Paroxetine Useful for Palmar–Plantar Hyperhidrosis

Abstract

Objective:

To report a case of palmar–plantar hyperhidrosis (PPH) In which paroxetine was found to be helpful.

Case Summary:

A 32-year-old man with a history of excessive sweating of the palms and soles since childhood was diagnosed with PPH and was prescribed paroxetine 10 mg/day, which was increased to 20 mg/day. After one month, he experienced a marked reduction in sweating and improvement in socio-occupational functioning, which were sustained during follow-up at 6 months without any emergent adverse effects.

Discussion:

Paroxetine's anticholinergic action may be responsible for its beneficial effect in PPH, as it may override the adrenergic mechanism, which has a minor effect on sweating from eccrine glands. Alternatively, paroxetine's beneficial effect in PPH may be secondary to its antianxiety effect, through central mechanisms.

Conclusions:

Paroxetine may be a useful option in the treatment of PPH.