LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — As temperatures soar, individuals taking psychiatric prescription drugs are being urged to be vigilant about potential overheating. Doctors have reported that these medications can impair the brain’s ability to regulate temperature, potentially leading to dangerous overheating.
Kerra Felzien, an intern at KATV, shared her experience with overheating after starting antidepressants. “I just get overheated a lot more easily, especially with this heat advisory right now,” she said. “Just even like five minutes outside, I feel like I get dizzy, and it’s really rough.”
Doctors have noted that some medications, particularly SSRIs like Prozac, Lexapro, and Celexa, can alter how the body deals with heat, potentially causing dehydration or insufficient sweating, which affects the body’s ability to control its temperature.
Experts recommend staying inside, staying hydrated, and wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing in hot weather. “It’s hard because it is so hot out that you may not think about it,” said Anne Pace, owner of and pharmacist at Kavanaugh pharmacy. “You’re not walking or running, but even just running errands out, if you’re not staying hydrated, your body could get overheated.”
Despite the side effects, Felzien said she will not be pausing her medication. “I just got to stay cool. But the medication, it’s doing its job otherwise, so I’m good with it,” she said.
Dr. Brinkley also advised keeping a record of medications and the doctors who prescribe them for any questions or concerns about side effects. “By and large, SSRIs are incredibly safe medications, and these side effects are rare,” said Dr. Todd Brinkley, a psychiatrist at UAMS. “They can happen, but they’re rare, so don’t stop them just because it’s hot outside.”