Medication-Induced Sweating: Causes, Common Drugs, and What to Do

When you start a new medication and suddenly find yourself drenched in sweat for no reason, it’s not just bad luck—it’s a known side effect called medication-induced sweating, excessive perspiration triggered by pharmaceuticals, not heat or exercise. Also known as drug-induced hyperhidrosis, it’s more common than most people realize and can happen with everything from antidepressants to thyroid pills. This isn’t just uncomfortable—it can mess with your sleep, confidence, and daily routine.

Many of the drugs linked to this issue work by changing how your nervous system controls body temperature. Antidepressants, especially tricyclics like Endep (amitriptyline) and Prothiaden (dosulepin) are big culprits. They mess with neurotransmitters that regulate sweat glands. Same goes for some thyroid medications, like levothyroxine, when the dose is too high. Even common painkillers and blood pressure drugs can trigger it. It’s not always about the drug itself—it’s about how your body reacts to it. If you’re on more than one medication, the combo might be the real problem.

What makes this tricky is that sweating doesn’t always show up right away. It could take weeks. And doctors don’t always connect the dots unless you mention it. That’s why so many people suffer in silence, thinking it’s just stress or menopause. But if you’ve started a new pill and your clothes are soaked by noon, it’s worth looking into. You don’t have to live with it. Sometimes, a small dose tweak, switching to a different drug, or adding a simple countermeasure can make a huge difference.

Below, you’ll find real comparisons and guides from people who’ve been there. We’ve pulled together posts that break down exactly which drugs are most likely to cause this, how to tell if it’s the meds or something else, and what steps you can take next—without jumping to drastic changes. Whether you’re on antidepressants, thyroid meds, or something else entirely, there’s a path forward.