Surrey residents taking antidepressants and antipsychotics advised to take caution as temperatures soar; heat may affect how certain meds interact.
Heat Risk Rises for Medication Users as Surrey Braces for 35°C
As temperatures in Surrey are forecast to hit 35°C this week, health experts are issuing urgent warnings to residents—especially the thousands taking antidepressants and antipsychotics—about the dangers of heat-related illness.
Why Certain Medications Increase Heat Sensitivity
According to Mental Health UK, medications like SSRIs, SNRIs, and some antipsychotics can impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature. These medications affect the hypothalamus, the part of the brain responsible for keeping body temperature stable.
Surrey residents are being urged to review medication leaflets and consult doctors or pharmacists about potential risks.
What Side Effects to Look Out For
The organization warns that some medications may increase sweating, leading to dehydration, while others reduce sweat production, raising the risk of heatstroke. These medications may also affect mental clarity and lower tolerance for heat, making it harder to detect early symptoms.
Common signs of heat exhaustion include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue and dizziness
- Heavy sweating or clammy skin
- Headache and cramps
- Rapid heart rate or breathing
- Confusion or irritability, especially in children and older adults
NHS Shares Emergency Steps for Heat Exhaustion
Surrey residents are advised to follow NHS guidance to assist someone showing symptoms of heat exhaustion:
- Move the person to a cooler place
- Remove excess clothing
- Offer water or a rehydration drink
- Cool the skin with water, fans, or cold packs under the arms or on the neck
If symptoms don’t improve within 30 minutes, it may signal heatstroke—a medical emergency requiring a 999 call.
When to Seek Emergency Help
Seek immediate care if symptoms include:
- Extremely high body temperature
- Hot, dry, or red skin
- Shortness of breath
- Seizures or confusion
- Loss of consciousness
These symptoms indicate heatstroke, which can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
How to Stay Safe in the Surrey Heat
Surrey residents are encouraged to stay indoors during peak heat, remain hydrated, and check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors. The NHS online medication directory can help individuals understand how their prescriptions interact with heat.
With record-setting temperatures expected, awareness and preparation could save lives—especially for those who rely on heat-sensitive medications.
