Antidepressants and Heatwaves: What You Need to Know

Are you feeling worse on anxiety medication during a heatwave? Perhaps you’re feeling unusually drained and tired, or experiencing an increased intolerance to the heat.

If this is you, certain prescribed medications can increase the effects of a heatwave on your body. This is one of the lesser-known effects of antidepressants.

Currently, we are experiencing one heatwave after another. It’s uncomfortable and unpleasant of most of us, but it’s particularly difficult for anyone who experiences anxiety or depression and who needs to take an antidepressant medication for it.
Many of my clients take commonly prescribed medication for anxiety and/or depression. These medications are categorised as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) used to treat anxiety and depression or SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors), used to treat major depressive disorder and generalised anxiety. Another category of antidepressant medications are tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).

Some commonly prescribes antidepressant drugs include the following:

SSRIs:
Sertraline
Citalopram
Escitalopram
Floxetine (Prozac)
Paroxetine

SNRIs:
Venlafaxine
Duloxetine

TCAs:
Amitriptyline
Nortriptyline (Pamelor
Imipramine (Tofranil)
Doxepin (Silenor, Sinequan)

This list is not exhaustive. There are other medications available and it is important to note that the range of possible side effects depend on the specific type of medicine you're taking. Some of these medicines are used in the treatment of other health conditions as well.

Can antidepressants affect body temperature?

Yes, because antidepressant medications and medications for anxiety may interfere with your body’s ability to regulate its temperature which can cause excessive sweating, and an increased risk of dehydration. This is because some types of antidepressants interfere with actions of the hypothalamus. This is a structure within the brain’s limbic system responsible for heat regulation. The use of antidepressants and heat intolerance often go together.

The common signs of heat stress on the body include:

• Tiredness
• Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
• An increased heart rate
• Worsening anxiety caused by a stressed sympathetic nervous system
• Feeling irritable
• Feeling nauseous
• Headaches

What can I do about it?

It is important to take steps to protect your body from overheating and to drink plenty of water. This is because there is an increased risk of dehydration.
Also, if you are taking these types of medications there is an increased risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Therefore, it is essential to try to prevent your body from overheating.

If you are a neurodivergent person with autism, ADHD or any other form of neurodivergence, you may experience sensory discomfort from the heat more profoundly.

You can find all the relevant information about heat exhaustion and heat stroke here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heat-exhaustion-heatstroke/

How to stay cool on antidepressants:
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• Keep out of the sun when it is at its most powerful (between 11.00 am – 3.00pm).
• Keep windows closed and curtains or blinds closed in sunny rooms during the day, then open them up for the cooler air to flow in at night-time.
• Use fans indoors and keep a fan on overnight in the bedroom, if possible.
• Drink lots of water.
• Wear loose fitting clothes made from natural fibres such as cotton or linen.
• Try to eat plenty of fruit and salads - avoid too much protein, hot, and spicy foods.
• Avoid excess physical exertion and exercise in an air-conditioned environment, if possible.
• Take short rest breaks if necessary.
• Place your hands and wrists in a bowl of cold water for a few minutes.
• Place an ice-cold flannel on the back of your neck.
• Have a cool or cold shower in the evening.
• Avoid alcohol.

 
A mind-body approach is helpful

I use a mind-body approach to managing anxiety when the body is stressed by extreme heat. This includes mindfulness as well as breathing and grounding exercises specific to heat-triggered anxiety. These exercises soothe the mind and calm the body’s sympathetic nervous system.
 
As a hypnotherapist, mindfulness teacher, and qualified counsellor, I recognise the importance of medication in enabling a person with anxiety and/or depression to function in their everyday lives. Often, medication can enable a person to access a talking therapy when they may have otherwise felt too unwell to do so.

Changes in the environment including the weather and climate change may make your anxiety symptoms worse. This is not unusual so know that you are not alone. If you feel it is necessary, talk to someone you think would understand, or seek professional help.

A talking therapy such as counselling can help you deal with the underlying causes of anxiety or low mood and enable you to get to grips with your problems. Both counselling and hypnotherapy can enable you to manage your anxious thoughts and feelings.

Get in touch if you would like to find out more about how I could help you.

When should I seek medical advice?

If you are concerned about your health and the side effects of your medication you should seek advice from your GP or psychiatrist.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not stop taking an antidepressant suddenly. This could have serious consequences for your health. It is important that you take any medication prescribed by your doctor in accordance with the instructions given. Never suddenly stop taking your medication. Always talk to your doctor first before making any changes.

Try to stay cool and take care of yourself both physically and mentally.
 
DISCLAIMER

This article is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please speak with your GP or psychiatrist about any concerns regarding your medication. 

This blogpost is written without the use of AI.


©Tracy Daniels | Solution Focused Clinical Hypnotherapist, Professional Mindfulness Practitioner & Therapeutic Counsellor, Enhanced DBS