Nortriptyline for treating enuresis in ADHD--a randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Treating enuresis in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has not been previously reported. This study aims to investigate the efficacy, tolerability, and adverse effects of nortriptyline for treating enuresis in children with ADHD.

METHODS:

Forty-three children aged from 5 to 14 years old were randomized into two groups. The treatment group received methylphenidate plus nortriptyline, while the placebo group received methylphenidate plus placebo. Nortriptyline and placebo were administered for 30 days and methylphenidate was administered for 45 days. The major outcome measure was parent-reported frequency of enuresis for 2 weeks prior to the intervention, during the intervention, and for 2 weeks after stopping the adjuvant therapy. Adverse effects were also checked.

RESULTS:

While nortriptyline statistically decreased the incidence of nocturnal enuresis during the intervention, the number of enuresis events did not significantly change in the placebo group. In addition, enuresis was not different from the baseline frequency of enuresis after stopping nortriptyline or placebo administration. Both nortriptyline and placebo were tolerated well.

CONCLUSIONS:

Administration of nortriptyline for treating enuresis in ADHD has not been investigated before. Nortriptyline is statistically superior to placebo. However, enuresis will relapse after stopping nortriptyline in children with ADHD who continue taking methylphenidate.

• Authors: Ahmad Ghanizadeh, Rezvan Haghighat
• Journal: Pediatric nephrology (Berlin, Germany) (Pediatr Nephrol) Vol. 27 Issue 11 Pg. 2091-2097 (Nov 2012) ISSN: 1432-198X [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 22700161 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors
• Central Nervous System Stimulants
• Methylphenidate
• Nortriptyline

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity (complications, diagnosis, drug therapy)
• Central Nervous System Stimulants (therapeutic use)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Iran
• Male
• Methylphenidate (therapeutic use)
• Nocturnal Enuresis (diagnosis, drug therapy, etiology)
• Nortriptyline (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome