From the Research
To manage excessive sweating caused by Prozac, the most effective approach is to use terazosin, as it has been shown to significantly improve symptoms of antidepressant-induced excessive sweating with minimal side effects, as demonstrated in a clinical trial published in 2013 1. When considering management options, it's essential to discuss the side effect with your doctor before making any changes to your medication. They might recommend switching to a different antidepressant with less likelihood of causing sweating, such as mirtazapine or bupropion. If Prozac is working well for your mental health, your doctor might suggest taking it before bedtime so peak sweating occurs during sleep. Some key points to consider in managing excessive sweating caused by Prozac include:
- Over-the-counter clinical-strength antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride (like Certain Dri or Drysol) applied to affected areas can help reduce sweating.
- Prescription medications like anticholinergics (glycopyrrolate, oxybutynin) may be prescribed, typically starting at low doses to minimize side effects like dry mouth and blurred vision.
- Wearing breathable, light clothing and avoiding spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol can also help manage symptoms.
- Prozac causes sweating by affecting serotonin levels, which play a role in temperature regulation and sweat gland activity, as noted in studies on hyperhidrosis and social anxiety disorder 2.
- About 10-15% of people taking SSRIs experience this side effect, but it's crucial not to discontinue Prozac suddenly as this can cause withdrawal symptoms.
- Topical glycopyrrolate has also been shown to be effective in treating craniofacial hyperhidrosis with minimal side effects, as reported in a case study published in 2002 3.
- A study on the efficacy of glycopyrrolate in primary hyperhidrosis patients found that it reduces anxiety and improves patients' quality of life, as published in 2012 4.
- Another study on antidepressant-induced sweating discussed the use of benztropine and cyproheptadine as potential treatments, as published in 2005 5.