Anticholinergics which reduce sweating

Contact Us Today. Oral Medications for Hyperhidrosis Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is a common disorder that is estimated to affect between 2 to 3 percent of Americans.

The best candidates for oral medications include those experiencing: Excessive facial sweating cranio-facial hyperhidrosis Generalized hyperhidrosis all over heavy sweating Failure using other therapies like clinical strength antiperspirants, iontophoresis, Botox, or a customized combination of these Types of Hyperhidrosis Medications Anticholinergics The most common medications used to manage excessive sweating are anticholinergics, including but not limited to: Glycopyrrolate Robinul Oxybutynin Ditropan Benztropine Propantheline bromide How they work These prescription medications work by blocking the chemical messenger acetylcholine as it attempts to travel to receptors on the sweat glands that are responsible for triggering sweating.

Advantages Up to a 75 percent reduction in sweating for glycopyrrolate Often covered under prescription benefit plans Glycopyrrolate for sweating is usually effective at suppressing focal or generalized hyperhidrosis, and most patients can find a dose that is effective without having too many side effects see below.

Oxybutynin Ditropan is more effective in some patients but generally with more reported side effects. May lose their effectiveness over time in some patients Anticholinergics are contraindicated in patients with the following conditions: Glaucoma especially narrow-angle glaucoma Impaired gastric emptying History of urinary retention Alternatives to Oral Medication For people who have tried oral medications without success, or those put off by the potential side-effects, there are safe, effective procedures available.

Their FDA approval is, on the other hand, based on studies involving other medical conditions. Some anticholinergics, such as glycopyrrolate and oxybutynin, have even been found to be safe in young children. Patients over or near the age of 65 may want to discuss these studies JAMA Neurology and JAMA Internal Medicine with their physicians before embarking on or continuing anticholinergic therapy for excessive sweating.

Besides possibly in this older age group and more studies are needed on this , anticholinergics do not, in general, affect the central nervous system the brain and spinal cord.

They work, instead, more peripherally by blocking the chemical messenger acetylcholine as it attempts to travel to receptors on the sweat glands that are responsible for triggering sweating.

Similar receptors are, however, located in multiple areas of the body, so there can be a range of side effects from anticholinergic therapy such as dry mouth, constipation, impaired taste, blurred vision, urinary retention, and heart palpitations. Of possible future use, a new medication that combines oxybutynin and pilocarpine to combat dry mouth and other side effects is being studied.

David M. That said, there are some hyperhidrosis patients who need to be cautious when using anticholinergics. As mentioned above, patients age 65 or older may want to discuss their anticholinergic use and potential dementia risks with their clinicians, but other patients need to be careful and informed, too. Because anticholinergic medications work systemically and cannot target any one body area, in particular, they decrease sweating over the entire body, even in those locations where sweating is not a problem.

This overall decrease in sweating can put the patient at risk for overheating. Dee Anna Glaser, MD , president and founding board member of the International Hyperhidrosis Society , treats hundreds of hyperhidrosis patients a year and is well versed in anticholinergic use.

Further, patients with glaucoma especially narrow-angle glaucoma and those who have impaired gastric emptying or a history or symptoms of urinary retention should not use anticholinergic therapy. Two commonly prescribed anticholinergic medications are now available in liquid formulations, which is important and helpful for children who suffer from hyperhidrosis.

Specifically, the FDA has approved a liquid form of the anticholinergic glycopyrrolate brand name, Cuvposa to reduce drooling in pediatric cerebral palsy patients. This new formulation of a commonly used anticholinergic medication offers an alternative for children who are unable or unwilling to swallow the pills.

Oxybutynin is also available in a liquid formulation and is approved for use in pediatric patients with certain bladder and urinary conditions. Pariser says the benefits of oral anticholinergics in liquid form have been immediate. And because this medicine is approved for children, it gives reassurance to patients of all ages who have safety concerns with this therapy. There are other oral medications besides anticholinergics that are successful in treating patients with specific types of hyperhidrosis, as well.

These meds act on the central nervous system and are best for patients who experience episodic or event-driven hyperhidrosis such as excessive sweating brought on by job interviews or presentations. Additionally, ultrasound, which focuses ultrasonic energy within a localized area, is a new focus of interest and further study. In particular, the VASER ultrasound has been shown to improve symptoms for up to six months, but no data for longer time periods is currently available.

Early results are encouraging, though more research and study are needed to determine exactly how effective various ultrasound methods may be in treating hyperhidrosis symptoms. Today, no cure for hyperhidrosis exists, but further research, medical knowledge, and understanding may expand to the point where a cure is within reach. Above all, scientists must understand the physiology of hyperhidrosis and how various drugs impact that physiology. Doing so can help lead to better therapies that are more effective with fewer side effects.

Because hyperhidrosis is at least partly hereditary, understanding its underlying genetic sequence may also reveal additional clues for how best to prevent, treat, or cure the condition. Thankfully, as hyperhidrosis continues to garner awareness and attention, more researchers and medical professionals can get behind exploring new ways to improve quality of life for those with the condition.

At this point, the physician may prescribe oral anticholinergic medicines to decrease the overall amount of sweat produced by your body. Glycopyrrolate and oxybutynin are the two most commonly used anticholinergic agents to treat hyperhidrosis.

Overall, medicines like glycopyrrolate and oxybutynin can be effective components of a comprehensive treatment plan for people with hyperhidrosis, though be prepared for negative side effects. And, as always, make sure you are working closely with your physician to manage your hyperhidrosis symptoms. Your doctor can help you further understand the full pros and cons of using systemic anticholinergic drugs for your specific situation.

Individual results may vary. View average effectiveness results here. Refund must be requested within days of purchase. Site Terms Privacy Policy. Pros and Cons of Glycopyrrolate and Oxybutynin Before starting a course of either medication, you should carefully consider the pros and cons of each. Pros of Glycopyrrolate and Oxybutynin Available in a convenient pill form. Oxybutynin is also available as a topical gel and as a transdermal patch. Oxybutynin is relatively inexpensive medications, accessible for a wide variety of people.

Effective in preventing plantar foot , palmar hand and axillary armpit hyperhidrosis. In fact, one study reports that 70 percent of patients saw decreased sweating symptoms related to axillary and palmar hyperhidrosis, while 90 percent reported improvement in plantar hyperhidrosis symptoms. Cons of Glycopyrrolate and Oxybutynin Drowsiness Blurred vision Fast, weak pulse or increased heart rate Irregular heartbeat Fever Increased blood pressure Fast, shallow breathing Dry mouth Loss of taste Headache Confusion Fainting Difficulty falling or staying asleep Nausea Vomiting Dry eye Nasal congestion Decreased mental alertness Bloating Constipation Dizziness Eye pain Anxiety Irritability Flushing or redness in the face and skin Constipation or urinary retention Hallucinations Oral medications are usually most effective when used as adjunctive therapy with other treatment options, like topical medicines and antiperspirants, in order to decrease hyperhidrosis symptoms.

What You Need to Know About Each Medication While not specifically developed to treat hyperhidrosis, anticholinergic drugs like glycopyrrolate and oxybutynin are often prescribed for this purpose. Glycopyrrolate Glycopyrrolate is the most commonly prescribed anticholinergic for excessive sweating.

In addition, the high cost of glycopyrrolate for sweating is a limiting factor for some people. Oxybutynin Oxybutynin chloride is often prescribed with elderly patients to treat urinary incontinence, overactive bladder or frequent urination. Future Studies and Uses While no cure is yet available, treatments for hyperhidrosis continue to improve.

Other Research and Product Possibilities Along with various topical formulations, researchers are currently working to develop next-generation, non-injection Botox treatments for addressing plantar foot , axillary underarm and palmar hand hyperhidrosis.

These include generalized hyperhidrosis, excessive facial sweating, compensatory sweating from ETS surgery and secondary hyperhidrosis. Most experts recommend antiperspirants and other topical treatments before considering oral medications for hyperhidrosis. Discuss oral medications thoroughly with your physician to make sure you understand their effects and proper usage.

That said, is there a less risky but equally effective solution for dealing with hyperhidrosis? A sweat proof Thompson Tee undershirt. Each sweat proof Thompson Tee contains a Hydro-Shield underarm barrier that traps moisture and body heat, allowing sweat to evaporate and escape as vapor.

The Thompson Tee is the only patented sweat proof undershirt for men and women. Do not use the information provided for any diagnostic purposes or as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.

What is hyperhidrosis medication? Anticholinergics Anticholinergics are the most common oral medication for hyperhidrosis. Common anticholinergic medications include: Propantheline Pro-Banthine : used with other medications to treat ulcers Glycopyrrolate Cuvposa : used to treat peptic ulcers and excessive stomach acid Benztropine Cogentin : used with other medicines to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease Oxybutynin Ditropan : used to treat overactive bladder and incontinence Inhibiting your body from sweating sounds like a great idea, right?

Side Effects of Anticholinergics While often mild, side effects of anticholinergics include: Dry mouth Constipation Impaired taste Blurred vision Urinary retention Heart palpitations You can manage these side effects by adjusting your dosage.