Why hot weather can feel extra tough if you’re on certain medications, and how to stay comfortable when in the heat.
Enjoying the sun safely
When the sun comes out, it can feel amazing. But if you’re taking certain medications, the heat can start to feel overwhelming quite quickly.
You might notice you feel dizzy, extra sweaty, or have a headache. This is very common, especially if you’re taking antidepressants. Your medication is still safe to use, though it does change how your body copes with warm weather.
How medications change how you regulate temperature
Your brain has a built-in thermometer that keeps your body at the right temperature. Some mental health medications, including common antidepressants like Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), change how this thermometer works. They can alter the chemical signals that tell your body when it is getting too hot.
Because of this, your body might struggle to cool itself down as quickly as it usually does. You might also find that you don’t feel thirsty, so it’s easy to get dehydrated without realising.
Changes in how much you sweat
Another thing antidepressants can do is make you sweat a lot more than usual. Sweating is your body’s natural way of cooling down, which is normally a good thing. But when you’re sweating constantly just from sitting in the sun, you lose fluids very fast. This can leave you feeling sick, tired, or give you a really bad headache.
Other medicines, like those for ADHD or allergies, can sometimes do the opposite and stop you from sweating enough.
Keeping yourself cool and comfortable
Trying to stay out of the direct sun during the hottest parts of the day is a great start. Finding a shady spot under a tree or chilling indoors when the sun is at its strongest makes a big difference.
Wearing loose, lightweight clothing can also help keep you cool by letting air circulate better around your body.
Hydration tips
Drinking water regularly is helpful, even if you don’t feel particularly thirsty. You could try keeping a water bottle with you wherever you go during the day. Taking small, frequent sips throughout the day is much better than drinking a whole glass at once.
If plain water feels a bit boring, adding some fruit or ice can make it more refreshing. But it is best to avoid drinks with lots of sugar or caffeine, as they can actually make you lose fluids faster.
Getting support
It’s really important that you don’t stop taking your medication suddenly on your own, as that can make you feel quite unwell!
If you ever feel worried about how your medicine makes you feel in the summer, you can always chat with your pharmacist or GP, who can offer great advice to help you manage the heat.
