Methadone-Induced Hyperhidrosis Treated With Oxybutynin

J Addict Med. 2017 May/Jun;11(3):237-238. doi: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000000300.

Abstract

Objectives: This case report aims to help healthcare providers and methadone clinic patients to recognize one of the less recognized adverse effects of methadone, hyperhidrosis, and to suggest oxybutynin as a possible solution.

Methods: A 35-year-old man on methadone maintenance therapy presented with excessive sweating, which began promptly after methadone was introduced. Urine toxicology was conducted every 2 weeks to rule out other illicit substances that may have contributed to the sweating.

Results: Oxybutynin (5 mg PO QID) resulted in cessation of the methadone-induced hyperhidrosis within 2 days of starting the medication.

Conclusions: Methadone-induced excessive sweating is an adverse effect of the medication that reportedly affects up to 45% of those prescribed methadone, and oxybutynin is a potent treatment for methadone-induced excessive sweating.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analgesics, Opioid / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Hyperhidrosis / chemically induced*
  • Hyperhidrosis / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Mandelic Acids / therapeutic use*
  • Methadone / adverse effects*
  • Muscarinic Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Opiate Substitution Treatment / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Mandelic Acids
  • Muscarinic Antagonists
  • oxybutynin
  • Methadone