![\"a](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/GettyImages-2222209907-8f86.jpg\")
\n\t\tPeople on SSRIs should be \u2018extra careful\u2019 this summer (Credits: Bloomberg via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
\t\t
\n\t\tPeople on SSRIs should be \u2018extra careful\u2019 this summer (Credits: Bloomberg via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
While the UK basks in the first heatwave<\/a> of summer this Bank Holiday<\/a> weekend, those taking the tube might already be wishing for colder days. <\/p>\n As parts of the country are expected to push 30\u00b0C and higher today, tube passengers in London will already be feeling the difference underground. But if you\u2019re on antidepressants<\/a>, you might also be at risk of overheating.\u00a0<\/p>\n The hottest temperature ever recorded on the London<\/a> Underground is up for debate. <\/p>\n TfL\u2019s official statistics recorded 32C\u00a0on the Victoria Line in August 2024. Ask any commuter down there during a heatwave<\/a>, however, and they\u2019ll tell you it feels more like the burning gates of hell.\u00a0<\/p>\n Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), used to treat anxiety<\/a>, depression<\/a> and panic disorders, are generally considered safe and effective. But they come with a major side effect that\u2019s often overlooked: heat intolerance.\u00a0<\/p>\n These common medications can affect the body\u2019s ability to regulate temperature, putting people at higher risk of heat exhaustion, especially in sweltering environments like the London Underground.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n In 2025, an estimated 8.89 million identified patients in England were prescribed antidepressants, according to data from the NHS. Social media<\/a> is filled with thousands of people\u2019s experiences with them, good and bad. And one common complaint in summer is the heat.\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t \t\t\t\tExpert recommendations for staying safe on public transport in warm weather\t\t\t<\/p>\n If you\u2019re taking antidepressants or any medication that makes you more susceptible to heat, Dr Asim Cheema advises the following:<\/p>\n Recognise warning signs: Headache, nausea, confusion, or feeling faint can all signal heat-related distress, which is more likely if you\u2019re on certain medications.<\/p>\n Stay well-hydrated: Dehydration can worsen side effects like dizziness or lightheadedness.<\/p>\n Dress lightly: Wear breathable, loose-fitting clothes.<\/p>\n Plan ahead: If you know you\u2019ll be on the Tube or in another hot environment, carry water, use cooling towels, and if possible, avoid peak travel times.<\/p>\n Is heat dangerous when you\u2019re on antidepressants?<\/p>\n Some have said they\u2019ve been \u2018melting\u2019 and \u2018overheating\u2019, while temperatures have been hitting 30C, while others compare it to being \u2018burnt alive\u2019.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2018Taking antidepressants doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t enjoy summer, but it does mean you need to be extra cautious during extreme heat,\u2019 Dr Asim Cheema, an internal Medicine and Cardiology specialist at Your Doctors Online<\/a>, tells Metro.\u00a0<\/p>\n Dr Cheema explains that certain antidepressants, including SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, and SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors), can impair the body\u2019s ability to regulate temperature.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2018Some affect the hypothalamus (which controls temperature regulation), while others reduce sweating, making it harder for the body to cool down naturally,\u2019 he explains.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2018This can increase the risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and even heatstroke during periods of high temperature.\u2019<\/p>\n Dr Cheema says this can occur when taking commonly prescribed SSRIs, like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, SNRIs, like Venlafaxine and Duloxetine, as well as tricyclic antidepressants, like amitriptyline.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2018Antipsychotics, beta blockers, diuretics and some antihistamines can also affect heat tolerance,\u2019 he adds.\u00a0<\/p>\n How to survive a heatwave on antidepressants<\/p>\n If you\u2019re travelling to work on sweltering public transport, spending most of the day outside, or just trying to enjoy the sun, there are some common signs of heat exhaustion to look out for.\u00a0<\/p>\n Dr Nikki Kanani, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Aneira Health, tells Metro, this can include dizziness, nausea and heavy sweating.\u00a0<\/p>\n Dr Kanani advises \u2018acting quickly\u2019 if you spot any of these symptoms. She suggests moving to a cooler place, sipping water slowly and using a fan or a damp cloth to cool down.\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t She adds: \u2018Avoid pushing through your symptoms, listen to your body and importantly, talk to your doctor if symptoms persist \u2013 you may need to adjust when you take your medication or review alternatives.\u2019<\/p>\n To protect yourselves during the heat, she suggests avoiding direct sun exposure during the hottest part of the day (between 11am and 3pm). \u2018If you\u2019re out, wear a hat, use SPF, and take breaks in the shade. Planning outdoor time for early morning or evening can help reduce risk.\u2019\u00a0<\/p>\n And for those braving sweltering public transport, she advises planning ahead where possible. \u2018Travel outside peak times, carry water, wear breathable clothing, and use a hand fan.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2018If you feel faint or unwell, get off at the next stop, find somewhere cool, and rest. Never ignore symptoms \u2013 overheating can happen quickly.\u2019<\/p>\n Dr Kanani adds that while common, this side effect can often be overlooked and isn\u2019t routinely discussed. <\/p>\n She adds: \u2018Especially when medications are first prescribed in the cooler months or if someone is starting treatment for the first time. It can also be underestimated in clinical consultations, where the focus is understandably on mental health support.<\/p>\n \u2018As heatwaves become more common, we need to talk more openly about how medication affects our health in real-world conditions \u2013 especially for women and people with long-term conditions.\u2019<\/p>\n Do you have a story to share?<\/p>\n Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk<\/a>.<\/p>\n This article was first published in July 2025.<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"Young](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/GettyImages-2195107523.jpg\")
\n\t\tAntidepressants can affect the body\u2019s ability to regulate temperature (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/GettyImages-1716826606.jpg\")
\n\t\tIt\u2019s a side effect that\u2019s often overlooked (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
\nMORE: Hosting this summer? These BBQs and grills are worth the investment<\/a><\/p>\n
\nMORE: 13 cheap and easy ways to keep your home cool when installing aircon isn\u2019t an option<\/a><\/p>\n
\nMORE: The UK\u2019s 30 best beer gardens revealed \u2014 is your local pub on the list?<\/a><\/p>\n