Enuresis: causes, cures and cautions

Enuresis is a common benign condition that affects up to 10 percent of school children. Innumerable causes have been proposed: emotional disturbances, small bladders, infections, allergies, polyuria and deep sleep. In an effort to modify abnormal sleep, drugs such as amphetamine or imipramine are frequently prescribed. Imipramine is often very effective but its acute toxicity is not fully appreciated by many patients or their parents. Since accidental imipramine overdose is a serious matter, strict rules regarding its storage and use must be enforced.