Imipramine--a possible alternative to current therapy for urinary incontinence in the elderly.

Imipramine was given orally at night to 10 elderly patients with urinary incontinence associated with spontaneous unstable detrusor contractions. The dose was increased for each patient up to a maximum of 150 mg. at night, or until continence was achieved or side effects occurred. Of the 10 patients 6 became continent. In 3 of the 6 patients who underwent repeat cystometry bladder capacity had increased (mean 105 cc), bladder pressure at capacity decreased (mean 18 cm. water) and urethral pressure increased (mean 30 cm. water). There was no correlation between plasma desmethylimipramine and dose, or clinical or urodynamic effect.