Show summary Hide summary
- Why does heat become an issue with antidepressants?
- What warning signs should you watch for?
- Tip #1: Talk to your doctor or pharmacist
- Tip #2: Stay more hydrated than ever
- Tip #3: Avoid the hottest hours
- Tip #4: Wear suitable clothing
- Tip #5: Adapt your environment
- Tip #6: Be gentle with yourself
- Heat and antidepressants: a combination to watch closely
Summer often means sunshine, vacations, and good spirits. But if you’re taking antidepressant medication, the warm season can pose real challenges for your health. Few people realize it, but some medicines, including antidepressants, can change how your body reacts to heat. The result: a significantly higher risk of heat stroke, faintness, or side effects. So how can you enjoy summer while staying safe? Here’s what you need to know to get through the season securely.
Why does heat become an issue with antidepressants?
Our bodies have a natural system to regulate temperature: sweating. But certain medications disrupt this mechanism. This is the case with many antidepressants, especially SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), tricyclics, and MAOIs. They can reduce your body’s ability to sweat or alter how the brain perceives heat.
As a result, the body can overheat without warning, increasing the risk of heat stroke, a potentially serious condition, especially during heatwaves. And that’s not all: heat can also worsen some side effects of antidepressants, such as fatigue, dizziness, or digestive problems.
À lireThis simple breathing exercise turbocharges performance, here’s why it works
À lireYou’re probably doing squat wrong, this simple trick fixes everything
What warning signs should you watch for?
If you’re on medication, it’s crucial to listen to your body during hot weather. Here are some red flags you should never ignore:
- Unusual or sudden fatigue
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea, vomiting
- Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
- Intense hot flushes without sweating
- Confusion or trouble concentrating
If you experience any of these symptoms, move immediately to the shade, drink water, cool down, and contact a healthcare professional if the symptoms persist.
Tip #1: Talk to your doctor or pharmacist
This is essential. If you’re taking an antidepressant and summer is approaching, discuss it with a professional. They can explain whether your medication increases heat-related risks and suggest adjustments if needed.
In some cases, your treatment may be adapted, especially if you’re planning to travel somewhere very hot. And most importantly, never stop your medication without medical advice, the risk of relapse is real.
Tip #2: Stay more hydrated than ever
One of the most common effects of antidepressants in summer is silent dehydration. You sweat less and feel less thirsty, but your body continues losing fluids. That’s why it’s vital to drink regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Choose cool water, iced herbal teas, and water-rich fruits like watermelon, melon, or cucumber. Avoid sugary, alcoholic, or caffeinated drinks, which can worsen dehydration.
Tip #3: Avoid the hottest hours
It sounds obvious, but it’s worth repeating: between noon and 4 p.m., stay in the shade, in a cool spot, or indoors if possible. Temperatures can rise quickly, and the effects on your body can be rapid and dangerous.
Plan your activities in the morning or late afternoon. Choose ventilated or air-conditioned places, and avoid strenuous exercise in direct sunlight.
Tip #4: Wear suitable clothing
Your body needs help regulating its temperature. Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothes made from natural fabrics like cotton or linen. Protect your head with a hat and your eyes with sunglasses.
Also consider using a spray mist to cool your skin throughout the day. A damp cloth on the back of your neck can quickly lower your body temperature.
Tip #5: Adapt your environment
At home, keep the atmosphere as cool as possible. Close shutters during the day, ventilate at night, and use a fan or air conditioning if you have it. You can also hang a damp sheet in front of an open window for a natural cooling effect.
Sleep with light sheets, in a well-ventilated room, and avoid keeping electronics too close to you, as they generate heat.
Tip #6: Be gentle with yourself
The heat, combined with antidepressants, can make you feel very tired, less motivated, or mentally drained. That’s normal. It’s important to respect your limits, slow down, and not feel guilty.
Accept that some days will be less productive. Rest, listen to your body, and take time to relax. Being kind to yourself is more important than ever.
Heat and antidepressants: a combination to watch closely
À lirePhysios swear by this 10 cm Mini-Steps to fire up your glutes and improve stability
À lireThis is how to know if you’re actually hydrated, most people get it wrong
Being on antidepressants doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy summer. But it does mean staying aware, informed, and prepared. Heat is not just a minor inconvenience, it can have a real impact on your treatment and your overall well-being.
By following the right steps, consulting your doctor, and listening to your body, you can have a pleasant and safe summer while caring for your mental and physical health. So take care, stay hydrated, rest up… and enjoy the sun wisely!
