Which of these medications, Strattera (atomoxetine), Seroquel (quetiapine), or sertraline, can cause excessive sweating?

From the Guidelines

Sertraline is the most likely medication to cause excessive sweating among the options provided, due to its mechanism of action as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) which can affect temperature regulation and trigger sweating. The side effects of SSRIs, including sertraline, are well-documented and include sweating, tremors, nervousness, insomnia or somnolence, dizziness, and various gastrointestinal and sexual disturbances 1. Some key points to consider about these medications include:

• Sertraline is generally well-tolerated but can cause sweating in some patients, as it affects the metabolism of other medications less than other SSRIs 1.
• Strattera (atomoxetine) and Seroquel (quetiapine) can also cause sweating, although the incidence may be lower compared to sertraline.
• The management of excessive sweating as a side effect of these medications may involve adjusting the dosage, changing the time of day the medication is taken, or considering alternative medications if the side effect is severe. It's essential for patients experiencing problematic sweating while taking any of these medications to consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance.

From the FDA Drug Label

Autonomic Nervous System Disorders Sweating Increased 8% 3% 6% 15% 1% 2% 6% 7% 2%

Sertraline can cause excessive sweating, with an incidence of 8% in major depressive disorder/other, 3% in OCD, 6% in panic disorder, 15% in PTSD, 1% in PMDD daily dosing, 2% in PMDD luteal phase dosing, 6% in social anxiety disorder, and 7% in the combined population 2.

• Strattera and Seroquel are not mentioned in the provided drug label as causing excessive sweating.
• The FDA drug label for sertraline provides information on the incidence of sweating increased.
• Key points:
  • Sertraline is associated with excessive sweating.
  • The incidence of sweating increased varies across different indications.

From the Research

Medications that Can Cause Excessive Sweating

• Strattera (atomoxetine): There is no direct evidence to suggest that Strattera causes excessive sweating as a common side effect 3.
• Seroquel (quetiapine): There is no direct evidence provided to suggest that Seroquel causes excessive sweating.
• Sertraline: Sertraline, an SSRI, has been associated with excessive sweating as a side effect 4, 5. A study found that oxybutynin reduced sweating in depressed patients treated with sertraline, indicating that sertraline can cause excessive sweating 5.

Management of Excessive Sweating

• For patients experiencing excessive sweating due to sertraline, oxybutynin may be a potential treatment option to reduce sweating 5.
• Other agents such as benztropine and cyproheptadine have also been reported to be successful in controlling antidepressant-induced sweating 4.