
What Causes Profuse Night Sweats In An Elderly Person?

I'm 81 years old and have terrible night sweats. After tests, my doctor says perhaps it's because of
a med. I'm taking. Do you know of any medications that cause night sweats?
probably not...
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
there are some drugs that may cause increased sweating (as an uncommonly occurring side effect) but not specifically during the night, although with the overwhelming number of drugs I can't be absolutely sure that no drug causes it. If I knew which drugs you use, I could tell you whether they cause any side effect or not.
Night sweats may be caused by various disorders including hematologic malignancies, infections (HIV, endocarditis, lung infections, etc), hyperthyroidism, diabetes, various autoimmune disorders, sleep apnea, serious heart disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, etc.
Before attributing any symptom to side effects, all other potential causes should be ruled out particularly if the presumed side effect is not common.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
If you'd like to inform me about your current regimen, I'll be glad to give you a more specific answer.
Kind Regards!


Pravastatin, Aspirin 81mg.
So, I'm a cardiac patient with sleep apnea, and the night sweats started three years ago after back surgery. The first night after surgery I awoke drenched - the nurse had to help me change my gown and bedsheets. I've had the same drenching night sweats ever since.
please check my comments about the drugs
Detailed Answer:
Some of the drugs (like toprol, lexapro, pantoprazole) may indeed cause increased sweating. If you're talking about night sweats only then I can't confirm it can be attributed to the drugs only. Perhaps the combination of sleep apnea with some degree of heart failure has to do with it, if there's no apparent cause.
Kind Regards!

Answered by

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
