Oxybutynin

What is Oxybutynin?

Oxybutynin is a licensed treatment for overactive bladder — so in other words, it reduces your urge to urinate. But because of the way it works, it has the added side effect of lowering your sweat production too. As a result of this, clinicians started to prescribe it ‘off label’ (outside of its licence) for hyperhidrosis — a condition where you produce a level of sweat that’s disruptive and distressing. It often mainly affects the hands, feet, face and armpits.

Even though there’s a lot of evidence that it works for this, a clinician will still need to make sure that it’s right for you before they prescribe it. They might see if you’ve tried other treatments for hyperhidrosis first, like prescription deodorant and lifestyle changes. You’ll usually only take Oxybutynin if these haven’t helped you enough.

How does Oxybutynin work?

Oxybutynin is in a class of drugs known as anticholinergics. Anticholinergic drugs stop an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase (ACh) from working properly. This helps with hyperhidrosis, because the ACh enzyme controls the rate at which you sweat.^[1]

People with hyperhidrosis may have an overactive response to ACh^[2] So by blocking ACh from working, your nerves stop stimulating the skin to produce as much sweat.

This can relieve your symptoms and give you your freedom back.

What doses of Oxybutynin are there?

Oxybutynin comes in both 2.5mg and 5mg tablets. It’s an off-label treatment, so there aren’t official guidelines yet, but you’ll start on the lowest dose of 2.5mg.^[3]

If the dose you’re on doesn’t fully control your hyperhidrosis, speak to our clinician. They’ll advise you on whether to raise it until you find the treatment plan that suits you best. Don’t raise, lower or completely stop your medication without first talking to a clinician.

How to take Oxybutynin

Always follow the advice of your clinician when taking Oxybutynin. Try to take your tablets at the same times each day. Setting alarms might be useful to help you remember. Swallow the tablet whole, don’t crush it or chew it.

You can take Oxybutynin with or without food, but taking it with a meal might slightly slow the absorption. (Though it can help if the tablets sometimes upset your stomach.)

How long does it take Oxybutynin to work?

Oxybutynin is absorbed really quickly after you take it. It reaches maximum plasma levels in your blood after less than an hour.^[2] But this doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll feel the full effects from it right away. Sometimes it takes a few weeks before it becomes most effective.

In one study, 93.4% of people taking oxybutynin for hyperhidrosis saw an improvement after six weeks.^[3] So it’s worth sticking with for a while, even if you don’t see a huge change immediately.

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Oxybutynin?

If you take too much Oxybutynin, seek medical attention. Take the packaging of the medication with you so they can see how much you’ve taken.

If you forget to take Oxybutynin at your usual time, take it when you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, just skip the missed tablet and carry on as normal. Don’t double your dose to make up for missing one.

Oxybutynin can sometimes cause a dry mouth. If you experience this, make sure you stay hydrated to ease your symptoms. This is especially important in hot weather. Chewing gum can also help.