This is a medication that I only use very occasionally for patients that have bedwetting. It is not meant to be used as a cure for bedwetting. It is just a band-aid.
Desmopressin, which is also known as DDAVP, is a small pill that simulates a hormone called vasopressin, also known as an anti-diuretic hormone in the body. This hormone helps to concentrate the urine when secreted. When the medication is given, it is telling the kidneys to concentrate the urine and not make as much urine. So, when taken at night there can be an improvement in the bedwetting. However, it can cause some serious side effects if taken for too long or if taken with too much fluid. Electrolyte abnormalities can occur, and if they are significant, they can lead to seizures.
I believe that if your child has been working on their bedwetting and they want to go to a sleepover or camp, DDAVP can be helpful in those circumstances. However, it is not effective in everyone and needs to be prescribed and monitored by a medical provider.
I wish there was a pill that can cure bedwetting, but it’s a process that takes a stepwise approach and lots of patience.