‘Rare’ heat wave scorches tens of millions in the eastern US
People from Kansas to Maine are enduring “extreme heat risk,” according to the National Weather Service.
Millions of Americans are under a sweltering heat dome as record high temperatures blast much of the eastern United States.
But for some, the effects of triple-digit heat are worse than others.
Certain medications — like antidepressants — cause excessive sweating as a side effect, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Other medications make people more sensitive to the sun, meaning they should be extra careful when spending time outside.
If you take regular medication or are taking something temporarily, be sure to check with a doctor on any possible side effects from hot weather. Here’s what we know.
TikTok schools SSRI users on sun sensitivity
Antidepressants, which are also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, can induce diaphoresis, a type of excessive sweating caused by a secondary condition.
Some people have taken to social media to share their experience with the so-called “SSRI sweats” after learning about the risk of heat intolerance through platforms like TikTok.
“Shoutout to the girlies and the doctors on here that have educated me on the medication I’m on,” a TikTok user said in a video posted June 24. “I recently started taking SSRIs and I was not informed about the heat intolerance and just reaction to the heat that is different now that I’m on them.”
On another similar TikTok video posted June 24, commenters emphasized not knowing about the effects of such medicines.
“They don’t tell you this stuff,” one user wrote, while another said, “As an SSRI user I didn’t know this.”
What antidepressant medications cause excessive sweating?
Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications — like antidepressants — can cause diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
According to the International Hyperhydrosis Society, there are more than two dozen neuropsychiatric medications that can cause diaphoresis. A full list is available online, but some include the following antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines:
- BusPIRone (brand name: BuSpar)
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Paroxetine (Paxil CR/Paxil/Pexeva)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
Other medications can also cause sun sensitivity
According to the Cleveland Clinic, other medications that may cause diaphoresis include:
- Diabetes drugs like insulin
- Hormone therapy
- Fever medications like acetaminophen and aspirin
- Pain medications like naproxen and oxycodone
- Antibiotics and antivirals like bacitracin and ribavirin
- Chemotherapy drugs
Some common medications can also cause general sun sensitivity, according to the Food and Drug Administration. They include, among others:
- Antibiotics
- Antihistamines
- Oral contraceptives
Those taking such medicines should limit their sun exposure and wear sunscreen, according to the FDA.
What to do if you have SSRI sun sensitivity
If you are on antidepressants or other prescription medications that causes excessive sweating, there are ways to help the condition, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Consult with a doctor about the following remedies as options to treat sweating:
- Using a prescription-strength antiperspirant or deodorant to tell your body to stop producing sweat.
- Getting Botox injections to temporarily prevent the stimulation of sweat glands.
- A medical procedure called iontophoresis, which uses an electrical shock to temporarily reduce sweating on hands and feet.
- Oral prescription anticholinergic medications like oxybutynin and glycopyrrolate can prevent the stimulation of sweat glands.
Summer heat can affect mental health. What can help?
For some, the ongoing heat wave isn’t just a nuisance — it also has an effect on mental health.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression sparked by a seasonal pattern, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
While winter seasonal affective disorder is more common, some people can experience seasonal affective disorder during the summer because of long, hot days worsening sleep quality and leading to depression, according to NIMH.
People experiencing increased depression symptoms as a result of the heat should talk to a health care provider about their concerns.
However, the Anxiety & Depression Association of America recommends the following tips for prioritizing mental health in the heat:
- Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if prone to excessive sweating. Dehydration can worsen feelings of anxiety and irritability.
- Stay cool by spending time in air-conditioned places, using fans, taking cool showers or using cold packs.
- Try to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you need to be outside, try to stay in the shade.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing to help stay cool and reflect the sun’s rays.
- Make sure to eat balanced meals and get plenty of sleep.
- Practice stress management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation and yoga.
- Reach out to friends, family or a mental health professional for support.
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at melina.khan@usatoday.com.
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