Sweating is a normal part of our body’s natural cooling system, but excessive sweating can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable problem. The cause of excessive sweating can be anything from medical conditions to medications. In this article, we’ll explore the drugs that can lead to excessive sweating and discuss what you can do to manage it.
Certain drugs and medications can cause excessive sweating. These include antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and medications used to treat diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Additionally, some over-the-counter drugs, such as aspirin, can also cause excessive sweating. It is important to always inform your doctor of any drugs you are taking, as they may be the cause of your sweating.
Contents
- Prescribed Drugs That May Cause Excessive Sweating
- Over-The-Counter Drugs That May Cause Excessive Sweating
- Top 6 Frequently Asked Questions
- What Drugs Cause Excessive Sweating?
- What are the Symptoms of Excessive Sweating?
- What is the Treatment for Excessive Sweating?
- What are the Complications of Excessive Sweating?
- Can Stress Cause Excessive Sweating?
- Can Diet Affect Excessive Sweating?
- A new medicine could bring an end to embarrassing excessive sweating
Prescribed Drugs That May Cause Excessive Sweating
Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, is a common side effect of certain medications. Many prescription drugs can cause excessive sweating, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants. In some cases, a person may not know they are taking a drug that can cause excessive sweating until they develop the symptom.
Antidepressants are one type of medication that can cause excessive sweating. This class of drugs includes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and tricyclic antidepressants. Common side effects of these medications include night sweats, excessive sweating, and hot flashes.
Antipsychotics are another type of drugs that can cause excessive sweating. These medications are used to treat conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. Common side effects of antipsychotics include excessive sweating, increased heart rate, and changes in body temperature.
Drugs That Can Cause Night Sweats
Night sweats are a type of excessive sweating that can occur during the night. Certain drugs can cause night sweats, including some antidepressants and anticonvulsants. Antidepressants such as SSRIs, MAOIs, and tricyclics can cause night sweats.
Anticonvulsants are drugs used to treat seizures and other neurological conditions. Common side effects of anticonvulsants include excessive sweating, hot flashes, and night sweats. Some anticonvulsants that can cause night sweats include carbamazepine, phenytoin, and gabapentin.
Drugs That Can Cause Hot Flashes
Hot flashes are a type of excessive sweating that can occur suddenly and without warning. Certain medications can cause hot flashes, including some antidepressants and antipsychotics. Antidepressants such as SSRIs, MAOIs, and tricyclics can cause hot flashes.
Antipsychotics are drugs used to treat mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Common side effects of antipsychotics include hot flashes, increased heart rate, and changes in body temperature. Some antipsychotics that can cause hot flashes include haloperidol, risperidone, and olanzapine.
Drugs That Can Cause Sweating on the Face
Excessive sweating on the face is a common side effect of certain medications. Antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants can all cause facial sweating. Common side effects of antidepressants such as SSRIs, MAOIs, and tricyclics include excessive sweating on the face.
Antipsychotics such as haloperidol, risperidone, and olanzapine can also cause facial sweating. Anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, and gabapentin can also cause facial sweating.
Over-The-Counter Drugs That May Cause Excessive Sweating
Certain over-the-counter (OTC) medications can also cause excessive sweating. These include some cold and flu medications, antihistamines, and decongestants. Common side effects of OTC medications include night sweats, excessive sweating, and hot flashes.
Cold and flu medications are used to treat symptoms such as fever, runny nose, and congestion. Common side effects of these medications include excessive sweating, hot flashes, and night sweats. Some cold and flu medications that can cause excessive sweating include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin.
Antihistamines are drugs used to treat allergies and other conditions. Common side effects of antihistamines include excessive sweating, hot flashes, and night sweats. Some antihistamines that can cause excessive sweating include diphenhydramine, cetirizine, and loratadine.
Decongestants That May Cause Excessive Sweating
Decongestants are drugs used to treat nasal congestion and other respiratory conditions. Common side effects of decongestants include excessive sweating, hot flashes, and night sweats. Some decongestants that can cause excessive sweating include pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, and oxymetazoline.
OTC medications such as cold and flu medications, antihistamines, and decongestants can all cause excessive sweating. It is important to read the label on OTC medications to understand the possible side effects of the medication. If a person experiences excessive sweating after taking an OTC medication, they should talk to their doctor about other treatment options.
Top 6 Frequently Asked Questions
What Drugs Cause Excessive Sweating?
Answer: Many drugs can cause excessive sweating as a side effect. Common drugs that cause excessive sweating are antidepressants, antipsychotics, and certain types of chemotherapy drugs. Some common antidepressants that cause excessive sweating are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), and MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors). Antipsychotics, such as clozapine, ziprasidone, risperidone, and olanzapine, can also cause excessive sweating. Chemotherapy drugs, such as oxaliplatin, gemcitabine, and vinblastine, can also cause excessive sweating.
What are the Symptoms of Excessive Sweating?
Answer: Excessive sweating can cause skin irritation, body odor, and discomfort. It can also lead to dehydration, fatigue, and dizziness. Other symptoms of excessive sweating include clammy skin, itchiness, and excessive sweating of the hands and feet. In severe cases, excessive sweating can interfere with daily activities and cause psychological distress.
What is the Treatment for Excessive Sweating?
Answer: Treatment for excessive sweating depends on the cause. If the cause is a medication, the doctor may recommend stopping or changing the drug. If the cause is an underlying medical condition, the doctor may recommend medications or lifestyle changes to manage the condition. Other treatments for excessive sweating include antiperspirants, iontophoresis, and botox injections.
What are the Complications of Excessive Sweating?
Answer: Excessive sweating can lead to skin irritation, dehydration, and fatigue. It can also lead to social and psychological distress. Complications of excessive sweating can also include skin infection, heat exhaustion, and hypothermia.
Can Stress Cause Excessive Sweating?
Answer: Yes, stress can lead to excessive sweating. Stress triggers the body’s “fight or flight” response, which can lead to increased sweating. Stress can also cause the body to produce more hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can cause increased sweating.
Can Diet Affect Excessive Sweating?
Answer: Yes, diet can affect excessive sweating. Eating spicy foods can cause the body to produce more sweat. Eating foods with high levels of caffeine or sugar can also trigger excessive sweating. Additionally, drinking alcohol or using tobacco can cause the body to sweat more.
A new medicine could bring an end to embarrassing excessive sweating
In conclusion, excessive sweating can be caused by a range of drugs, including anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, and anti-anxiety medications. Because of the wide range of drugs that can cause excessive sweating, it is important to talk to a healthcare professional if you are experiencing this symptom while taking any medication. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can reduce or eliminate the excessive sweating.
