Oxybutynin pills for excessive sweating

At a glance

How it works

It blocks a nerve signal that tells sweat glands to work. It enters the brain more readily than glycopyrrolate, so drowsiness, confusion, or memory problems may be more likely.

Off-label use

The FDA approved oxybutynin for overactive bladder, not excessive sweating. Clinicians still use it for sweating based on smaller studies and years of experience.

Where it fits

It is often tried after skin treatments. It may come sooner when several body areas sweat because one pill can affect them all. The tradeoff is whole-body side effects.

Dosing

A clinician often starts with a low dose and raises it only if needed. Short-acting and extended-release pills are available. Doses for children depend on weight and need close medical guidance.

Side effects and older adults

Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, trouble urinating, dry eyes, and drowsiness can occur. Confusion and memory problems matter more in older adults. Other medicines can add to these effects.

What to consider

• • Type: short-acting or extended-release prescription pill
• • Schedule: often 1-2 times daily
• • Prescription required
• • FDA-approved use: overactive bladder, not excessive sweating
• • Body area: can affect sweating across the body

Side effects and reasons this may not be safe for you

• • Dry mouth (very common)
• • Blurred vision
• • Urinary hesitation/retention
• • Constipation
• • Cognitive effects (more pronounced than glycopyrrolate)
• • Drowsiness
• • Dry eyes
• • Tachycardia (less common)

Compare this option

• Compare: glycopyrrolate vs oxybutynin →

Sources for this treatment

Important numbers and approved uses on this page link back to the research or official information that supports them.

Frequently asked

Should I use oxybutynin or glycopyrrolate?

Both are off-label sweat-reducing pills. Glycopyrrolate enters the brain less readily and may cause fewer thinking or memory problems. A clinician can help compare the tradeoffs.

Will oxybutynin make me drowsy?

Yes. Do not drive or use machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.

How long until oxybutynin works?

Some effect may appear within hours. Finding the right dose can take days or weeks. Sweating returns when the medicine wears off.

Read next

• Check my sweating →
• Where sweating happens →
• How we research our guides →

Where this fits