How to Stop Sweating from Antidepressants

The use of antidepressant medicines may perhaps turn one’s life around. 
A lot of people are relieved of their depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder using the corresponding ,medicine, still, each in turn comes with its cons. 
Sweating is a common problem for many people. If you want to know how to stop sweating from antidepressants, we are here to help. 
Let’s discuss what causes this problem in the first place and how to manage it efficiently.

Why Do Antidepressants Cause Sweating?

Antidepressants, particularly SSRIs and SNRIs, control the serotonin levels in the body, which is why they alter your body’s equilibrium. 
While this neurotransmitter is heavily responsible for regulating mood, it also helps with body temperature and sweating.
When any medications are administered, patients sweat profusely. 
So, feeling happy might mean sweating more even in cool or calm settings.
The most common concerns include Zoloft and sweating, Prozac and sweating, or Wellbutrin and sweating because they might affect these bodily functions. 
Although, not everyone suffers from such forms of sweating. 
Some may not suffer from such sweating at all, while others may find it challenging to accomplish their daily routine.

How to Stop Sweating from Antidepressants

These methods may prove a little useful when dealing with sweating due to antidepressants:

1. Talk to Your Doctor

The first and most critical action is always to talk to your physician.
If any excessive sweating is noticed after the initiation or the change of the antidepressant medication, the exact needs to be discussed. 
Your dosage might be adjusted or you might be given as an alternative something new, depending on the feedback. 
An antidepressant drug should only be used with a prescription from a doctor, otherwise, it will not prove as effective and could even be harmful.

Potential discussions include:

• Changing the Antidepressant: Like all drugs, different brands of these have various side effects. For example, while SSRIs tend to cause more sweating, some patients on Wellbutrin (bupropion) report less sweating.
• Reduced dosage: Swapping out the current depression medication for a new one can work, and so can taking a lower dose of the current medication.

2. Stay Cool

This might seem simple but it can make a big difference. 
Here’s what you can do:

• Choose breathable fabrics to wear, e.g. cotton.
• Don’t wear multiple layers of clothes if you don’t really have to.
• Air conditioning or fans can be used to regulate the temperature.
• Bathe in cool water, especially when going to bed or after rigorous activities.

3. Use Antiperspirants Wisely

Strong antiperspirants can be used to treat excessive sweating. 
The better approach would be to apply clinical-strength antiperspirants as they usually contain aluminium chloride. 
These are great for sweating issues like underarms, palms, and feet.
Moreover, consider wipes or sprays with antiperspirant for those sweating from the face or upper body.

4. Hydration and Diet Modifications

In some cases, hydration can be an important factor to thought of. Certain meals and liquids can cause the body’s sweat glands to be overactive so include the following: 

• Stay away from goods and liquids that are highly seasoned since they can result in sweating. 
• If you can, stop caffeine consumption, as it tends to make you sweat more. If that is not possible, try to limit it. 
• Always keep your body hydrated. An increased intake of water helps with the regulation of body temperature, making the sweating controlled.

5. CBT

Research has found that cognitive behavioral therapy helps reduce sweating when anxious. 
It solves one of the contributors to medication-induced sweating and while it won’t solve everything, it can be beneficial.

6. Explore Medical Treatments

If the issue is severe, you can try looking for solutions such as: 

• Botox injections seem to be effective. Botox stops nerve endings from communicating with sweat glands which leads to excessive perspiration.
• Medicines that reduce hyperhidrosis, like other prescription medicines for reduced sweating, anticholinergic drugs also have side effects. 
• Iontophoresis. This method involves the use of water-soaked electrodes to decrease sweating in hands and feet or any other specific part of the body.

7. Natural Remedies

For those wanting to use natural solutions, here are some suggestions:

• Sage tea: Traditionally used for some of its sweating diminishing power.
• Chamomile products: Chamomile in the form of skin application or tea has some anti-sweating and relaxing properties.

Can Sweating Improve Over Time?

Yes, sweating tends to decrease for a few people with continuous medication. 
People who have started on antidepressant medications often find that within a few weeks to months, sweating tends to ease dramatically to the point where they no longer sweat profusely. 
But seeking help is necessary if the sweating does persist, is excessive or is causing distress.

Are There Antidepressants That Don’t Cause Sweating?

Certain medications tend to have a lower risk of causing sweating as a side effect. 
For instance, Wellbutrin (bupropion) is often reported to cause less sweating compared to SSRIs and SNRIs. 
If you’ve been struggling with sweating and antidepressants, exploring alternatives with fewer sweating-related side effects might be an option for you. 
Consult with your doctor before making any decisions.

What To Avoid Doing

• Never stop taking your prescribed drugs. Stopping can lead to mental health issues and withdrawal symptoms.
• Never attempt to medicate yourself. Over-the-counter sweat remedies can potentially interact negatively with the medications you are taking so best to consult first.
• Never choose to ignore it. If you feel suffocated because of excessive sweating, seek help. There is always something that can be done.

What You Should Do Next

If your struggle with sweating due to antidepressants feels insurmountable, remember that there’s support. 
Goodness Psychiatry works with people who need assistance managing their mental illness and the effects of their medications.
We will develop a plan that targets your unique challenges and increases your quality of life with the least amount of discomfort.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Contact Goodness Psychiatry and get the help you need. We can adjust your medication to help you feel and function better or to use other therapies that can relieve your symptoms.

FAQ

How can I sweat less on antidepressants?

• Wear breathable fabrics.
• Stay hydrated.
• Talk to your doctor about adjusting your medication.

How to stop medication-induced sweating?

• Use strong antiperspirants.
• Stay cool.
• Consult your doctor for alternative treatments.

How to tell if your antidepressant is too strong?

Watch for intense side effects like excessive sweating or anxiety and consult your doctor.

How to reduce excessive sweating?

• Try antiperspirants.
• Cooling methods.
• Seek medical advice if it persists.