What is acetylcholine?
Acetylcholine is a substance produced by our brain that facilitates communication between neurons. It is involved in many mechanisms.
The eccrine sweat glands responsible for sweat secretion are stimulated by acetylcholine, among other things.
The eccrine sweat glands responsible for sweat secretion are stimulated by acetylcholine, among other things.
Anticholinergic drugs
Use of anticholinergic drugs to combat severe hyperhidrosis may be considered if first-line treatments fail.
This option is rarely used as a long-term solution because it has side effects, such as dry mouth, constipation, loss of taste, dizziness, etc. They are used mainly in case of severe generalized hyperhidrosis.
There are also topical anticholinergics that can be applied locally in the form of aqueous solutions. These are applied usually to the forehead and to the scalp.
This option is rarely used as a long-term solution because it has side effects, such as dry mouth, constipation, loss of taste, dizziness, etc. They are used mainly in case of severe generalized hyperhidrosis.
There are also topical anticholinergics that can be applied locally in the form of aqueous solutions. These are applied usually to the forehead and to the scalp.
Other therapeutic solutions
Finally, and more rarely, antidepressants may be prescribed. This category of medication can have a drying effect, which is useful in fighting excessive perspiration while helping the patient to get over depression caused by the difficulties of living with particularly severe hyperhidrosis.