Is there a pill you can take to stop sweating? A Guide to Oral Medications for Hyperhidrosis

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, affects an estimated 4.8% of the U.S. population, which is approximately 15.3 million people. For those seeking relief, the question often arises: Is there a pill you can take to stop sweating? The answer is yes, several oral medications can help manage this condition.

Quick Summary

Yes, oral medications are available to manage excessive sweating. These prescription pills, primarily anticholinergics like glycopyrrolate and oxybutynin, work systemically to reduce sweat production across the entire body.

Key Points

Oral Medications Exist: Yes, there are prescription pills, primarily anticholinergics like glycopyrrolate and oxybutynin, that can be taken to reduce excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).
Anticholinergics are Key: These drugs work by blocking the chemical messenger (acetylcholine) that tells sweat glands to produce sweat, thus reducing sweating systemically.
Off-Label Use is Common: Many pills for sweating, including glycopyrrolate and oxybutynin, are used 'off-label,' meaning they are FDA-approved for other conditions but have proven effective for hyperhidrosis.
Side Effects are Systemic: Because these pills affect the whole body, common side effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and a reduced ability to cool down in heat.
Prescription is Required: You cannot get effective anti-sweat pills over the counter; a consultation with a healthcare provider is necessary to get a prescription and ensure they are safe for you.
Beta-Blockers for Situational Sweating: Medications like propranolol are an option for sweating triggered by performance anxiety or stress, as they block the physical effects of adrenaline.
Not a Cure: Oral medications manage the symptoms of hyperhidrosis but do not cure the condition. They are often used when topical treatments are not sufficient.

Understanding Hyperhidrosis and the Role of Medication

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by sweating that goes beyond the body's physiological needs for temperature regulation. It can be classified as primary (with no obvious cause) or secondary (caused by another medical condition or medication). While not life-threatening, it can significantly impact a person's quality of life, leading to social anxiety and embarrassment. For many who don't find relief with topical treatments like strong antiperspirants, oral medications offer a systemic solution. These pills work throughout the body to decrease sweat gland activity, making them particularly useful for generalized hyperhidrosis or when multiple areas are affected.

Anticholinergics: The Primary Pills for Sweating

Anticholinergic drugs are the most commonly prescribed oral medications for hyperhidrosis. They function by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that the nervous system uses to activate sweat glands. By interrupting this signal, these medications reduce overall sweat production. Though effective, most of these drugs are used "off-label" for hyperhidrosis, meaning they are FDA-approved for other conditions (like overactive bladder or peptic ulcers) but have been found to be helpful for sweating.

Glycopyrrolate (Robinul, Cuvposa)

Glycopyrrolate is often the first-line oral anticholinergic prescribed for hyperhidrosis. It is a quaternary ammonium compound, which means it is less likely to cross the blood-brain barrier, resulting in fewer central nervous system side effects like drowsiness compared to other anticholinergics. Studies have shown high effectiveness, with some reporting up to a 90% reduction in symptoms for patients.

Administration: Glycopyrrolate is typically started at a low strength and adjusted based on individual response and the presence of side effects. It is usually recommended to take it on an empty stomach to optimize absorption.
Side Effects: The most common side effect is dry mouth. Others include blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention, and a decreased ability to cool down in hot weather, which requires caution during exercise or in warm climates.

Oxybutynin (Ditropan XL)

Oxybutynin is another widely used anticholinergic for treating hyperhidrosis. Originally approved for overactive bladder, it has proven effective in reducing both generalized and focal sweating. Some studies have shown that over 70% of hyperhidrosis patients experience significant improvement with oxybutynin.

Administration: Oxybutynin administration varies, often starting at a low strength and increasing gradually. The total daily amount typically remains below a certain level.
Side Effects: Like glycopyrrolate, dry mouth is the most prevalent side effect. Other potential effects include dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, and blurred vision. Alcohol can worsen these side effects.

Other Oral Medications for Sweating

While anticholinergics are the primary choice, other classes of medication may be used, especially for specific types of sweating.

Beta-Blockers

Beta-blockers, such as Propranolol, are primarily used for heart conditions but can be prescribed off-label to manage the physical symptoms of performance or situational anxiety, including sweating, a racing heart, and trembling. They work by blocking the effects of adrenaline. They are best suited for predictable, episodic sweating triggered by stress, such as public speaking or job interviews, rather than for constant, generalized hyperhidrosis.

Other Off-Label Options

In specific cases, other drugs might be considered:

Clonidine: An alpha-adrenergic agonist used for high blood pressure that can help reduce activity in the sympathetic nervous system.
Benzodiazepines: Anti-anxiety medications that may indirectly help with sweating triggered by stress or anxiety.
Gabapentin: A seizure medication that may be prescribed if the hyperhidrosis is believed to have a neuropathic component.

Comparison of Common Oral Medications for Sweating


Medication	Class	Primary Use	Common Side Effects	Best For
Glycopyrrolate	Anticholinergic	Reduces secretions (ulcers, drooling); off-label for hyperhidrosis.	Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention.	Generalized or multi-focal hyperhidrosis.
Oxybutynin	Anticholinergic	Overactive bladder; off-label for hyperhidrosis.	Dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation.	Generalized, craniofacial, or focal hyperhidrosis.
Propranolol	Beta-Blocker	High blood pressure, heart conditions; off-label for anxiety.	Fatigue, dizziness, cold hands/feet.	Situational or performance-related sweating.
Propantheline Bromide	Anticholinergic	Licensed for hyperhidrosis, stomach/bladder spasms.	Dry mouth, blurred vision, stomach cramps.	Generalized sweating, gustatory sweating.

Important Considerations and Conclusion

Oral medications for hyperhidrosis are only available by prescription from a healthcare provider. A doctor will assess your condition, consider underlying causes, and determine the most appropriate treatment. It's crucial to discuss your medical history, as these drugs are not suitable for people with certain conditions like glaucoma, urinary retention, or specific heart issues.

The primary drawback of these pills is their systemic nature—they reduce secretions all over the body, not just in problem areas. This leads to common side effects like dry mouth and eyes and can impair the body's ability to cool itself, posing a risk of overheating.

In conclusion, for those asking, "Is there a pill you can take to stop sweating?", the answer is a definitive yes. Prescription oral medications, especially anticholinergics like glycopyrrolate and oxybutynin, represent an effective line of treatment for managing the disruptive effects of hyperhidrosis. A thorough consultation with a healthcare professional is the essential first step to finding a safe and effective solution.

For more information from an authoritative source, you can visit the International Hyperhidrosis Society: https://www.sweathelp.org/hyperhidrosis-treatments/medications.html

Frequently Asked Questions

The most commonly prescribed oral medications for excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) are anticholinergics, with glycopyrrolate and oxybutynin being the two most frequently used.

No, there are no over-the-counter pills available to treat hyperhidrosis. All effective oral medications for excessive sweating require a prescription from a healthcare professional.

Most pills for sweating are anticholinergics. They work by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger in the nervous system that is responsible for activating your sweat glands.

The most common side effects are due to the medication's systemic drying effect and include dry mouth, blurred vision, dry eyes, constipation, and difficulty urinating. They can also impair your body's ability to cool down in hot weather.

The onset of action can vary. Some people may notice a reduction in sweating within a few hours of taking the medication, while for others it may take several days of consistent use to see significant results.

While these medications have a long history of use for other conditions, their long-term use for hyperhidrosis should be monitored by a doctor. Side effects like dry mouth are a common reason for patients to discontinue long-term therapy.

While some medications like beta-blockers are used for situational sweating (e.g., before a presentation), anticholinergics often work best when taken consistently. Your doctor will provide instructions on how to take your prescribed medication.