Reboxetine in therapy-resistant enuresis: results and pathogenetic implications

To investigate whether the norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor reboxetine is effective as a non-cardiotoxic alternative to imipramine in the treatment of therapy-resistant enuresis.

Twenty-two children with severely socially handicapping enuresis resistant to urotherapy, the enuresis alarm, desmopressin and anticholinergics (all children had tried all these treatments) were given reboxetine, 4-8 mg at bed-time, for compassionate reasons.

Thirteen of the children (59%) achieved complete dryness with reboxetine, either as monotherapy or combined with desmopressin. Side-effects were minor and did not lead to discontinuation of treatment.

Although the results of this study need to be confirmed in randomized, placebo-controlled trials, reboxetine may prove to be a useful treatment for therapy-resistant nocturnal enuresis.