Warning to antidepressant users as temperatures hit 100 degrees
Share this @internewscast.com

Can’t take the heat? Your medication might be to blame. 

Physicians caution that individuals on specific antidepressants might face severe health risks as temperatures rise to extreme levels.

They’re urging users to take extra precautions as the tri-state swelters — before it’s too late.

“Those on certain antidepressants might experience heat intolerance and dehydration,” cautioned Dr. Zachary Rubin, a pediatrician and immunologist, in a recent TikTok video.

Approximately 1 in 8 American adults use antidepressants, according to studies. Research indicates that two primary types of these medications can affect the body’s ability to manage temperature effectively.

The first group, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), includes widely prescribed drugs like Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), Lexapro (escitalopram), Paxil (paroxetine) and Celexa (citalopram).

The second group, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), includes older meds such as Elavil (amitriptyline), Anafranil (clomipramine) and Silenor (doxepin).

Studies show these medications can spike internal body temps to 106°F or higher — while also throwing a wrench in the body’s natural cooling system.

“You may excessively sweat or you may not be able to sweat quite as much,” Rubin explained.

That’s no small issue: Sweating is the body’s primary defense against overheating. Without it, your chances of heatstroke, organ failure and even death increases substantially.

Research shows SSRIs and TCAs may also mess with the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that helps regulate body temperature, thirst and blood pressure.

“When the hypothalamus cannot control body temperature, someone can overheat,” Dr. David Tzall, a licensed psychologist, told Medical News Today.

That increased heat sensitivity increases your chances of heat exhaustion, which has symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, headaches and heavy sweating, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Left unchecked, heat exhaustion can quickly escalate into heat stroke — the most dangerous form of heat-related illness.

At that stage, the body can begin to shut down, triggering seizures, hot dry skin or intense sweating, loss of consciousness and serious brain trouble, including confusion, erratic behavior and slurred speech.

In extreme cases, heat stroke can cause permanent disability or death.

“If you begin to feel a rapid heartbeat, start sweating excessively, develop nausea, dizziness or leg cramping, immediately seek air conditioning and if necessary, have someone call 911,” Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency medicine physician, told Health.com.

Still, experts say SSRIs and TCAs are safe and effective — as long as patients know the risks and can spot the warning signs before things turn dangerous.

Rubin recommends staying hydrated, avoiding direct sun and wearing loose, light-colored clothing when temperatures climb.

“If you are struggling at all, make sure that you seek out help,” he said.

The warnings come as a once-in-a-century scorcher grips the East Coast, with more than 150 million Americans currently living under “extreme” heat alerts.

Each summer, more than 500 New Yorkers die prematurely because of hot weather, a figure that has been climbing in recent years.

“This week’s heat wave could be deadly and life threatening if you are not prepared,” Mayor Eric Adams warned in a recent public safety alert.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Fitness influencer dies in suspicious fall from Rio de Janeiro apartment building

Tragic Mystery: Fitness Influencer’s Fatal Fall Sparks Investigation in Rio

In a tragic incident, a popular Brazilian bodybuilder who had amassed over…
Jaguars vs Chargers: Everything to know about Sunday's home game at EverBank Stadium

Jaguars vs. Chargers: Key Insights for Sunday’s Showdown at EverBank Stadium

After a challenging defeat at the hands of the Houston Texans, along…
Marjorie Taylor Greene news: Donald Trump's Truth Social posts seemingly mark final break in dispute with former ally

Marjorie Taylor Greene and Donald Trump: Truth Social Posts Signal End to Political Rift

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has severed ties with one of his…
‘Protector’ father of nine slain after minor crash spirals into deadly road rage clash

Devoted Father of Nine Tragically Killed in Escalating Road Rage Incident

A tragic incident unfolded in California as a 49-year-old father of nine…
Charlotte promises to resist pending federal immigration raids: 'Campaign of terror'

Charlotte Vows to Oppose Upcoming Federal Immigration Raids: Describes Them as a ‘Campaign of Terror

In Charlotte, North Carolina, city officials are bracing for an impending federal…
FBI investigating attack in Boulder, Colorado as 'act of terror,' several victims with burn injuries, suspect in custody

Chicago Cold Case Breakthrough: David Barklow Arrested for 2004 Downtown Apartment Shooting After International Search

A man has been apprehended and charged in connection with a murder…
Turning Point USA chapter denied official status by Loyola University New Orleans student government

Loyola New Orleans Law Students and Turning Point Members Challenge Controversial Chapter Denial in Landmark Appeal

Supporters of Turning Point USA at Loyola University New Orleans College of…
Brooklyn woman poured hot cooking oil on boyfriend, severely burning him: NYPD

Shocking Assault in Brooklyn: Woman Uses Hot Oil in Brutal Attack on Boyfriend

Authorities are actively searching for a woman who assaulted a 38-year-old man…
Kim Jong-un sends troops to Russia to clear deadly minefields for Putin’s war

North Korean Troops Deployed to Assist Russia in Minefield Clearance Amid Ongoing Conflict

Recently unveiled photos from Russia’s defense ministry depict North Korean troops engaged…
YouTube TV, Disney agree to deal to bring ESPN back to streaming platform

Breaking News: ESPN Returns to YouTube TV as Disney Seals Game-Changing Deal!

The lengthy impasse between YouTube TV and Disney has come to an…
AT&T data breach $177 million settlement: How consumers can claim their money

AT&T Reaches $177 Million Settlement Over Data Breach: Steps for Consumers to Claim Compensation

AT&T has agreed to a $177 million settlement following two data breaches,…
Winning ticket for $980 million Mega Millions jackpot sold in Georgia

Georgia Lottery Winner Hits Jackpot: $980 Million Mega Millions Ticket Sold

A record-breaking payout has just made history in Georgia. ATLANTA — A…