Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2025

Methods for Studying the Mechanisms of Action of Antipsychotic Drugs in Caenorhabditis elegans
Published on: February 4, 2014
Diltiazem for clozapine-induced generalized hyperhidrosis
Emma M Kenton1, Samantha M Zoellner2, Leigh Anne Nelson1,2
1PharmD, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy, Kansas City, Missouri.
Background:
Clozapine can be associated with significant side effects and tolerability issues. Hyperhidrosis occurs less commonly and is unanticipated by clinicians because of clozapine's significant anticholinergic activity.
Case Report:
A 34-year-old female developed clozapine-induced nocturnal, generalized hyperhidrosis following initial titration to 400 mg/day. Dose reduction did not decrease the side effect. Treatment with an anticholinergic medication could not be initiated because of constipation. Treatment with a beta blocker resulted in worsening of asthma. Treatment with a calcium channel blocker, diltiazem CD 180 mg/day, resulted in a significant reduction in hyperhidrosis.
Conclusion:
This case supports the use of calcium channel blockers to reduce clozapine-induced hyperhidrosis and offers an alternative to anticholinergic medications that may negatively impact clozapine tolerability.
Related Concept Videos
Antihypertensive Drugs: Thiazide-Class Diuretics
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class IV Agents as Calcium Channel Blockers
Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, inhibits calcium movement across myocardial cell membranes and vascular smooth muscle. This results in the dilation of coronary and...
Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy
Antipsychotic Drugs: Typical and Atypical Agents
Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics
Parkinson's Disease: Treatment
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of...

