As temperatures rise, health experts remind people taking certain antidepressants and other psychiatric medications to take extra precautions when spending time outdoors.

Medications That May Increase Heat Risks

According to medical experts, some medications, including tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and some antipsychotic medications, can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature. Common medications in these categories include sertraline, citalopram, duloxetine, fluoxetine, and mirtazapine.

These medications may interfere with the hypothalamus, the part of the brain responsible for controlling body temperature. Many antidepressants can also increase excessive sweating, a condition known as hyperhidrosis. While sweating is the body’s natural way of cooling itself, increased sweating combined with extreme heat can raise the risk of dehydration and overheating.

People taking these medications may notice they sweat more than usual or simply feel hotter during periods of high temperatures. If not managed properly, this can increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other heat-related illnesses.

Health experts encourage anyone taking these medications to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, spend time in shaded or air-conditioned areas, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day, and wear sunscreen when outdoors.

Anyone with questions about how their medication may affect them during hot weather should speak with their healthcare provider or pharmacist before making any changes to their treatment.

Original reporting: The Tuscaloosa Thread — read the source article.