What antidepressants don’t cause excessive sweating?(2+)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss which antidepressants do not cause excessive sweating, the link between antidepressants and sweating, what factors can contribute to excessive sweating, and how to get rid of antidepressant-induced excessive sweating.
What antidepressants don’t cause excessive sweating?
Antidepressants that are less likely to cause excessive sweating include:
- Agomelatine (Valdoxan)
- Mirtazapine (Remeron)
- Vortioxetine (Trintellix) (1)
Agomelatine (Valdoxan):
Agomelatine is a newer antidepressant that belongs to the class of atypical antidepressants and works by antagonizing melatonin and serotonin receptors. It shows minimal excessive sweating, making it a potential option for patients worried about this side effect. (3)
Vortioxetine (Trintellix):
Vortioxetine is a relatively newer antidepressant that belongs to the class of serotonin modulators. It works by combining serotonin reuptake inhibition with serotonin receptor modulation.
Studies suggest that it may have a lower incidence of sweating compared to older SSRIs, making it an option for those suffering from this side effect. (4)
Mirtazapine (Remeron):
Mirtazapine acts on both the serotonin and norepinephrine systems. While it may cause weight gain, which can indirectly contribute to sweating, it is generally considered to be favorable regarding sweating compared to other antidepressants.
Mirtazapine’s antihistaminic effects may contribute to its lower incidence of sweating.
Communicating openly with your healthcare provider regarding all your concerns is advisable.
What is the link between antidepressants and excessive sweating?
Antidepressants are used to manage various mental health conditions and provide relief to those suffering from depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. A common side effect associated with many antidepressants is excessive sweating.
Excessive sweating can not be pleasant for individuals struggling with mental health challenges. Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, is reported by individuals suffering from mental health issues and taking certain antidepressants to get relief.
The exact mechanism behind this side effect is unclear. Still, it is believed to be related to the medications’ impact on the sympathetic nervous system or hypothalamus or an imbalance of alpha and beta-adrenergic receptor systems. (2)
What factors can contribute to excessive sweating caused by antidepressants?
These are some of the factors that can contribute to antidepressant-induced excessive sweating:
- Individual Variability: People react differently to medications, and an individual’s unique physiology can influence how they respond to antidepressants. What causes excessive sweating in one person may not have the same effect in another.
- Dosage and Medication Interactions: The dosage of antidepressant medications can play a role in excessive sweating. Additionally, interactions with other medications a person may be taking can influence how the body responds to antidepressants.
- Treatment Duration: Excessive sweating may occur in the initial phase of antidepressant treatment and sometimes diminish over time as the body adjusts to the medication. However, some individuals may continue to experience sweating throughout their treatment.
- Patient Predisposition: Certain individuals may be more predisposed to experiencing side effects such as excessive sweating based on factors like age, genetics, and pre-existing medical conditions.
It’s important for individuals to communicate any side effects they experience, including excessive sweating, to their healthcare providers. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance on managing medication side effects.
How to get rid of antidepressant-induced excessive sweating?
Antidepressants that cause excessive sweating include most SSRIs like Lexapro, SNRIs, and tricyclic antidepressants. Excessive sweating may subside within a few weeks as your body adjusts to the medication.
If the symptom persists, talk to your healthcare provider. Your doctor may adjust your dose to reduce the symptoms, and if changing the dose does not help you, they may consider changing your antidepressant to one with a more favorable side effect profile.
What antidepressants are prescribed to individuals prone to excessive sweating?
Your healthcare provider can also consider prescribing drugs like terazosin, oxybutynin, and benztropine to help with excessive sweating as a side effect caused by the use of antidepressants or if you are suffering from hyperhidrosis. (6)
According to my knowledge, agomelatine, mirtazapine, and vortioxetine are among the antidepressants that cause minimal sweating and provide valuable options for patients suffering from mental health issues without unwanted side effects.
While individual responses to medications vary, discussing concerns with your healthcare provider can help make a treatment plan more suited to your needs.
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References
1.-
Sheffler ZM, Patel P, Abdijadid S. Antidepressants. [Updated 2023 May 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538182/
2.-
Marcy, Todd & Britton, Mark. (2005). Antidepressant-Induced Sweating. The Annals of Pharmacotherapy. 39. 748-52. 10.1345/aph.1E564. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/8005985_Antidepressant-Induced_Sweating/citation/download
3.-
Sansone RA, Sansone LA. Agomelatine: a novel antidepressant. Innov Clin Neurosci. 2011 Nov;8(11):10-4. PMID: 22191083; PMCID: PMC3244295. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3244295/
4.-
Trintellix, The Medication Guide approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Revised: 1/2021 https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/204447s021s022lbl.pdf
5.-
Remeron, The Medication Guide by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/020415s023s024.pdf
6.-
Kolli V, Ramaswamy S. Improvement of antidepressant-induced sweating with as-required benztropine. Innov Clin Neurosci. 2013 Nov;10(11-12):10-1. PMID: 24563813; PMCID: PMC3931183. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3931183/
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