High temperatures can increase the risk of dizziness, dehydration, exhaustion, and other heat-related problems for people taking antidepressants, experts warn.

Victoria Tzortziou Brown, president of the British Royal College of General Practitioners, explained that some antidepressants can affect the body's ability to regulate temperature and sweating. Symptoms may include dizziness, nausea, headaches, tiredness, or dehydration.

Michael Paulzen, deputy head of the psychopharmacology division at the German Society for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, noted that antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants impact the hypothalamus, a brain gland that regulates body temperature. This can lead to muscle cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke.

These medications can also reduce the sensation of thirst, increasing the risk of dehydration, and make the skin more susceptible to sun damage.

Daniel Harwood of the British Royal College of Psychiatrists emphasized that some drugs make it harder for the body to stay cool and hydrated, so it is crucial to drink enough water and avoid heat.

Experts strongly advise against stopping antidepressants abruptly or changing doses without consulting a doctor, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms and worsen mental health. Instead, they recommend staying hydrated, avoiding direct sunlight, and seeking medical help if severe symptoms occur.

Source: www.dw.com