Mental Health Medications And Excessive Sweating: What You Need to Know

Sweating more than normal isn’t normal. Certain medical conditions could cause it, and it can sometimes be a side effect of some antipsychotic and antidepressant medications. When medication is a potential culprit, excessive sweating is referred to as drug-induced hyperhidrosis. The condition can interfere with patients’ comfort and force them to modify their lifestyle and activities. This article covers everything about excessive sweating, its connection to mental health medication, and how to deal with it.

What is Hyperhidrosis, And How is It Caused By Mental Health Medications?

Hyperhidrosis is a medical term for excessive, uncontrollable sweating. It happens when the mental health drug acts on the brain, particularly the hypothalamus, a.k.a. the thermostat (the part of the brain responsible for sweating and body temperature), by releasing acetylcholine, which blocks acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine). Acetylcholine then causes more sweat than normal because it impairs negative input to the hypothalamus. Drug-induced hyperhidrosis often manifests as generalized sweating, which affects the entire body rather than just the palms or underarms. Research indicates that side effect affects 5% to 22% of those using antidepressants, with some studies showing rates as high as 20% for SSRI users.

Identifying Hyperhidrosis

It’s important to differentiate drug-induced sweating from other possible causes of excessive sweating for easy identification. The following features are important to help distinguish the condition.

• Drug-induced sweating can happen when you’re asleep.
• Medication-sweating is symmetry. It may have a more varied distribution
• Patients may experience the condition even at pleasant temperatures or with little physical activity.

Medications That Can Cause Hyperhidrosis

Sweating is actually an adverse effect of some prescription drugs. By acting both centrally in the brain and peripherally in the nervous system, various drug groups can affect the sweating response. 

Pain Medications/NSAID Pain Relievers

Over-the-counter painkillers (opioids: morphine, oxycodone, hydromorphone, morphine, fentanyl, and tramadol) have the potential to induce hyperhidrosis, the same as some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as celecoxib, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, ketorolac, and nabumetone, given that they are occasionally administered to treat fevers.

Stimulants for ADHD or Psychiatric Medication 

Stimulants for attention-deficit or hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), like Adderall (dextroamphetamine and amphetamine), though they improve focus, energy, and mental alertness, raise specific chemical levels in the brain, which can promote excessive sweating similar to when you are in a stressful scenario.

Some Antibiotics

Sweating is uncommon when taking antibiotics, but some patients taking specific antibiotics have reported experiencing it. Among the drugs are: Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), Moxifloxacin (Avelox), and Azithromycin (Zithromax). Sweating should stop once the prescription course is over. However, some situations, such as combining alcohol with antibiotic metronidazole (Flagyl), taking antibiotic linezolid (Zyvox), or with other drugs, may affect serotonin, which makes sweating even more.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Antidepressants

Antidepressant-induced sweating may be a sign of serotonin syndrome. Despite being uncommon, this dangerous disorder is brought on by elevated serotonin levels in the body. Doctors might advise switching to a different drug or modifying your dosage. For instance, the antidepressant trazodone might not make you sweat as much. Examples of drugs that are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) include Lexapro, Zoloft, Celexa, Citalopram, and Prozac. Sweating isn’t exclusive to SSRIs, either.

Sweating more than normal is another side effect of several antidepressants. Effexor, Norpramin, Elavil, Cymbalta, and amitriptyline are examples of antidepressants that are serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as Wellbutrin, an atypical antidepressant.

Other Medications

Excessive sweating may happen from any drug that alters the brain and nerve effects, the balance of hormones, and chemical levels. Examples are;

• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Benzodiazepines
• Beta-blockers

Management Strategies

Finding the best remedy for excessive sweating can be difficult and may take some time. However, if you suspect a drug is causing you to sweat more, use the following tips:

• Rather than stopping medication yourself, talk to a doctor. Medical help through evidence-based solutions can help continue the usage of the drug while minimizing uncomfortable side effects.
• Reducing dosage or adjusting medication is another easy method to change a hyperhidrosis prescription. Switch to types with lower sweating tendency and lower rates of hyperhidrosis, like fluvoxamine.
• Comfort levels can be significantly impacted by the materials used in clothes. Wearing loose-fitting natural fibres like cotton and linen provides superior moisture absorption and air circulation. Clothes with lighter colors might also lessen the amount of heat.
• Reduce sweating by creating cooler spaces wherever feasible. Examples include increasing fan usage and air conditioning, lowering the temperature in the bedroom to promote better sleep.
• Hydration is crucial when you are sweating a lot. Regular fluid intake is essential as the body loses more fluids and electrolytes.
• Steer clear of alcohol and physically demanding activities, and take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature.

Conclusion

The side effects of hyperhidrosis vary among individuals due to genetic differences in serotonin metabolism and receptor sensitivity, pre-existing medical conditions, and overall health status. Sweating appears to be more common with some medications than others; for example, fluvoxamine tends to have lower rates of hyperhidrosis compared to sertraline and paroxetine. Although it can be annoying, hyperhidrosis is manageable with several evidence-based strategies available to health professionals. Do not stop taking medication suddenly because of sweating issues; instead, monitor the side effects and consult a doctor if they become severe or persistent.

 

Medical Disclaimer:
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication side effects. Never ignore or delay seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read here. Do not stop, start, or adjust your medications without first consulting your healthcare provider.