Pee & Urine Issues - Pain, Bed-Wetting, Amount & Frequency / Question
Published: July 17, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I have been on the DDAVP medicine for bedwetting for a long time- almost 3 years. Is there something I can do to wean myself off the medicine before I go off to college in the fall? By the way, I'm a 17-year-old female.
Signed: 17 and DDAVP
Dear 17 and DDAVP,
Bedwetting is actually a very common problem that can persist well into the teen years.
No medication has been convincingly shown to cure bedwetting. Desmopressin (DDAVP) is used as a bedwetting management drug. It acts to decrease urine production at night. It is generally considered safe. Many patients have their bedwetting return when they stop using DDAVP. Fortunately, however, many patients stop bedwetting as they get older, so you may have "outgrown" your bedwetting by now. It may be worth seeing if your bedwetting has resolved by stopping the DDAVP under the direction of the prescribing physician.
The drug will not cure the underlying problem that causes bedwetting and is used temporarily to control the problem while time alone will help someone outgrow the problem. Bedwetting, unfortunately, has a very negative stigma attached to it. Many individuals who suffer from this disorder go through great lengths to keep it from others, out of fear of being ridiculed. Sleeping outside the home is a source of great anxiety and is usually avoided. Judging by your concern about college, you probably have dealt with this worry your whole life.
Some alternative methods you could try to decrease urine production at night are:
- Conditioning alarms, which are sensitive to wetness and wake you up.
- Avoiding caffeinated beverages in general, such as tea, coffee and colas.
- Avoid drinking any beverages before going to bed.
- Empty your bladder before going to bed.
The most important thing you need to do before you start to wean yourself off DDAVP is talk to your doctor. If you do not have a doctor and live in Northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center For Health at 973.971.6475 for an appointment.
When managing this problem it is important to make sure there are no underlying diseases, such as diabetes, urinary tract infections, etc. which might be causing this condition. Ask what treatment is best for you and if there are any alternatives to what you have been trying.
Bedwetting is a very sensitive issue that can have social complications. Your doctor will probably be happy to work out a plan with you so that your treatment will not have a great impact on you socially or interfere with college life.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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