Introduction
Clozapine is the gold standard antipsychotic for treatment-refractory schizophreniaReference Siskind, McCartney, Goldschlager and Kisely 1 and has been shown to reduce rates of hospitalisation,Reference Land, Siskind, Mcardle, Kisely, Winckel and Hollingworth 2 as well as to reduce overall mortality compared with other antipsychotics.Reference Vermeulen, van Rooijen, van de Kerkhof, Sutterland, Correll and de Haan 3 Haematological,Reference Myles, Myles and Xia 4 metabolic,Reference Siskind, Leung, Russell, Wysoczanski and Kisely 5 and cardiacReference Siskind, Sidhu and Cross 6 adverse events are well known. However, clozapine can also be associated with other side effects, such as nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence, which significantly impact on quality of life, and is associated with noncompliance.Reference Dhillon and Heun 7 The prevalence of nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence is thought to be underreported and may affect up to 40% of those prescribed clozapine.Reference Dhillon and Heun 7 Some cases may spontaneously resolve, although many demonstrate chronicity and impact quality of life. Patients may experience stigma, embarrassment, loss of quality sleep, impaired sexual function, and dissatisfaction with hygiene, in addition to the cost of incontinence supplies and additional laundry.Reference Dhillon and Heun 7 – Reference Warner, Harvey and Barnes 11
Clozapine has a higher incidence of nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence than other second-generation antipsychotics, the mechanisms likely being multifactorial in nature.Reference Harrison-Woolrych, Skegg, Ashton, Herbison and Skegg 12 For instance, bladder continence is mediated by β-adrenergic relaxation of smooth bladder muscle and α-adrenergic constriction of the trigone muscle and internal sphincter.Reference Warner, Harvey and Barnes 11 , Reference Wein 13 , Reference Kho and Nielsen 14 Clozapine-induced α1 blockade may therefore cause urinary sphincter relaxation, as well as blockade of parasympathetic neurons innervating the bladder, known as the pudendal reflex, via antagonism of 5-HT2 or 5-HT3 receptors.Reference Wein 13 Clozapine use may also result in urinary retention and overflow incontinence through anticholinergic action, while agonism on 5-HT1A receptors may stimulate the micturition reflex. Furthermore, clozapine-induced sedation and prolongation of non-rapid eye movement (REM) sleep may prevent patients from waking in response to a full bladder.Reference Hinze-Selch, Mullington, Orth, Lauer and Pollmächer 15 Urinary incontinence may also be the result of a decrease or imbalance of dopaminergic or noradrenergic systems in the basal ganglia secondary to clozapine treatment.Reference Ambrosini 16 In addition, urinary incontinence is a well-established symptom of psychosis and may indicate clinical deterioration or relapse of psychotic symptoms.Reference Berrios 17
A range of medications are currently used to treat nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence, including desmopressin, anticholinergics, tricyclic antidepressants, α-agonists, sodium valproate, bethanechol, aripiprazole, and verapamil. However, there is limited guidance for the pharmacological treatment of clozapine-induced nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence. We conducted a systematic review to assess the effectiveness of pharmacological and nonpharmacological options, their associated side effect profiles, and the quality of evidence, in order to provide guidance to clinicians, patients, and carers.
Methods
PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Trial Registry databases from inception to May 2021 were searched using the terms: Clozapine OR Clopine OR Clozaril OR Zaponex AND enuresis OR incontinence OR urin* OR “bed wetting.” Studies were not limited by language, and all article types, including conference posters and abstracts, were included. References for selected articles were cross-checked for further studies. Search and screening at title, abstract, and then full text level was conducted independently by three authors (T.T., L.M., and E.W.). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses statement recommendations were followed, and this study was preregistered with The International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42020138221).Reference Booth, Clarke and Dooley 18 , 19
Studies were included if the participants experienced clozapine-induced nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence and reported an intervention. There were no restrictions on age, gender, comorbidities, adjunct therapies, or diagnosis. All study designs were included where available, including case reports, case series, observational studies, and RCTs. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool appropriate for that design.Reference dos Santos, Secoli and Püschel 20
The prespecified variables for collection included demographics, medical and psychiatric history, medications, including clozapine dose and plasma level, clozapine-associated adverse events, and the enuresis intervention. Complete enuresis treatment response was defined as continence, either based on reports from patients or staff or the absence of urine stains on sheets or clothing. Partial enuresis treatment response was defined as a reduction in volume or a reduction in enuresis frequency. Missing data or nonindividualized data from case series were noted and documented as “not reported.” Data extraction was conducted by two researchers (L.M. and E.W.) and validated by a third (T.T.). Descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis were employed.
Results
There were 1283 unique articles identified after removal of duplicates in the databases (Figure 1). Of these, 1261 studies were excluded at title and abstract level. This left 22 included studies (14 case reports and 8 case series) published between 1994 and 2020 that described pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment of clozapine-induced nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence. There were no other study designs.
Figure 1. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram.
Source: Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman DG, The PRISMA Group. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement. PLoS Med. 2009;6(7):e1000097. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1000097. For more information, visit www.prisma-statement.org.
The 22 case reports and case series described 74 patients (Table 1). There were 35 males and 22 females, with gender not reported in 17 patients. Age was reported in 53 patients and ranged from 16 to 69 years old with a mean age of 38.6 years (SD 9.5). Patient diagnoses included schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder. Clozapine dose ranged from 50 to 900 mg. Clozapine plasma levels were reported in seven patients and ranged from 290 to 760 ug/L.Reference Kho and Nielsen 14 , Reference Apantaku-Olajide 21 – Reference Ginsberg 24 Seven studies were recorded in an inpatient setting,Reference English, Still, Harper and Saklad 23 – Reference Steingard 28 and one in an outpatient setting,Reference Mehtar and Ucok 29 whereas the remaining studies did not report the setting. Timing of enuresis ranged from 1 to 90 days after commencement of clozapine (median: 21 days). Four patients (5%) had urinary incontinence prior to commencing clozapine. Other reported clozapine-induced adverse events included sialorrhea (eight patients),Reference Fuller, Borovicka, Jaskiw, Simon, Kwon and Konicki 26 , Reference Aggarwal, Garg and Jiloha 30 – Reference Selvaraj, Parlikar, Damodharan, Narayanaswamy and Venkatasubramanian 35 sedation (three patients),Reference Fuller, Borovicka, Jaskiw, Simon, Kwon and Konicki 26 , Reference Poyurovsky, Modai and Weizman 33 , Reference Praharaj and Arora 34 constipation (two patients),Reference Pojurovsky, Schneidman, Mark and Weizman 32 , Reference Praharaj and Arora 34 weight gain (two patients),Reference Pojurovsky, Schneidman, Mark and Weizman 32 , Reference Poyurovsky, Modai and Weizman 33 tremor (one patient),Reference Pojurovsky, Schneidman, Mark and Weizman 32 worsening OCD symptoms (one patient),Reference Pojurovsky, Schneidman, Mark and Weizman 32 diaphoresis (one patient),Reference Pojurovsky, Schneidman, Mark and Weizman 32 tachycardia (one patient),Reference Poyurovsky, Modai and Weizman 33 and overeating (one patient).Reference Poyurovsky, Modai and Weizman 33 Table 1 provides a summary of the results and safety considerations.
Table 1. Summary of Results
a Unable to calculate mean and SD of dosage due to lack of data.
The studies were of varying quality, as assessed using the Johannes Briggs clinical appraisal tool. In particular, a failure to report patient demographics and characteristics, psychiatric symptoms and diagnosis, lack of validated rating scales for nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence, and adverse events of interventions was common. A summary of the study quality and a composite score has been presented in Table 2.
Table 2. Johannes Briggs Study Quality and Composite Score
Nonpharmacological and Other Management Options
Four studies trialed clozapine dose reduction, with data for 12 patients.Reference English, Still, Harper and Saklad 23 , Reference Steingard 28 , Reference Lee and Kim 31 , Reference Bhirud and Shah 36 All 12 patients achieved full resolution, although three achieved resolution alongside the use of intranasal desmopressin,Reference English, Still, Harper and Saklad 23 , Reference Steingard 28 and aripiprazole.Reference Lee and Kim 31 Splitting clozapine into twice-daily dosing was unsuccessful for one patient.Reference Aggarwal, Garg and Jiloha 30 Cessation of clozapine and change to olanzapine was successful for one patient.Reference Kho and Nielsen 14 Two of five patients managed with behavioral interventions showed full resolution.Reference Frankenburg, Kando, Centorrino and Gilbert 9 , Reference Dadlani and Austin 22 , Reference Fuller, Borovicka, Jaskiw, Simon, Kwon and Konicki 26 , Reference Selvaraj, Parlikar, Damodharan, Narayanaswamy and Venkatasubramanian 35 , Reference Palaniappan 37 For four patients, symptoms of nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence self-resolved with no change in clozapine therapy, behavioral, or pharmacological intervention.Reference Mehtar and Ucok 29 , Reference Bhirud and Shah 36
Pharmacological Interventions
Antipsychotics
Aripiprazole
Two studiesReference Lee and Kim 31 , Reference Palaniappan 37 used aripiprazole with data on three patients at a dose of 10 to 15 mg/d. All three participants experienced complete resolution of symptoms approximately 2 to 3 months after commencement of aripiprazole. Neither study reported on adverse effects.
Antidiuretic hormone
Desmopressin
Five case reports and two case seriesReference Frankenburg, Kando, Centorrino and Gilbert 9 , Reference English, Still, Harper and Saklad 23 , Reference Ginsberg 24 , Reference Steingard 28 , Reference Aronowitz, Safferman and Lieberman 38 – Reference Luche and Francois 40 used desmopressin spray at doses of 1 to 2 sprays (10 mcg/0.1 mL) into each nostril once daily with data for 11 patients. Four studiesReference Frankenburg, Kando, Centorrino and Gilbert 9 , Reference Ginsberg 24 , Reference Steingard 28 , Reference Aronowitz, Safferman and Lieberman 38 reported that desmopressin was used at nighttime, whereas three studiesReference English, Still, Harper and Saklad 23 , Reference Lurie, Hosmer and Fuller 39 , Reference Luche and Francois 40 did not report the time of administration. Nocturnal enuresis fully resolved in 10 of 11 patients. In one case,Reference Ginsberg 24 desmopressin was ceased due to life-threatening hyponatremia before any response was observed. In two cases,Reference English, Still, Harper and Saklad 23 , Reference Steingard 28 the patients experienced no adverse events. Adverse events were not reported for eight cases.Reference English, Still, Harper and Saklad 23 , Reference Ginsberg 24 , Reference Steingard 28
Anticholinergics
Oxybutynin
Two case seriesReference Frankenburg, Kando, Centorrino and Gilbert 9 , Reference Lurie, Hosmer and Fuller 39 used oxybutynin at doses of 5 to 15 mg daily with outcome data for 10 patients. Symptoms completely resolved in all 10 patients. Three other publicationsReference Apantaku-Olajide 21 , Reference Dadlani and Austin 22 , Reference Fuller, Borovicka, Jaskiw, Simon, Kwon and Konicki 26 reported data for four patients whom previously trialed oxybutynin without success. No studies reported on adverse effects.
Benztropine
One case seriesReference Fuller, Borovicka, Jaskiw, Simon, Kwon and Konicki 26 reported five patients who had previously taken benztropine for sialorrhea. They reported that benztropine had no effect on urinary incontinence in all patients. No studies reported on adverse effects.
Trihexyphenidyl
One case series and one case reportReference Aggarwal, Garg and Jiloha 30 , Reference Poyurovsky, Modai and Weizman 33 used trihexyphenidyl at a dose of 5 to 6 mg/d as either divided doses or as a single nighttime dose with data for three patients. In two out of three patients, nocturnal enuresis completely resolved. One patient experienced two incidences of nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence after commencement of trihexyphenidyl followed by complete resolution.Reference Poyurovsky, Modai and Weizman 33 Only one caseReference Aggarwal, Garg and Jiloha 30 commented on adverse events, with none reported.
Tolterodine
One case reportReference Selvaraj, Parlikar, Damodharan, Narayanaswamy and Venkatasubramanian 35 used tolterodine at a dose of 1 mg/d for 2 weeks and achieved a partial response. The dose was then increased to 2 mg/d, and complete resolution was achieved. The patient did not experience any adverse events. One case reportReference English, Still, Harper and Saklad 23 trialed tolterodine unsuccessfully for 2 weeks before switching to desmopressin.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Imipramine
One case seriesReference Bhirud and Shah 36 provided data for three patients using imipramine 25 mg daily. All three patients experienced complete resolution of symptoms. Neither case series reported on adverse effects.
Amitriptyline
Two case reportsReference Demirkol and Tamam 25 , Reference Praharaj and Arora 34 provided data for three patients using amitriptyline at a dose of 25 mg/d. In both patients, symptoms completely resolved. Neither case report commented on adverse events. One other caseReference Aggarwal, Garg and Jiloha 30 reported a background of excessive sedation and dizziness with amitriptyline use prior to a trial of trihexyphenidyl. This publication did not report the dose.
α-Agonists
Ephedrine
One case seriesReference Fuller, Borovicka, Jaskiw, Simon, Kwon and Konicki 26 of ephedrine provided data for 16 patients. Ephedrine was given at a dose of 25 to 75 mg/d. Twelve participants had complete resolution of symptoms, three had partial response, and one had no response. The study reported no adverse effects.
Pseudoephedrine
One case reportReference Hanes, Lee Demler, Lee and Campos 27 provided data for one patient on pseudoephedrine. A dose of 30 mg four times a day was used, and the patient showed complete resolution of symptoms. The study did not report on adverse effects.
Other agents
Sodium valproate
One case series and one case studyReference Kho and Nielsen 14 , Reference Apantaku-Olajide 21 used sodium valproate, an anticonvulsant, with data for three patients. Two patients suffered from tonic–clonic seizures, and another had inconclusive EEG activity, and were started on sodium valproate. All three patients experienced complete resolution of symptoms. One case used a dose of 500 mg three times a day,Reference Kho and Nielsen 14 and the other did not report the dose.Reference Apantaku-Olajide 21 Neither study reported on adverse effects.
Bethanechol
One case reportReference Dadlani and Austin 22 used bethanechol, a muscarinic receptor agonist which may improve detrusor contractility in bladder dysfunction.Reference Andersson and Wein 41 , Reference Diokno and Koppenhoefer 42 A dose of 10 mg three times a day was used, and the patient’s symptoms reduced in frequency. The study did not report on adverse effects. Another studyReference Lee and Kim 31 reported previous partial response to bethanechol in the patient’s treatment history.
Verapamil
One studyReference Pojurovsky, Schneidman, Mark and Weizman 32 provided data on a single patient using the calcium channel blocker verapamil. The study had a single-blind design, and the participant saw a temporary response at 40 mg/d, and complete resolution at 80 mg/d. Temporary bradycardia was observed at each dose increase and self-resolved.
Doxazosin
One case reportReference Fuller, Borovicka, Jaskiw, Simon, Kwon and Konicki 26 provided data for one patient using doxazosin, a selective α1 receptor blocker. A dose of 2 mg at night was used for 1 week, and the patient showed no response. The study did not report on adverse effects.
Discussion
This study provides the first systematic review of treatments for clozapine-associated nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence. All studies were either case reports or case series. Despite this, the cases demonstrate that there are multiple effective pharmacological treatment options. Complete resolution of clozapine-induced nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence was seen with the use of aripiprazole, desmopressin, oxybutynin, trihexyphenidyl, tolterodine, imipramine, amitriptyline, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and verapamil. These medications were generally well tolerated, although 63% of studies did not discuss adverse effects.
Despite the high incidence of clozapine-induced nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence,Reference Dhillon and Heun 7 there is limited available literature on management and interventions. This may be in part due to the underreporting of urinary symptoms due of stigma leading to a lack of attention to the issue.Reference Dhillon and Heun 7 Therefore, direct questioning about the frequency and severity of symptoms should be used to ensure timely identification of nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence.
In light of our findings, we have provided a management framework for clinicians, patients, and carers faced with clozapine-associated nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence (Figure 2). Given the self-limiting nature of clozapine-induced nocturnal enuresis, long-term use of pharmacological treatment should be avoided where possible. Given the limited evidence available in the literature, treatment options provided are preferred based on the safety of short-term use, rather than solely the number of available studies and cases. The framework is a suggestion designed to assist in making informed treatment decisions. The risk and benefit of each agent must be considered for each individual patient.
Figure 2. Management framework of clozapine-induced nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence.
Notes: Avoid use of α-agonists due to CNS stimulation and risk of exacerbation of psychosis. Benztropine is unlikely to be effective and should be avoided due to the risk of anticholinergic side effects, particularly the worsening of life-threatening constipation. Mirabegron may be an option if urodynamic studies show overactive bladder. Monitor clozapine levels and common adverse events, such as hypertension, constipation, tachycardia, and dizziness.
In the first instance, it is important to exclude medical issues such as benign prostatic hyperplasia or pelvic floor weakness especially as 5% of cases in this review reported preexisting urinary incontinence.Reference Frankenburg, Kando, Centorrino and Gilbert 9 , Reference Fuller, Borovicka, Jaskiw, Simon, Kwon and Konicki 26 , Reference Lurie, Hosmer and Fuller 39 This may be aided by a urological consult for transabdominal ultrasound or urodynamic testing.Reference McGuire, Lytton, Kohorn and Pepe 43 , Reference Sherburn, Murphy, Carroll, Allen and Galea 44 Review of concomitant medications that may exacerbate nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence, such as benzodiazepines or other sedating medications, and consideration of clozapine dose reduction may be effective.Reference English, Still, Harper and Saklad 23 , Reference Lee and Kim 31 , Reference Palaniappan 37 Treating other adverse effects of clozapine, including seizures, constipation, and polyuria associated with insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, or diabetes insipidus, is advised.Reference Siskind, Leung, Russell, Wysoczanski and Kisely 5 , Reference Kho and Nielsen 14 , Reference Koller, Schneider, Bennett and Dubitsky 45 , Reference Henderson, Cagliero and Gray 46 Nonpharmacological treatment approaches, such as bed-wetting alarms, voiding before bedtime, and nocturnal fluid restriction, should be trialed before pharmacological management. However, as many cases reported significant sedation, some consumers may find implementing these difficult.Reference Fuller, Borovicka, Jaskiw, Simon, Kwon and Konicki 26 , Reference Poyurovsky, Modai and Weizman 33 , Reference Selvaraj, Parlikar, Damodharan, Narayanaswamy and Venkatasubramanian 35 , Reference Legge, Hamshere and Hayes 47
Nonpharmacological treatment approaches should be tried in the first instance, particularly as spontaneous resolution is common.Reference Warner, Harvey and Barnes 11 Patients should be reminded that clozapine is sedating and may cause temporary bed-wetting. The average time to nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence being reported in these cases was 30 days from clozapine initiation, indicating that this discussion may be a priority during in-patient admission. Setting alarms, voiding before bedtime, and nocturnal fluid restriction were trialed in the case reports with varying success and should be considered prior to pharmacological intervention.Reference Frankenburg, Kando, Centorrino and Gilbert 9 , Reference Dadlani and Austin 22 , Reference Fuller, Borovicka, Jaskiw, Simon, Kwon and Konicki 26 , Reference Selvaraj, Parlikar, Damodharan, Narayanaswamy and Venkatasubramanian 35 , Reference Palaniappan 37 Concomitant medications that may exacerbate nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence should be reviewed, as well as an assessment of significant drug-to-drug interactions which may exacerbate nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence. Although a recent review of clozapine and norclozapine levels and adverse drug reaction did not find a relationship between either clozapine or norclozapine levels and nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence,Reference Tan, Honarparvar, Falconer, Parekh, Pandey and Siskind 48 the case reports included in our review suggest that decreasing clozapine levels could reduce rates of nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence. Reduction in clozapine dose may not be practical in some people with treatment resistant schizophrenia.
If symptoms persist and behavioral measures are not successful, aripiprazole can be trialed due to its relatively low risk of adverse events (Figure 2). Aripiprazole may act as a D2 agonist in a hypodopaminergic state caused by clozapine treatment and thus improve nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence by maintaining dopamine transmission in the basal ganglia.Reference Ambrosini 16 Although aripiprazole has little α-1 activity, dopamine is known to cross-activate adrenoreceptors, and thus aripiprazole may improve sphincter tone by interacting with α-1 receptors.Reference Lei 49 Aripiprazole may also reduce bladder dysfunction by acting as a 5-HT1A partial agonist and inhibiting bladder contraction.Reference Lee and Kim 31 Another benefit may be improvement in psychotic symptoms, leading to improved continence.Reference Siskind, Lee and Ravindran 50 Aripiprazole augmentation of clozapine has been found to reduce psychotic symptoms in clozapine-refractory schizophrenia,Reference Siskind, Lee and Ravindran 50 and to reduce rates of rehospitalisation.Reference Tiihonen, Taipale, Mehtälä, Vattulainen, Correll and Tanskanen 51 Although use of aripiprazole may be associated with akathisia, agitation, and anxiety in the short term, overall it is well tolerated in combination with clozapine.Reference Srisurapanont, Suttajit, Maneeton and Maneeton 52 The use of aripiprazole in combination with clozapine has been shown to attenuate other clozapine-related adverse events, such as weight gain and obesity,Reference Zimbron, Khandaker, Toschi, Jones and Fernandez-Egea 53 obsessive–compulsive symptoms,Reference Englisch, Esslinger and Inta 54 and sedation.Reference Perdigués, Quecuti, Mané, Mann, Mundell and Fernandez-Egea 55 Importantly, unlike desmopressin (see below), and anticholinergic medication, aripiprazole is not associated with hyponatremia, or paralytic ileus.Reference Nielsen and Meyer 56
Desmopressin is a synthetic analogue of 8-arginine vasopressin, an antidiuretic hormone which acts on the renal collecting duct to limit urine volume and thus reduce overflow incontinence.Reference Friedman and Weiss 57 Although there are more case reports and case series demonstrating its effectiveness for clozapine-associated nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence than for aripiprazole, the incidence of life-threatening hyponatremia requiring close monitoring should be noted. This is a common side effect with an incidence rate of 5% to 15% and must be managed with fluid restriction.Reference Vande Walle, Stockner, Raes and Norgaard 58 – Reference Ebell, Radke and Gardner 60 Psychogenic polydipsia and ability to comply with potential fluid restrictions are therefore important considerations prior to desmopressin commencement. Although all cases in this review used nasal formulation, the use of oral desmopressin may be a preferred option. Hyponatremia occurs less frequently with oral desmopressin formulations and is the preferred method of administration for children with diabetes insipidus and nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence.Reference Robson, Leung and Norgaard 61
Anticholinergic medications are second-line treatments. Acetylcholine is the key neurotransmitter involved in bladder contraction and emptying, and as such, anticholinergic medications block muscarinic receptors, thereby decreasing the frequency of involuntary detrusor contractions and increasing bladder capacity.Reference Wein 13 Antimuscarinic drugs, such as oxybutynin and trihexyphenidyl, are therefore likely to be effective in treating nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence. Tolterodine, an antimuscarinic agent already marketed for overactive bladder, has the advantage of greater selectivity for bladder function than oxybutynin, whereas the latter is more selective for salivary function.Reference Nilvebrant, Sundquist and Gillberg 62 , Reference Guay 63 However, tolterodine may take 8 to 10 weeks to reach full effect, as opposed to up to 4 weeks for oxybutynin, and thus may be impractical for promoting clozapine adherence.Reference Guay 63 Benztropine, despite showing efficacy for sialorrhea, does not improve symptoms of nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence.Reference Chen, Ravindran, Zhang, Kisely and Siskind 64 The use of antimuscarinic agents alongside clozapine may be contraindicated due to the risk of exacerbating clozapine’s anticholinergic burden and the associated side effects of constipation, confusion, blurred vision, dry mouth, postural hypotension, tachycardia, and increased risk of paralytic ileus.Reference Nielsen and Meyer 56 As a result, bowel function, blood pressure, and heart rate should be monitored closely if these agents are prescribed, as well as concurrent treatment with aperients considered. Finally, oxybutynin may cause hyponatremia-induced seizures, and so screening for psychogenic polydipsia is recommended.Reference Lucchini, Simonetti, Ceschi, Lava, Faré and Bianchetti 65
Other anticholinergic agents include tricyclic antidepressants. Amitriptyline, specifically, also increases vasopressin secretion and shortens REM sleep, thereby counteracting clozapine’s prolongation of REM and so improving nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence.Reference Demirkol and Tamam 25 , Reference Praharaj and Arora 34 However, tricyclic antidepressants share the same side effects as other antimuscarinic agents and have several further disadvantages. One is their antihistaminergic effects resulting in sedation (29%) and dizziness (28%). Others are prolongation of the QT interval, blood dyscrasias, and the risk of fatal overdose risk. Imipramine has 10-fold less potency for muscarinic receptors than amitriptyline and may be a more appropriate choice for patients sensitive to anticholinergic side effects.Reference Peretti, Judge and Hindmarch 66 , Reference Snyder and Yamamura 67
Another treatment option is verapamil, a calcium channel blocker that may inhibit bladder contraction. This is because voltage-gated calcium channels are implicated in the regulation of bladder smooth muscle tone.Reference Andersson, Appell and Cardozo 68 There was only a case report on a single patient, so information on side effects in clozapine-induced enuresis is limited. However, side effects in hypertensive patients, including bradycardia, hypotension, and palpitations, are rare at less than 1%.Reference McTavish and Sorkin 69 Nevertheless, verapamil should be used with caution in patients taking clozapine due to its risk of constipation (5%).Reference Brogden and Benfield 70 Finally, sodium valproate may be useful in treating seizure activity which may be leading to nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence. Seizures appear to occur most frequently at low doses of clozapine during titration and at high doses of clozapine during maintenance phase.Reference Wong and Delva 71 , Reference Pacia and Devinsky 72
Other medications are less suitable given their side effect profile and potential for abuse. For instance, stimulant medications, such as ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, showed benefit in reducing or eliminating nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence. These medications stimulate α-adrenergic receptors, facilitating contraction of the trigone and internal sphincter and increasing urethral closure pressure.Reference Wein 13 A further theory that was subsequently disproved was that both agents increase alertness and so patients would be more likely to wake from the urge to void.Reference Fuller, Borovicka, Jaskiw, Simon, Kwon and Konicki 26 However, the danger of misuse, diversion, and psychosis mean that these agents should be used with caution in patients with treatment resistant schizophrenia.Reference Laccourreye, Werner, Giroud, Couloigner, Bonfils and Bondon-Guitton 73 The selective β3 adrenergic receptor agonist, mirabegron, may be useful if urodynamic studies show overactive bladder activity. However, it should be noted that mirabegron has a theoretical pharmacokinetic interaction with clozapine as it is metabolized by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes 3A4 and 2D6.Reference Lee, Moy and Meijer 74 Only one case study is available in the published literature which reported Pisa syndrome with the introduction of mirabegron in a patient taking clozapine.Reference Filipe and Marques 75 , Reference Santos, Oliveira, Vieira and Pereira 76 Common adverse events of mirabegron include hypertension, constipation, dizziness, tachycardia, angioedema, and urinary retention.
There are significant limitations which need to be considered with these results. We were unable to find study designs other than case reports or case series and unable to quantitatively combine results. Case reports and case series data may be subject to selection, reporting, and publication bias. Included studies were small, and our recommendations for the use of aripiprazole are based on only three cases and supplemented with clinical and pharmacological reasoning. There was often poor reporting of psychiatric symptoms, side effects, concomitant medications, and a short duration of follow-up which may limit the accuracy and generalizability of the results. There were no validated scales employed to measure the severity of nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence, and clozapine plasma levels were reported in only five studies, and thus no conclusions can be made regarding the impact of a plasma-level relationship on the symptoms of nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence. There remains a need for randomized controlled trials of pharmacological intervention for nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence, notably aripiprazole and oral desmopressin, that use validated rating scales to assess symptoms of nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence.
Table 3. Table of Included Studies
Conclusion
Nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence are a common and underreported side effect of clozapine that is associated with significant stigma, reduced quality of life, and impaired treatment compliance. The exact mechanisms behind clozapine-induced nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence are unclear, although several pharmacological agents and nonpharmacological interventions appear beneficial. As there is a clear lack of quality evidence available for the management of clozapine-associated nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence, we have developed a management framework of treatment options to assist clinicians, patients, and carers. Any intervention should follow an assessment of urological, psychiatric, pharmacological, and common comorbid medical issues. Using a systematic approach to treatment, as recommended here, may best serve to address this complex issue.
Funding Statement
D.S. is funded in part by an NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellowship GNT 1194635.
Disclosures
N.W. has received speaker fees from Otsuka and Lundbeck. S.K. has received speaker fees from Janssen and was an advisor for the Lundbeck Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Data Project. T.T., L.M., M.B., E.B., E.W., and D.S. have no conflicts of interest to declare related to this research.
Author Contributions
Conceptualization: T.T. and D.S.; Data curation: T.T., L.M., E.W., and D.S.; Investigation: T.T. and L.M.; Methodology: T.T. and D.S.; Supervision: N.W., M.B., S.K., and D.S.; Validation: T.T. and L.M.; Writing—original draft: T.T. and L.M.; Writing—review and editing: T.T., N.W., M.B., S.K., E.B., and D.S.
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