Can Fluoxetine Cause Night Sweats? (3+ Factors)

By Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)

Page last updated: 02/01/2024 | Next review date: 02/01/2026

Author bio

Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.

Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:

Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.

Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)

Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.

Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil

Professional Experience:

2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department

Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.

2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.

She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz

Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.

2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department

She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.

2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.

Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.

Education:

2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo

2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo

2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo

2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes

The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:

Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.

Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.

Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.

Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.

Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.

Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.

Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.

Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.

Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.

You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.

Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii

Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital

Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital

CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists

Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)

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In the article, we will discuss Fluoxetine-induced night sweats. We will also discuss some research studies and potential treatment options that can help reduce the intensity of this side effect.

Can Fluoxetine cause night sweats?

Yes, Fluoxetine can cause night sweats or excessive sweating in general. It is one of the most common side effects of antidepressants like Fluoxetine.

It is important to understand that excessive sweating, whether it’s night sweats, sweaty hands, or just sweating more than usual, can be associated with several antidepressant medications, not only Fluoxetine. These include Sertraline, Citalopram, Escitalopram etc.

Fluoxetine, an SSRI, is an antidepressant used to treat depression and anxiety. It’s associated with different common and uncommon side effects (1).

However, it is crucial to recognise that individuals’ responses to medications vary greatly. Not everyone who takes Fluoxetine or other antidepressants will experience these side effects.

Always keep the lines of communication open with your healthcare provider to ensure your medication is working well for you and that any side effects are properly addressed.

What does research suggest?

Several research studies have discussed sweating associated with Fluoxetine and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in general.

In a reported case study, a patient was taking Fluoxetine along with another antidepressant Trazodone to treat depression. After some time the patient started feeling very cold, had night sweats, tingling muscles and even felt confused (2).

He went to his doctor, who thought these symptoms might be side effects of either Fluoxetine or Trazodone (2).

To help the patient the doctor gradually tapered down and eventually discontinued both of these medications. As a result the symptoms gradually went away (2).

Factors leading to night sweats while taking Fluoxetine

Night sweats while taking Fluoxetine can be attributed to several factors, such as :

Dose and duration: Higher doses and longer durations of use may increase the risk of experiencing this side effect.

Individual variation: People respond differently to medication, and some people may be more prone to side effects like night sweats than others.

Interactions: The interaction between Fluoxetine and other medications and substances you are taking can influence the likelihood of night sweats.

Underlying medical conditions: Existing medical conditions, such as hormonal imbalances or menopause, can also contribute to night sweats. Fluoxetine may aggravate these underlying issues.

Withdrawal or adjustment: Night sweats can sometimes occur during the adjustment period when starting, stopping or changing the dosages of Fluoxetine.

If night sweats are becoming problematic while taking Fluoxetine, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider.

What are the possible treatments for Fluoxetine-induced night sweats?

Various studies discuss the potential treatments for night sweats and excessive sweating caused by antidepressants

In five case reports, it was reported that Cyproheptadine decreased night sweats. It was most likely caused by the serotonin antagonist activity of the drug (3).

It was also found that the use of Cyproheptadine as a treatment for SSRI-induced sweating decreased excessive sweating without any changes in the efficacy of SSRI treatment (3).

One study reported that the use of Terazosin, a long-acting selective alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blocker, significantly improved the daytime and nighttime severity of sweating (4).

Benzotropine, anticholinergic, can be used in the treatment of antidepressant-induced excessive sweating. Patients using this medication experienced the benefits of the drug within one hour of the administration (5).

What to do if Fluoxetine-induced night sweats persist?

If Fluoxetine-induced night sweats persist, please inform your doctor immediately. They may reduce your dose to see if it works for you. Research suggests that dose reduction might help in reducing antidepressant-induced excessive sweating (6).

If dose reduction works, your doctor may gradually increase the dose later and find the right balance for you.

However, if dose reduction does not work, your doctor may discontinue your medication or switch to another antidepressant with fewer side effects.

It is crucial to follow your doctor’s guidance and not stop taking the medication abruptly. Working together with your healthcare provider will help find the best solution to manage any side effects and ensure your overall well-being.

Conclusion

Based on my experience and the information available, I can say that Fluoxetine can indeed lead to night sweats as a side effect. However, individual responses to medications can vary.

If you are experiencing this side effect, discuss it with your healthcare provider to explore the potential solution.