29/05/2026
Impact of SSRIs in summer
Self-care for your mental health is important year-round, but in summertime there are specific ways we can take care of ourselves. Certain antidepressants, such as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) medication and antipsychotic medication, can affect body temperature regulation (also known as temperature dysregulation) and make you more sensitive to heat. This is because they interfere with the hypothalamus, the part of the brain responsible for temperature regulation. This is often listed as a potential side effect, so it’s important to check your medication’s accompanying leaflet if you’re concerned, you can discuss this this with your prescribing doctor, psychiatrist or pharmacist.
Some examples of medication this includes are:
Antipsychotic medications such as amisulpride (brand name Solian), aripiprazole (Abilify), clozapine (Clozaril, Denzapine, Zaponex), lurasidone (Latuda), olanzapine (Zypadhera, Zyprexa), paliperidone (Invega, Xeplion), quetiapine (Seroquel, Seroquel XL), risperidone (Risperdal, Risperdal Consta), chlorpromazine, flupentixol, and haloperidol.
Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, imipramine, doxepin, mianserin, and trazodone.
SSRIs such as sertraline, citalopram, and fluoxetine.
Some medications increase sweating, meaning you are more likely to become dehydrated, while some decrease sweat production. Medications can also impair your ability to think clearly, or simply change your tolerance to hot temperatures. It is always important to understand the wider impact your medication may have, so read and retain the information leaflet.
If you find it difficult to stay cool during the summer, continue reading for some tips on how to cope with hotter temperatures.
