Do antidepressants make it harder to cope in the heat – and how can I manage my symptoms?

The Independent

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• The UK is currently in the grips of a heatwave, with temperatures potentially reaching record-breaking highs of up to 40C.
• Experts have warned that those taking certain types of antidepressants might find it harder to cope amid the extreme heat.
• According to the North London NHS Foundation Trust, SSRIs – a type of antidepressant – can lead to “excessive sweating”, which may worsen during periods of extreme heat.
• It adds that there is “evidence that some medications affect the part of the brain that controls body temperature, which can make it harder to stay cool.”
• In order to stay cool, the Foundation Trust advises patients to stay hydrated, “stay out of direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day” and to “avoid strenuous activity”.