Oral Medications
This treatment option is one that I have recently chosen to take a closer look at, because it may hold more promise than I originally believed. In truth, I had always dismissed the idea of oral medications as a useful treatment for Hyperhidrosis. In most articles I have read describing Primary Hyperhidrosis and recommended treatments, prescription drug therapies were glossed over and generally not recommended. The reasons for this are extremely valid: because HH is usually a lifelong affliction, prescribed use would be indefinite, and that is not something with which doctors or patients are normally comfortable. Also, there are side effects that are almost always associated with these drugs, such as:
- Dry Mouth
- Constipation
- Difficulty with urination
- Blurred Vision
- Dry Eyes
- Headache
- Lethargy
- Drowsiness
These side effects in general are certainly not appealing, but for the most part they seem to be more annoying than anything. Also, because everyone reacts differently to medication, they can range from being very minor to intolerable.
I always had assumed that these drugs did not work very well on such specific areas such as Palmar and Plantar Hyperhidrosis, because the treatment is systemic and not localized. However, as I started reading various chat forums that discussed specific drugs, I was surprised to see that people truly are seeing substantial relief from their sweating. For example, on a forum pertaining to the anticholinergic Robinul, people who were describing trouble with severe craniofacial sweating have posted statements that they have had “complete relief” and that their side effects were “a little dry mouth” and other minor issues. Others were thrilled that their hands and feet were now dry thanks to the drug, and that their side effects were minor issues like “cotton mouth”, headaches, or dry eyes. Some reported side effects had mostly subsided after a few weeks. Still others were stating that they had been taking this drug for years (one woman said 7), with no ill effects. All of these statements are of course purely anecdotal, not clinically recorded.
I have to say that these results were unexpected for me, and I am truly happy for those who have had these great experiences with prescription medications. However, I remain very reluctant to recommend this treatment option simply because there seems to be a lack of information regarding the safety of taking these pharmaceuticals for years on end. This issue obviously should be discussed with your doctor. Furthermore, be certain that any medical professional who treats you for Hyperhidrosis is experienced in treating this disorder. Sure, all doctors are probably familiar with the term “Hyperhidrosis”, but you should never assume that they know how to treat it, or that they have a full understanding of how it impacts your life. If a doctor is potentially going to prescribe an oral medication for you, you must feel satisfied that he or she is fully knowledgeable about your situation.
The drugs usually prescribed to address HH fall into three categories: anticholinergics, beta-blockers, and benzodiazepines. Anticholinergics appear to be the most beneficial of the three. Anticholinergic drugs, such as glycopyrrolate (Robinul) and oxybutynin (Ditropan), interrupt the neurotransmitters responsible for sweat secretion. Beta-blockers and benzodiazepines aim to reduce anxiety levels, which in theory would decrease emotional stimuli that would cause a sweating episode. However, these drugs do have some potential for dependency, not to mention such side effects as lethargy and drowsiness.
One interesting development that I have noted from several sources recently is that there has been some success in using anticholinergics crushed and mixed into the tap water used in Iontophoresis treatments. This method would have to be used under the direct care of a physician, as dosage must be determined. Results are anecdotal and have not been studied, but there is some potential there!
So, if you are under the care of a good dermatologist who is familiar with the various pharmacotherapies for Primary Hyperhidrosis, it may be worth it to you to give this option a try. As always, good luck!
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