Systemic Medication: Clonidine

Clonidine is a centrally active alpha-2 receptor agonist that decreases norepinephrine release.[79] One small case series and several case reports have been published regarding its effect on hyperhidrosis. Clonidine reduced sweating in 2 women with paroxysmal localized hyperhidrosis, a rare condition that can be idiopathic, can be due to nervous system disease or can occur as a manifestation of gustatory sweating.[79] The medication was also found to be helpful for 12 patients with the same diagnosis in a French case series. (Rev Neurol) A patient with excessive sweating due to tricyclic antidepressant use had a marked reduction in sweating with clonidine.[36] In another report, a man with anxiety-induced facial and scalp hyperhidrosis found relief with the combination of clonidine and topical aluminum chloride.[146] Lastly, clonidine has been reported helpful in a case of gustatory hyperhidrosis. (Archives of Physical Med Rehab).

Recently, the International Hyperhidrosis Society and two of its physician leaders conducted an in-depth webinar all about the use of oral medications, including clonidine, to treat hyperhidrosis. You can "

" During this program, clonidine was discussed as being particularly useful in the treatment of situational sweating, craniofacial sweating, menopausal sweating, or sweating that's a side effect of another medication. Clonidine should be used on a regular basis to avoid severe changes in blood pressure.