Mental Health Meds Can Make It Hard to Cope with Hot Weather
Published July 4th, 2024
Updated June 26th, 2025
5 min read
Psychiatric medications can make you more vulnerable to heat during the summer.
Written by Simon Spichak
Are you feeling the heat? If you’re taking mental health or psychiatric medications you may be more prone to dehydration and overheating. Here’s what you need to know about how mental health meds affect your heat tolerance.
What medications make you vulnerable to overheating?
According to Health Canada, certain medications used to treat depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other mental health conditions interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature and could make you more sensitive to heat.
Common medication types that make you vulnerable to overheating:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants to treat anxiety, depression, and OCD
Antipsychotics to treat depression, schizophrenia, and OCD
Amphetamines and stimulants to treat ADHD
Mood stabilizers to treat bipolar disorders
Other anti-anxiety medication
These drugs impact sweating, thirst, or how your body responds to heat, putting you at greater risk during heatwaves.
Need help with your mental health? Book a free consultation with one of our therapists today.
Signs and Symptoms of Overheating
Though these psychiatric medications help treat mental health symptoms, during heatwaves they make you more vulnerable. If the body can’t cool itself efficiently, you are vulnerable to overheating which can lead to:
Heat exhaustion: Dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, heavy sweating
Heat stroke: Confusion, rapid heartbeat, fainting, even organ damage
These signs and symptoms might be easy to miss. If you’re spending time outdoors, especially during heatwaves, be aware that you’re at risk.
Practical Tips: Staying Safe in Hot Weather
If you’re taking mental health medications that make you vulnerable to overheating, follow these tips to stay safe during hot weather:
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Avoid Direct Sun: Stay indoors during peak heat hours (11am–4pm) or seek shade when outside.
Dress Appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, sunscreen, and a hat.
Use Fans or Air Conditioning: Keep your living space cool whenever possible.
Check In Regularly: If you live alone or care for someone vulnerable, set up regular check-ins with friends or family.
Know the Warning Signs: Learn the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Consult Your Doctor: If you feel unwell or notice new symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. For more serious symptoms, visit emergency care.
Why do mental health medications make you more vulnerable?
Psychiatric medications impair the body’s ability to perceive and respond to increased temperatures. Some antipsychotics and amphetamines directly increase the body’s base temperature.
Researchers have also discovered that people with certain mental health conditions like schizophrenia already have trouble regulating their body temperature.
As heatwaves become more frequent because of climate change, researchers are working to understand why these medications might make you more vulnerable and how to mitigate these risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which medications make you more vulnerable to the heat?
Antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants, SSRIs, mood stabilizers, and stimulants can impact your heat tolerance. For more details, speak with your doctor or prescriber.
What are the signs of overheating?
Watch out for confusion, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, nausea, headache, and lack of sweating. This could lead to conditions like heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
How do I stay safe in hot weather?
Stay hydrated, avoid direct sun exposure, dress appropriately to protect from the sun, make use of fans or air conditioning, and understand the warning signs of overheating.
Can I stop taking my medication during a heatwave?
Never stop or adjust your medication without consulting your healthcare provider.
Where can I find more information?
Check out these resources:
How to Stay Safe in Extreme Heat (Health Canada)
Heat Intolerance and Psychiatric Medications (Psychology Today)
How Resolvve can help
Resolvve provides affordable therapy to support your mental health. We also share mental health information, tips, and tricks on our blogs and Instagram page.
Please note that this post is written for educational purposes; it is not therapy. If you need to talk to a professional, please book a consultation with a psychotherapist through Resolvve.
