Summer R. Thompson
University of California, San Francisco, USA
Laura E. Compton
California State University East Bay, California, USA
Min-Lin Fang
University of California, San Francisco Academic Health Sciences Library, San Francisco, USA
Jyu-Lin Chen
University of California, San Francisco, USA

Abstract:

Background: Antidepressant-induced excessive sweating (ADIES) is a side effect noted to occur in over 20% of patients taking antidepressant medications (Marcy & Britton, 2005). Understanding the effect of pharmacological management of this side effect may allow patients to continue with their current antidepressant medication regimen. Aims: The aims of this systematic review are to identify medications to successfully manage ADIES, to describe the timeline between initiation of treatment and resolution of ADIES and/or follow-up assessment, and to describe any subgroups that exist related to ADIES treatment efficacy. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. We conducted a search of ten major electronic databases resulting in 3,922 studies that addressed the pharmacologic management of ADIES. Results: We identified seven studies that met the inclusion criteria. These studies varied greatly in study methodology and analysis methods used. Although all studies reported positive results from the various interventions used, the degree of bias differed between studies. Conclusions: The frequency of this side effect and the lack of research on this topic warrant further research into treatment options. The pervasiveness of ADIES also entails enhanced patient education, assessment and management.

Keywords:antidepressant, hyperhidrosis, diaphoresis, sweating, side effects