Oral glycopyrrolate (avert, Robinul, etc) usage... long-term health effects?

I've had hyperhidrosis since I was a teen (or even before) and its a horrible condition, as you probably know if you're reading this. About 10 years ago I started taking glycopyrrolate (2mg daily) and am very happy with the results. Its given me back my life and confidence.

My concern now is regarding potential long-term health effects of taking glycopyrrolate. There is very little research/evidence regarding long-term use and associated health impacts. I foresee needing this drug for the rest of my life, but also have to weigh this against any potentially more severe health risks due to extended use.

Do you know of any long-term health impacts? Please reply if you have info or see research studies regarding its use over a long period.

Thanks!

Thanks for the feedback.

I have already spoken with my family doctor but she (like many other GPs) is not familiar with hyperhidrosis or glycopyrrolate. She has given me a referral to a specialist who I hope will know more, but I'd like to go in prepared because it takes many months to get an appointment and I don't want to waste the opportunity.

I'm not a doctor but common sense tells me that it's likely it's not very good for your body. The first big hint is glyco is made for stomach ulcers, not for hyperhidrosis. Then, in general long-term pills are not apart of a "spot-on" healthy life.

All in all you have to remember that hyperhidrosis treatments are not sugar-coated cures. So, it leads to the question that is this medical condition bothering you so badly that you would take pills, which could cause harm to your body, in order to get relief from your disorder?

I would, personally. Rather live a good life than one in despair all the time...

Just my insight, hope it makes you feel better

Taking tablets for the more extreme cases of Hyperhidrosis does work. It is imperative, however, that if you feel the need for this extreme measure, you must do so under a doctor's supervision. You can buy prescription strength medications over the Internet, my advice is don't. Oral medicines do have side effects such as dry mouth, dry eyes, tiredness, gastro-intestinal problems, etc, and your doctor is the best person to ensure your safe use of these powerful drugs. Read up on Robinul tablets (glycopyrrolate, the official name), Ditropan (oxybutynin) and Dixarit (clonidine) by using the Internet discussion forums. Do go prepared with some background knowledge to discuss matters with your dermatologist or doctor, you need to play an active role in the treatment of your condition to achieve the best results. By using low doses of medication, it is possible to avoid heavy side effects, yet still achieve a positive control of your Hyperhidrosis, especially if the treatment is combined with the use of an effective antiperspirant.

This was taken from - HYPERHIDROSIS.

I recently bought 100 capsules of Avert 1mg from pharmacy.ca for $70. I'm down to 82 capsules left. I want to sell the remaining pills to anyone interest in buying this drug. I can't stand the dry mouth when using Avert so I decided not to use it and stick with my iontophoresis. I prefer to sell this to anyone currently taking this drug and are familiar with the side effects.

Hello!

i am suffering from cranofacial hh and without this tablet i cant live. i am taking oxyspas, a variety of avart available in south asia . dry mouth and urinal delays are no more a concern for me. i am planning to use it for the rest of my life (now 32) for what ever cost. currently i am using it for about 3 months.

I'm with kandyjet--the fairly mild side effects I've had in 5 years of using Avert are well worth it. I also have craniofacial HH. Don't like to play "My HH is worse than yours"--all I'm sure are miserable--but craniofacial is so bloody visible!

I do get my prescription through my doctor, and appreciate advice from my pharmacy.

I am not seriously concerned about long term effects, though I do adopt an "only take 'em when I need 'em" approach.

Anyone get dilated pupils when taking these pills? My pupils got dilated and I didn't want people to believe that I was high on drugs.

I took them off and on for a few years (I think I was the one that introduced this board to Avert) but I had to stop because the side effects were worse than the sweating. Extreme dry mouth, dry eyes (I always looked like a zombie, could barely keep them open), and I occasionally felt pains in my side (abdomen). Not to mention it ceased to stop the sweating after prolonged use.

I honestly believe there is a health risk with taking it long term. If I hadn't had such terrible side effects and it didn't stop working, I would probably still use it.

folks,
i take it usually every other day. my limit is 5mg now.
i am afraid to increase this level as this level really convenient for me. but it would be much much better if i could inrease this level. but i am really afraid of incresig it.

folks, what is the higest amount you had in a single day ::

btw, i use oxyspas. a clone of avart.

kandyjet said:

folks,
i take it usually every other day. my limit is 5mg now.
i am afraid to increase this level as this level really convenient for me. but it would be much much better if i could inrease this level. but i am really afraid of incresig it.

folks, what is the higest amount you had in a single day ::

btw, i use oxyspas. a clone of avart.

Click to expand...

On rare occasions, I've taken 8 mg in a day--the top amount my pharmacist said was OK. Don't take that all at once, and it would be only on the hottest, most humid day of the year.

I know this is a little off topic... but....
Has any one every ordered Avert from pharmacy.ca and been denied?? I just ordered some and the form I filled out said that they would get back to me with other options for my HH. I sweat on my scalp... it's kind of hard to apply antiperspirant in my hair.

Edenrayne said:

I know this is a little off topic... but....
Has any one every ordered Avert from pharmacy.ca and been denied?? I just ordered some and the form I filled out said that they would get back to me with other options for my HH. I sweat on my scalp... it's kind of hard to apply antiperspirant in my hair.

Click to expand...

I got mine no problem, that was a long time ago though.

margiehope said:

On rare occasions, I've taken 8 mg in a day--the top amount my pharmacist said was OK. Don't take that all at once, and it would be only on the hottest, most humid day of the year.

Click to expand...

I've never taken more than 4mg in one day, and it might even be 3mg.

I started taking it 1 year ago. I used to take one before bed, then one in the morning when I wake up, then sometimes 1 in the afternoon as a "booster".

Lately with the cool weather I usually just take one in the morning, and sometimes 1 in afternoon. However, I may need to start taking it before bed again as the weather heats up. What happened was that I would start sweating immediately when I woke up in the morning due to heat/humidity. So taking the pill before bed seemed to help with that.

As far as long term effects, I hope I don't have to take it forever. I'm still wanting to try iontophoresis, but my insurance company gave me a hard time paying for the Idromed unit. I'm going to try requesting coverage for it from them again.

I can deal with the side effects (dry eyes/nose/mouth), but I am kind of concerned about dehydration/fatigue during exercise especially in warm months. One time last summer I ran only a few blocks but felt like I was going to pass out because my mouth was so dry

im not sure about the long term either but i've feeling it to lose its effectivenes.s