Methadone-Induced Hyperhidrosis Treated With Oxybutynin.

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.