Doctors issue warning to people taking antidepressants during UK heatwaves
Doctors have warned people taking some mental health medications to take extra precautions as temperatures are expected to rise again in England this weekend.
These medicines include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants in the UK, and some antipsychotics.
NHS England’s national director for mental health, learning disabilities and autism, Dr. Nick Broughton said: “People taking antipsychotic medications and antidepressants need to be extra careful in hot weather as some of these medications can make it harder to keep the body cool.
“Therefore, it is vital that anyone taking medication for mental health needs takes extra care by staying out of the sun as much as possible, drinking plenty of fluids and following the advice of their healthcare professional.
“Most importantly, they should not stop taking their medication suddenly and should be able to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or mental health team for advice if they need it.”
Temperatures are expected to rise to 29°C by Saturday and the Met Office said the heat could last for up to 10 days, making it the UK’s third heatwave this year.
Last month was the hottest June on record for the UK, with a temperature of 37.7 degrees in Lingwood, Norfolk, on 26 June.
New heat health warnings have been issued for this weekend and NHS web pages have seen a significant increase in traffic as Britons seek advice on managing heat.
People taking some antidepressants and antipsychotics may experience problems such as feeling hotter than usual, dizziness, nausea, headaches, or fatigue. This can make them more prone to experiencing dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, president Royal College of General Practitionersexplained why: “Some antidepressants, including SSRIs, can affect how the body regulates temperature, sweating, and fluid intake.”
Past heat waves have hit medication users particularly hard.
Magda Kanecka, 22, said: Independent: “I am currently using both antidepressants and antipsychotics.
“As a competitive cheerleader, I am outside often and have definitely been affected by these weather conditions; I experienced severe heat exhaustion during the recent heat wave.”
He described feeling “on the verge of fainting” and sleeping for hours even though he wasn’t tired.
“When it’s this hot, even something as simple as reaching for a water bottle can make me feel dizzy or cause a strong migraine-like pain in my temples,” she added.
“This summer was a lot busier because the weather was a lot hotter.”
Ms. Kanecka said she had learned how to deal with the heat because she had been taking medication for several years.
But he urged people new to treatment to be aware of the risks: “A lot of people are not informed about how heat can affect you so much.”
MIND UK, a leading mental health charity, has offered some advice on how to manage heat intolerance while on medication. He recommends staying hydrated regularly, avoiding midday sun, and wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing.
Dr Daniel Harwood, director of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, He appealed to patients not to stop taking their medications suddenly.
“Problems with temperature management do not mean that medications are unsafe to take. It is important to continue taking medications as prescribed and talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you experience any problems.”
You can find more advice on managing heat during medication. Here.
