What Is Imipramine Hydrochloride Used For? (Cont.)

Imipramine Hydrochloride Uses for Bedwetting

Bedwetting, known medically as enuresis, is a common problem, especially in younger children. Bedwetting can be embarrassing and frustrating, and it is important to remember that it can be due to several different causes. Often, the child's muscle or nervous system develops more slowly, which makes it difficult or impossible to control the bladder. Sometimes, the bladder fills up too quickly during the night (for various reasons). Some children have trouble waking up and recognizing a full bladder. Occasionally, bedwetting can be due to anxiety or stress in the child's life.
 
While most children will grow out of bedwetting, sometimes, the condition does not go away on its own. Fortunately, many different treatment options are available. There are several different alarm systems (which go off at the first signs of moisture), bladder training (exercises and techniques to help the child with bedwetting), and medications. One of the medications approved to treat bedwetting in children is imipramine. However, the drug is not a cure for bedwetting; it often returns once the medication is stopped.
 

How Imipramine Hydrochloride Works

Imipramine belongs to a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants. It is not entirely clear how the drug works. It does, however, affect several chemicals in the brain (including serotonin and norepinephrine). It is thought that perhaps imipramine allows these chemicals to stay in the brain longer, which can help with symptoms of depression.
 
Imipramine likely works in several ways to help with bedwetting. One of the side effects of tricyclic antidepressants (like imipramine) is relaxation of the bladder muscles (which keeps the bladder from contracting forcefully). In adults, this can be a bothersome side effect that makes it difficult to urinate. However, it can also help children make it through the night without bedwetting. The drug may also have effects on the brain, hormones, and the sleep cycle (which may help with bedwetting).
 
(What Is Imipramine Hydrochloride Used For? Continued: Page 3)

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;