You’re in all probability going to really feel like a scorching, sweaty mess any time the temp climbs to stratospheric ranges throughout a warmth wave. However in the event you’re on an SSRI like Paxil or Zoloft, it’s possible you’ll be further depressing.
That’s as a result of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)—a few of the most often prescribed antidepressants on the planet as a result of they’re usually thought of protected, efficient, and simple to take—could cause warmth intolerance. About 10% of people that take an SSRI say they sweat excessively throughout sweltering circumstances.
SSRIs have anticholinergic properties, which implies they inhibit the ‘relaxation and digest’ system, which controls, amongst different issues, the sweating that cools us down, David H. Rosmarin, PhD, affiliate professor at Harvard Medical Faculty and founding father of the Middle for Nervousness, tells SELF. When you’re on sertraline (Zoloft) paroxetine (Paxil), or venlafaxine (Effexor), warmth sensitivity could also be a specific drawback, Dr. Rosmarin provides. (Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline and nortriptyline, that are one other kind of med altogether, are additionally a biggie for this aspect impact.) Some individuals may expertise night time sweats or scorching flashes when they’re taking SSRIs.
Feeling like you’re roasting in an oven isn’t simply annoying—it may be harmful. As a result of SSRIs intrude together with your physique’s keep-cool talents, it’s possible you’ll be extra inclined to warmth exhaustion and its extra critical relative, warmth stroke—a medical emergency of the 911 selection. Right here’s what consultants advocate you do throughout sweaty situations in the event you’re taking an SSRI.
What are you able to do in the event you’re affected by SSRI-induced warmth intolerance?
1. Take note of your hydration.
You already know to up your liquid consumption when it’s scorching out, however staying hydrated is much more important in the event you’re feeling heat-sensitive. Some individuals additionally develop dry mouth whereas taking an SSRI, so preserving fluids up can assist that, too.
Simply let your doc know in the event you really feel like your cravings for water are abruptly larger than what’s regular for you. Some SSRIs, like citalopram (Celexa) or duloxetine (Cymbalta), could cause you to really feel unusually thirsty. And although it’s uncommon, extreme thirst may up your danger of creating a situation referred to as hyponatremia, wherein sodium ranges within the blood develop into out of steadiness since you are consuming an excessive amount of water. Some individuals with hyponatremia don’t have any signs, however you would possibly discover nausea, dizziness, complications, and muscle weak point in case your sodium ranges are low.
Also referred to as water intoxication, it could actually occur with any extra fluid consumption, however drinks with electrolytes—that are minerals like sodium and potassium that may be present in say, sports activities drinks—are usually a better option than water for avoiding hyponatremia in sweaty circumstances.
2. Deal with preserving your physique cool all through the day.
It sounds primary, however small modifications can actually assist regulate your physique temp: Drink your drinks ice-cold in the event you can, make a beeline for air con through the hottest a part of the day, and apply a chilly fabric to your head or neck. Garments made of sunshine, breathable materials like linen or 100% cotton will probably be your finest buddy. Dr. Rosmarin is a fan of Thompson Tees, which have built-in sweat pads.
3. Study the indicators of warmth exhaustion and warmth stroke.
SSRIs enhance your danger of some comparatively harmful issues in scorching climate, and you need to be conscious of what they appear and feel like. One in every of them is warmth exhaustion, which implies your core temperature is climbing however continues to be beneath 104 levels Fahrenheit. You would possibly really feel anxious, confused, dizzy, and light-headed. You’ll have scorching, purple pores and skin; be sweating profusely however peeing much less usually, and have a speedy heartbeat, and even nausea and vomiting. If this occurs, it’s essential to calm down—quick—as a result of it’d progress to warmth stroke, a doubtlessly life-threatening scenario that occurs when your core temperature climbs to 104 levels or larger. Warmth stroke can result in seizures, hallucinations, lack of consciousness, and organ failure. In case you are experiencing extreme signs like scorching pores and skin, slurred speech, confusion, and intense sweating or dry pores and skin—all indicators of warmth stroke—name 911 immediately.
4. Have an trustworthy dialog together with your physician.
Medicines don’t work equally properly for everybody, Dr. Rosmarin notes, and it’s potential the SSRI your doc prescribed isn’t the most effective match for you. Touchdown on the precise antidepressant is usually a actually particular person course of, he says: “We want it have been easy but it surely’s not.”
In case your scorching, sweaty signs began out of nowhere after taking a brand new SSRI, let your doc know. You would possibly determine collectively that you simply’ll proceed in your present meds if the warmth isn’t bothering you too a lot, however there may be one other antidepressant they recommend you attempt to cool issues off.
No matter you do, don’t undergo in sweaty silence—you should really feel higher, and your physician’s job is that will help you discover a therapy plan that really works. Hopefully, one which doesn’t make you are feeling such as you’re at a literal boiling level all summer time lengthy.
Associated: