When Heat and Medication Mix: What to Know This Summer
At Acceptance, we know that summer heat can be more than just uncomfortable — it can be unsafe, especially if you’re taking certain medications or navigating life with chronic conditions, mental health needs, or neurodivergence.
And with heat warnings on the rise across Ontario, we want you to have the information you need to take good care of yourself.
Why This Matters
Some common medications — including SSRIs, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers — can make it harder for your body to cool down, recognize thirst, or keep enough fluids in your system. That means you could be more at risk for dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke.
This can be even harder if you're living without air conditioning or you’re in a season of life where rest is hard to come by.
This isn’t about creating fear. It’s about compassionate, informed care for your whole self.
Medications That May Raise Heat Risk
Some commonly prescribed medications that can affect your body’s ability to regulate heat include:
SSRIs and SNRIs (like sertraline or venlafaxine): can reduce your ability to sweat and regulate body temperature
Tricyclic antidepressants (like amitriptyline): have anticholinergic effects that limit sweating
Antipsychotics (like quetiapine or olanzapine): can interfere with your body’s cooling mechanisms
Stimulants (like methylphenidate or amphetamines): may increase your body temp and reduce thirst
Mood stabilizers (like lithium): can become more concentrated when you're dehydrated
Anticholinergics (like benztropine or diphenhydramine): reduce your ability to sweat
Beta blockers and diuretics: affect circulation and fluid balance
Even if you haven’t had trouble before, your body may be more sensitive than you realize.
Supportive Strategies
You deserve to feel safe and supported, even when your body needs a little extra help. Here are a few ways to stay cool and care for yourself this summer:
Drink water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty
Avoid peak sun hours (11:00 am to 4:00 pm) when possible, and take breaks when you need to
Use fans, cool showers, or wet cloths to keep your body temperature down
Pay attention to how you feel — dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, fatigue, or confusion may be signs of heat stress
Talk to your prescriber about how your medications might interact with the heat
Never stop medication without support — there are safer ways to make changes
This summer, give yourself permission to rest, cool down, and ask for what you need. You matter — and your health is worth protecting.
