A lot of people taking the medication say they had no idea
People who take antidepressants are only just finding out about a common summer side effect(Image: PA)
Millions of people across the UK are prescribed antidepressants, but many of them are seemingly unaware of a common side effect.
With the weather being warmer over recent weeks, information has been shared on social media warning people that if they take such medication, they are more prone to overheating and dehydration.
A post shared by Rotherham Parent Carers Forum said: “If you or your young person take Sertraline, Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Mirtazipine or any other SNRI/SSRI, please be aware that you are more prone to overheating and dehydration’. Stay safe and take care of your health during the heat.”
The poster from the group was then shared in another Facebook post, where hundreds of people have commented, many of them saying they had no idea the medication could cause such issues.
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“Thankyou for the info I didn’t know any of this thanks so much,” said one, with another adding: “I’ve been on them for 10 years and this is the first time I’ve been told this.”
A third said: “This may be the reason I’m getting headaches,” while another added: “Well that explains a few things for me on Fluoxetine.”
More than 23,000 people have shared the post in the last week alone, an indication in itself that the side effect isn’t well known.
The Mental Health UK charity has previously warned people taking such medication that ‘summer can be a difficult time’ for users of SSRIs – selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which primarily work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain.
“Certain antidepressants, such as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) medication and antipsychotic medication, can affect body temperature regulation (also known as temperature dysregulation) and make you more sensitive to heat,” says its website.
“This is because they interfere with the hypothalamus, the part of the brain responsible for temperature regulation. This is often listed as a potential side effect, so it’s important to check your medication’s accompanying leaflet if you’re concerned, you can discuss this this with your prescribing doctor, psychiatrist or pharmacist.”
It goes on to list Some examples of medication this includes as:
- Antipsychotic medications such as amisulpride (brand name Solian), aripiprazole (Abilify), clozapine (Clozaril, Denzapine, Zaponex), lurasidone (Latuda), olanzapine (Zypadhera, Zyprexa), paliperidone (Invega, Xeplion), quetiapine (Seroquel, Seroquel XL), risperidone (Risperdal, Risperdal Consta), chlorpromazine, flupentixol, and haloperidol.
- Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, imipramine, doxepin, mianserin, and trazodone.
- SSRIs such as sertraline, citalopram, and fluoxetine.
The website adds: “Some medications increase sweating, meaning you are more likely to become dehydrated, while some decrease sweat production. Medications can also impair your ability to think clearly, or simply change your tolerance to hot temperatures. It is always important to understand the wider impact your medication may have, so read and retain the information leaflet.”
To understand any medication that you may be taking in both the short-term and long-term, you’re advised to visit the NHS’s medication directory to find out how they work, the possible side effects, interactions and common questions.