Long term use of desmopressin for urinary symptoms in multiple sclerosis.

The benefit of desmopressin (DDAVP) in the treatment of the urinary symptoms of multiple sclerosis has until now only been shown in short crossover studies of up to 6 weeks. We report 19 patients who have used the drug for an average of 2 years and 4 months, 18 of whom confirmed continued dramatic benefit without any obvious change in dosage used or efficacy and with few side effects. Ten of the 19 patients had also used DDAVP during daytime for special occasions with notable success. This is the first study to suggest that DDAVP is safe and effective in long term use in MS.