Does Lower Blood Pressure from Medication Reduce Sweating?

Blood pressure - "If blood pressure is slightly lower than usual, will the amount of sweating also decrease?"

Hello, I would like to ask if taking medication (for nocturia improvement in urology) can cause "blood pressure to be slightly lower than usual, and whether this might also lead to a decrease in sweating?" Explanation: I have hyperhidrosis and tend to sweat a lot during the summer, but I feel that my sweating has decreased somewhat during the 2-3 months I've been on medication.
Historically, my systolic blood pressure has always been above 115, but during these 2-3 months on the medication, I have measured it multiple times in the morning, and it has been around 100.
During this period, I stopped taking the medication for a few days, and my blood pressure returned to around 115.
Thank you.

Jun, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/08/04

Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine

Hello, thank you for your inquiry.
The medications prescribed by urologists for nocturia are sometimes aimed at treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and other times at reducing urinary frequency.
Medications that reduce urinary frequency may have side effects such as dryness, while those that control BPH may lead to a decrease in blood pressure.
Therefore, the symptom of reduced sweating could potentially be a side effect of one of these medications (causing dryness) rather than a result of lowered blood pressure.
It would be advisable to discuss this with your physician.
The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is concerned about your well-being.

Reply Date: 2016/08/04

More Info

Lower blood pressure from medication can indeed have an impact on sweating, although the relationship is not straightforward and can vary from person to person. When you take medications that lower blood pressure, such as those used for treating conditions like hypertension or nocturia, they can lead to a decrease in overall blood flow and potentially affect the body's thermoregulation processes, including sweating.

Sweating is primarily controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which regulates the body's response to temperature changes. When blood pressure decreases, it can lead to reduced blood flow to the skin and sweat glands. This reduced perfusion may result in less sweat production, especially if the body is trying to conserve fluids or if the overall metabolic rate is lowered due to the medication. Additionally, some antihypertensive medications, particularly those that affect the sympathetic nervous system, can directly influence the sweat glands and their activity.

In your case, you mentioned that you have a history of hypertension with systolic blood pressure readings typically above 115 mmHg, but during the past 2-3 months of medication use, your readings have dropped to around 100 mmHg. This significant drop in blood pressure could indeed correlate with a decrease in sweating, especially if you are experiencing a change in your body's ability to regulate temperature effectively.

Moreover, certain medications can have side effects that include altered sweating patterns. For example, medications like beta-blockers, which are often prescribed for hypertension, can lead to reduced sweating in some individuals. If your medication for nocturia is affecting your blood pressure, it may also be influencing your sweat production.

It's also worth noting that individual responses to medications can vary widely. Factors such as age, overall health, hydration status, and even environmental conditions can all play a role in how your body responds to medications and regulates sweating. If you have noticed a significant change in your sweating patterns that coincides with your medication use, it would be advisable to discuss this with your healthcare provider. They can assess whether your current medication regimen is appropriate for you and whether any adjustments are necessary.

In summary, while lower blood pressure from medication can potentially reduce sweating due to decreased blood flow to the sweat glands and changes in thermoregulation, individual responses can vary. If you are concerned about the changes you are experiencing, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure that your treatment plan is tailored to your needs and to address any side effects you may be experiencing.

Similar Q&A

Managing Hypertension Medication: Addressing Fatigue and Dizziness

I am taking antihypertensive medication, and my blood pressure is normal after taking the medication, but I still feel very fatigued and dizzy, which is quite uncomfortable. I have tried switching medications several times without improvement. I'm not sure what to do next; b...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello Mr. Liu: You mentioned that "after taking the medication, my blood pressure is normal, but I still feel very fatigued and dizzy, which is quite uncomfortable. I have also tried switching medications several times without improvement." I wonder if any of your medic...

Does Cardiovascular Medication Increase Heat Stroke Risk?

Hello Dr. Lin, in 2015, I was diagnosed with left coronary artery atherosclerosis. In 2020, due to atrial fibrillation, I underwent two catheter ablation procedures. Since then, I have been taking five medications: (1) Isosorbide dinitrate (Esmolol), (2) Apixaban (Eliquis), (3) M...

Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. The medications you are taking that are more likely to cause discomfort in your body include: - Isosorbide Dinitrate: Its primary function is vasodilation, and it may cause side effects such as dizziness, palpitations, and hypotension, among others. - Propafeno...

Do Seladin and Labtal Cause Low Blood Pressure? A Doctor's Insight

Hello, doctor. I would like to ask whether the medications Seladin and Labtal can cause a decrease in blood pressure. My blood pressure was already low, and it has become even lower after taking them. This issue has been troubling me for a long time. Thank you for your help in an...

Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello, labtal is available, but seladin is not.

Do Cold Medications Raise Blood Pressure? Key Drugs to Watch Out For

Hello: I would like to ask if common medications we take for colds, such as cough suppressants, expectorants, pain relievers, and antibiotics, can cause high blood pressure. If so, which specific medications are likely to have this effect? Thank you!

Dr. Liao Lingmei reply Pharmacology
Dear Ms. Avon, I believe you understand that the term "cold medicine" is a general classification. For the treatment of colds, physicians typically select medications based on the patient's condition, including antipyretics and analgesics (pain relievers), antihis...