Sweating from Antidepressants

Because there is not yet a good explanation for why certain antidepressants such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) cause sweating, it has been difficult to develop effective solutions to the problem. Patients taking medications like Prozac (fluoxetine), Effexor XR (venlafaxine) and Paxil (paroxetine) have reported sweating problems, particularly at night. Finding solutions can be challenging.

Several small case series have identified potential treatments including the use of medications such as:   

      Clonidine (a drug usually used to control blood pressure) - starting at doses of 0.05 mg twice a day for tablets or Catapres TTS-1 patch weekly.

     -Benztropine (an anticholinergic) -  1 mg daily.

     -Mirtazapine (brand name Remeron, an atypical antidepressant) - 15 to 60 mg at bedtime.

     -Cyproheptadine (brand name Periactin, which is an antihistamine) - 4 mg once or twice a day.

     -Terazosin (Hytrin, another blood pressure med) - 1 to 6 mg daily.

Other options include:

     -Prescription antiperspirants Drysol or Xerax AC.
     -Iontophoresis - using mild electrical currents to slow down secretions at the sweat glands.
     -Botox injections.

More good information on the subject is available at Sweat Help