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Heatwave Worsens Antidepressant Side Effects
9 Jul
Summary
- Hot weather exacerbates side effects like exhaustion and agitation.
- Mental health drugs can impair the body's temperature regulation.
- Users report increased sweating, poor sleep, and difficulty functioning.
As the West braces for another heatwave, individuals taking certain antidepressants are reporting a significant worsening of their side effects. Users describe feeling exhausted, agitated, and experiencing difficulty sleeping, attributing these intensified symptoms to the combination of hot weather and their medication.
The NHS has issued a warning, highlighting that some mental health drugs can compromise the body's ability to regulate temperature. This advice comes as a concern for many, including Daniel Cooper, who takes sertraline and has noticed his symptoms feeling "more intense" this year. He described excessive sweating and increased agitation, effects contrary to his medication's purpose.
Similar experiences are shared by others, like Faye Young, who also takes sertraline. She reports overheating quickly, becoming agitated, and experiencing constant sweating. To manage, she prioritizes staying indoors in cooler environments, drinking extra water, and avoiding the heat.
Mental health charities are observing an increase in individuals struggling with these heat-related challenges. They confirm that overheating easily can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and nausea, underscoring the need for users to take extra precautions during warm weather.
