As summer temperatures soar, so does the risk of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. But if you’re taking SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)—a common class of antidepressants—you may face an even greater risk. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe in the heat.
SSRIs are widely prescribed medications used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Common SSRIs include:
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
These medications work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps regulate mood—but serotonin also plays a role in thermoregulation, or how your body manages heat.
How SSRIs Affect Heat Regulation
SSRIs can interfere with your body’s ability to cool itself in several ways:
- Reduced Sweating: SSRIs may impair the body’s natural ability to sweat, which is essential for cooling down in hot environments 1.
- Altered Thermoregulation: Serotonin influences the hypothalamus, the brain’s temperature control center. SSRIs can disrupt this balance, making it harder for your body to respond to heat stress 1.
- Increased Risk of Dehydration: Some SSRIs may cause side effects like nausea or reduced thirst, which can lead to dehydration—a key contributor to heat-related illness.
While anyone taking SSRIs should be cautious in extreme heat, the risk is higher for:
- Older adults
- People with chronic health conditions
- Those taking multiple medications
- Outdoor workers or athletes
The NIH notes that medications affecting the nervous system—including antidepressants—can increase the risk of hyperthermia, a group of heat-related illnesses that includes heat stroke 2.
If you’re taking SSRIs, here are some practical steps to reduce your risk of heat illness:
- Stay Hydrated – Drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Avoid Peak Heat – Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
- Dress Appropriately – Wear light-colored, breathable clothing.
- Use Cooling Methods – Fans, air conditioning, and cool showers can help regulate body temperature.
- Know the Warning Signs – Watch for confusion, dizziness, flushed skin, rapid heartbeat, or lack of sweating.
- Talk to Your Doctor – If you’re concerned about your medication and heat exposure, consult your healthcare provider.
If someone shows signs of heat stroke—such as a body temperature over 104°F (40°C), confusion, or unconsciousness—call 911 immediately. While waiting for help, move the person to a cooler place, remove excess clothing, and apply cool water or ice packs to the neck, armpits, and groin 1.
SSRIs are essential for many people’s mental health, but they can subtly increase vulnerability to heat. By understanding how these medications affect your body’s cooling system, you can take proactive steps to stay safe and healthy during the summer months.
