What Drugs Cause You To Sweat Profusely?
We’ve all been there: in bed, feeling as sick as a dog and sweating much more than usual when battling illness. But did you know that sweating excessively could also be a side effect of some prescription and over-the-counter drugs?
From antidepressants to pain medication, various medications can trigger excessive sweating. Discover 10 of the most common medications that make you sweat more than usual below.
What is drug-induced hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis, also known as excessive sweating, is the medical term used when someone sweats more than usual. You see, the human body sweats to cool down when it gets too hot, like when we play sports or hit up the sauna. But if you’re sweating when you’re not hot, there could be something else at play.
There are two types of hyperhidrosis: primary and secondary. Primary hyperhidrosis isn’t caused by another medical condition or side effects of medication – whereas secondary hyperhidrosis is.1
If your sweating is a side effect of medication, it’s known as secondary hyperhidrosis.
10 medicines that can make you sweat
Wondering what drugs cause you to sweat profusely? Here are some of the most common prescription and non-prescription medications that can make you sweat more than usual.2
1. ADHD stimulant medication
If you have ADHD, you may be prescribed a stimulant medication.2 These medications boost chemicals in the brain to help with attention span, impulsivity, and other symptoms. But they can also have sweaty side effects, especially at night, and could increase body odor.3,4
2. Antibiotics
Antibiotics target bacteria and viruses in the body.5 Although they’re helping you on the inside, they could cause side effects – like sweating more than usual.
3. Antidepressants
Medications used to help treat depression, could cause excessive sweating.2 In fact, more than 22% of adults in the U.S. who take antidepressants experience sweating as a side effect.6
4. Blood pressure medications
Blood pressure medications help reduce the water and salt in your body, relax your blood vessels, and reduce the force of your heartbeat.2 However, some of these blood pressure medications could also cause people to sweat more as a side effect.
5. Cancer treatments and medication
It’s common for patients receiving cancer treatment, like radiation therapy, to experience hot flushes and night sweats, which can also continue after treatment for some.
Hormone therapy medication, prostate cancer medication, opioids, and steroids may also be prescribed during these treatments, which could cause people to sweat more.2,7
6. Dermatology medication
Medicinal skincare to treat conditions such as acne or dandruff can trigger excessive sweating in some people, this includes medication used on the skin (topical), or taken via the mouth, like tablets.2
7. Diabetes medication
If someone with diabetes takes too much insulin or other diabetes medication, their blood sugar levels can drop very low, which is known as hypoglycemia. This can cause excessive sweating by either triggering the automatic nervous system that controls digestion and sweating or releasing adrenaline that is also triggered by stress and anxiety.8
8. Gastrointestinal drugs
Some medications that you can take for gastrointestinal issues may come with sweaty side effects, including treatment for diarrhea, indigestion and heartburn, or treating nausea caused by chemotherapy.2
9. Hormone drugs
Hot flushes and night sweats are common side effects of hormonal therapy – this treatment could be used for breast-, prostate- or endometrial cancers. In fact, up to 75% of patients being treated for prostate cancer experience hot flushes.9
10. Pain medication
Have you ever come out in a sweat after taking pain medication? Some drugs that reduce pain can also make you sweat more, like opioids.2
Remember though, just because you’re sweating after taking new medication, it doesn’t mean that it is the sole cause of the sweats. Consult your medical professional if you think your excessive sweating could be down to your medication, and they will be able to advise.
WHAT TO DO IF MEDICATION IS CAUSING YOU TO SWEAT
Speak to your healthcare provider
If you’re sweating a lot and think your medication is the culprit, the best thing you can do is speak to your healthcare professional. They may be able to recommend an alternative or advise you on how to tackle it.
In the meantime, we’ve gathered some of our top tips to reduce your sweating and boost your confidence:
- Keep cool at night by layering breathable blankets and duvets so you can throw them off in the night if you’re hot, and leaving windows open or having a fan on
- Choose breathable clothes made of natural fibers like cotton and silk, or sweat-wicking polyester blends when it comes to your workout outfits
- Stay cool in hot weather by opting for colder showers, wearing loose-fitting clothes, and working out when it’s cool, e.g., in the morning or evening
- Don’t smoke, as nicotine can make you sweat more
- Address any stress and anxiety, we know this can be difficult, but try to find time to relax, be mindful, and breathe deeply when you’re feeling stressed
- Limit or reduce your consumption of alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods
Get yourself a good antiperspirant deodorant
Antiperspirant is key when it comes to tackling sweat, forming a gel over your sweat glands to reduce the amount of sweat your body releases. Deodorant, on the other hand, neutralizes the odor-causing bacteria that love to feast on our sweat. Want the best of both worlds? That’s why we combine the two in our antiperspirant deodorants.
Here are some of our favorites from our UltraClear collection, which provide you with advanced sweat and odor protection while keeping your clothes free from white and yellow marks:
For women: Degree® UltraClear Black+White Antiperspirant Deodorant Dry Spray
For men: Degree®UltraClear Black+White Antiperspirant Deodorant Dry Spray
If a regular antiperspirant isn’t keeping you dry, give one of our clinical formulas a try:
For women: Degree®5in1 Protection Clinical Antiperspirant Deodorant
For men: Degree® Sport Strength Clinical Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick
Sweating after surgery
The drugs in your system will raise your body temperature and your body will try to cool you down by sweating. This will pass within a day or two. If you’re still experiencing sweating a few days after your operation, seek medical assistance, in case of an infection.
Sweating because of fever and illness
Sweating when ill is often because you have a fever, infection, or virus. Your body fights harder to keep your temperature down so you sweat more. If your body temperature is above 100°F or you have other symptoms, you should seek medical advice.
Sweats and chills can also be a sign of other types of illness or medical conditions. If you’re worried your cold sweats and fever might be symptoms of any of these things, visit your doctor.
Remember, sweating is normal. But if you think your medication is making you sweat too much and it’s affecting your quality of life, it’s time to speak to your healthcare provider. They can help you get it under control and get back to your best, most confident self. You’ve got this!
References:
- Two types of hyperhidrosis. International hyperhydrosis society.
- Common drugs/medications known to cause diaphoresis
listed by therapeutic class. International hyperhydrosis society. - Dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. Medlineplus. Updated 2019.
- FDA drug safety communication. FDA.
- Patel P, Wermuth HR, Calhoun C, et al. Antibiotics. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. Updated 2023.
- Consequence of taking antidepressants: excessive sweating. International hyperhydrosis society.
- Hot flashes and night sweats (PDQ®)–patient version. National cancer institute. Updated 2021.
- Tesfaye N, Seaquist ER. Neuroendocrine responses to hypoglycemia. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2010.
