Warning to anyone taking common tablets as Met Office says 33C heatwave looms
Experts have issued a warning to Brits taking a common type of medication amid new warnings of a sweltering heatwave. After several days of hot, dry weather, temperatures are set to ramp up even further over the next few days before peaking at 33C on Sunday afternoon, according to forecasters.
Yesterday, the Met Office confirmed the continuing warm air coming from continental Europe means it is now likely that large areas of the UK will pass the official heatwave threshold by the weekend, an announcement that will no doubt be welcomed by many up and down the country. But for the estimated 8.7million people in England who take antidepressants, these prolonged spells of hot weather can have potential adverse effects, experts say.
According to Mental Health UK, some antidepressants, such as SNRIs, antipsychotic medication, and some SSRIs, can affect body temperature regulation and make you more sensitive to heat.
For antipsychotic medications, this includes 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.
This has also been reported in tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, imipramine, doxepin, mianserin, and trazodone, and SSRIs such as sertraline, citalopram, and fluoxetine, reports the Manchester Evening News.
On its website, the Mental Health UK charity adds that interfering with temperature regulation is often listed as a potential side effect of the drugs, so it is important to check the leaflet of your medication if you are concerned.
Dr Sameer Sanghvi, a practising GP and Clinical Technology Lead at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, explained: "Common antidepressants can all stop the temperature regulating area of the brain functioning as it should.
"Serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are some of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants.
"However, SNRIs are known to cause excessive sweating and thus dehydration, while SSRIs have been linked to heat intolerance and heat stroke."
Dr Sanghvi said people should not stop taking their medication during hot weather and to always consult your doctor before making changes to your mental health medication.
He added: "The best thing you can do is take precautions to stay cool: stick to the shade; drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol; keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm; avoid exercising in the hottest parts of the day; and wear loose, breathable clothing."
Heat health alert issued
It comes after the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a yellow heat health alert for Midlands, South and East England, Yorkshire and Humber, and London.
The alert - which is in place from 12pm tomorrow until 6pm on Sunday - is sent out by the UKHSA to local and national officials in the healthcare sector when it is believed adverse temperatures are "likely to impact on the health and wellbeing of the population."
This includes an "increased risk to health" among vulnerable groups, including those aged 65 and over or those with pre-existing health conditions.
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