Urgent warning issued to millions of sertraline, citalopram or fluoxetine users
A doctor has issued a warning to millions who take commonly prescribed drugs including streamline, citalopram and fluoxetine ahead of yet more soaring temperatures set sizzle the UK this week.
Scientists have predicted that 2026 may very well end up being the hottest year on record, worsened by a unique 'super El Niño' weather event, with much of Britain experiencing severe drought.
The UKHSA has put out a number of heat health alerts for later this week, now covering the entirety of England, warning that rising temperatures this week into the mid-30s may increase health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups of people.
Some parts of the country are now facing a fifth heatwave of the summer, with amber 'extreme heat' warnings in place for parts of England on Thursday (13 August) when temperatures could soar to as high as 38C.
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Simply put, it is going to get hotter and that means people are going to sweat more, which means if you're on Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline, citalopram or fluoxetine then you need to beware.
Speaking to the Mirror, Dr Rupa Parmar explained that taking these drugs could also cause a person to sweat excessively, and in hot weather it could leave them dangerously dehydrated.
"Excess sweat is one of the most common side effects of antidepressants," the doctor explained as she warned about the double whammy of dehydration people need to watch out for.
"It’s most likely due to how the medication affects the hypothalamus, a brain part that plays an important role in regulating body temperature."
"Excess sweating can also cause dehydration, and there is a higher risk of heat exhaustion as heat tolerance is much lower. Signs of heat exhaustion include headaches, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, and an increased body temperature."
The hot weather that dehydrates and exhausts a person will not only inflict a toll on their body but their mind as well, and an impairment to their decision making ability can compound the problem.
Dr Parmar also had guidance on what people can do to help someone who is on SSRIs and will be out in hot weather, as well as how to tell the difference between heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Both are dangerous but heatstroke can result in organ damage and means you need to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
She said: "For people on SSRIs, knowing the symptoms is crucial.
"If someone is experiencing heat exhaustion, get them out of the heat, keep them hydrated, and use cold compresses to help them cool down.
"Heatstroke occurs when the body is completely unable to regulate its temperature, which can lead to serious organ damage. It has the same symptoms as heat exhaustion, as well as confusion, seizures, and a rapid heart rate and breathing.
"The difference is that the symptoms of heat exhaustion usually subside within half an hour.
"If you are concerned someone has heatstroke, seek medical attention as quick treatment is necessary to prevent serious complications."
If you want to enjoy the hot weather then look after yourself.
Joe Harker