Abstract
Background
Antidepressant-induced excessive sweating (ADIES) occurs in 5% to 14% of patients taking antidepressants, usually persists throughout treatment, and causes subjective distress and functional impairment. We conducted the first clinical trial of any treatment for ADIES.
Methods
Clinical features of ADIES were assessed using a semistructured form. Twenty-three patients with moderate or greater ADIES were assessed for a 2-week baseline period, followed by 6 weeks of openlabel treatment with flexible dose terazosin, 1 to 6 mg/d. Improvement in ADIES was measured by the Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) scale and other measures.
Results
ADIES commonly was prominent in the scalp (62%), face (95%), neck (48%), and chest (57%); usually occurred either episodically or with episodic bursts (82%); and was persistent (median 63 months). Twenty- two of the 23 patients responded to terazosin (CGI-I scores 1 or 2), with CGI-Severity improving from median of 5 to median of 2 (P < .0001). Patient-rated daytime and nighttime severity of ADIES and proportion of time in ADIES also improved significantly. The most common adverse effects of terazosin therapy were dizziness/lightheadedness (n = 9) and dry mouth (n = 4). No patient dropped out because of adverse effects. Sitting and standing systolic blood pressure decreased by median values of 3 (P = .044) and 5 (P = .063) mm Hg, respectively.
Conclusions
Terazosin may be an effective treatment for ADIES. Although dizziness/lightheadedness may occur in some patients, the treatment generally was well tolerated.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.