Prescription Oral Medications
Consult your physician before taking any oral medications for hyperhidrosis.
1. Anticholinergics - There are a couple different brands of anticholinergics available. One popular brand is called Robinul (sometimes mistakenly spelled Rubinol or Rubinal). The generic (drug) name is 'glycopyrrolate.' Another one is called Ditropan. It's similar to Robinul.
a. Anticholinergics work by blocking the transmission of the chemical messenger (acetylcholine) responsible for excessive sweating. Side effects can result because anticholinergics can have an impact on many other bodily functions as well.
b. These drugs work best for generalized sweating. If you experience severe from one area of your body only, anticholinergics may not be a good option. Consult your physician.
Common side effects reported with Robinul and other anticholinergics include:
· Constipation
· Dry-mouth
· Blurred vision
· Dizziness
· Loss of taste
More serious side effects can occasionally occur and include:
· Rash/hives
· Diarrhea
· Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Report any serious side effects immediately to your physician, as they could indicate a more serious problem.
Many people with hyperhidrosis find that the side effects associated with the use of anticholinergics outweigh the sweat reduction benefit.
2. Beta-Blockers – These drugs block the receptors for the physical effects of a person's natural fight or flight response. Beta receptors are found in a number of places in the body: heart, lung, arteries, brain and uterus, to name a few. Like a key in a lock, beta blockers chemically fit into beta receptors and prevent norepinephrine from binding to the receptors that cause the symptoms of the fight-or-flight response. There are two primary brands of beta-blockers: Inderal and Inderide. Among the conditions these drugs are used for are: high blood pressure, angina, irregular heart rhythms, migraines, prevention of a second heart attack, tremors, alcohol withdrawal, anxiety and glaucoma. Patients taking these medications may experience a reduction in excessive sweating as a result of decreased levels of anxiety.
Generally, beta-blockers are prescribed on an “as needed” basis for hyperhidrosis, rather than to be taken daily. Overall, their effectiveness in the reduction of hyperhidrosis is in question.
Side effects of taking beta-blockers may include:
· Sleepiness
· Light-headedness
· Slight memory loss
· Slow pulse
· Coldness/tingling/numbness of extremities (hands and feet)
· Diarrhea
· Lethargy (lack of energy/laziness)
· Reduction in sex drive
3. Anti-Anxiety Medications - These drugs work to inhibit excessive sweating through the alteration of brain chemistry. Brand names of anti-anxiety medications in general use, (which may be prescribed for hyperhidrosis) include Xanax, Valium, Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro, and Effexor. Side effects for these psychotropic drugs can be serious and the question of their ability to become habit forming must be considered.
Side effects of taking anti-anxiety drugs may include:
· drowsiness, dizziness, or clumsiness
· depression
· nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
· difficulty urinating
· vivid dreams
· headache
· dry mouth
· behavioral changes
· decreased sex drive
More serious side effects (stop taking and call your physician or emergency medical help immediately) can include:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives)
· sores in the mouth or throat
· yellowing of the skin or eyes
· a rash
· hallucinations or severe confusion
· vision changes
None the referenced classes of medications should be considered a first line of defense for dealing with Primary Hyperhidrosis. Because all of them impact entire bodily systems, they are usually better for those who experience generalized excessive sweating.
