. Only in a few cases, does bed-wetting completely stop with Oxybutynin. Data indicate that less than 1/4th of patients with bed wetting respond. When higher doses of the drug are used, side effects become a problem.

The experts claim that oxybutynin works by reducing bladder contractions and decreasing irritability of bladder muscles. This leads to a delay in the urge to urinate.

Oxybutynin has been used to treat both children and adults who have daytime bed wetting problems from an overactive bladder. By relaxing, the bladder muscles oxybutynin has been used to control both night and day time bed-wetting.

The most common side effects of Ditropan include:

- Dry mouth
- Hot dry skin
- Stomach upset
- Runny nose
- Facial flushing
- Blurry vision
- Sensation of dry eyes
- Constipation
- Mood changes

So does this drug work? For the consumer, it is important to understand that anticholinergic drugs are not the first choice of medications for bed-wetting. Because of their side effects, they are generally the last choice.

The majority of reports indicate that the side effects of Ditropan are worse than the bed wetting it self. Its success rate is less than 20%. For the individual who has bed-wetting, this is definitely not the drug to use.