Under antidepressants and in the heat wave? This unexpected cocktail could disrupt your body more than you think. Here is what specialists say.
Each summer, the hot episodes put to tutor the most sensitive organizations. If the elderly and infants are often mentioned, another group is too often forgotten: people treated for psychiatric disorders. In particular, those who take antidepressants can be more vulnerable than expected in the face of heat.
Experts are now alert to very real risks. When it is hot, some antidepressants can Disturbing natural regulation body temperature and worsen the risk of dehydration. “”There is anecdotal evidence that antidepressants can affect heat tolerance, but the reasons for this phenomenon are not fully understood“Explains the psychiatrist Chi-Chi Obuaya to the Magazine Stylist.
What heat does to your body under antidepressants
Several mechanisms come into play. Some antidepressantsin particular the Isrs and the IRSN, influence the neurotransmitters temperature management responsible. “”What we know is that different types of antidepressants […] influence different chemical messengers called neurotransmitters […] and that the heat intolerance from which some people suffer is most likely caused by a complex interaction between these elements“, Continues Chi-Chi Obuaya as reported the Elle magazine.
These effects do not stop there. Professor Alain Astier, pharmacologist, specifies that taking certain drugs can directly promote dehydration, via urine, stool or perspiration. “”It is enough that an effect has an effect on one of the three ways of dehydration to be considered dangerous during hot weather“, He explains.
Worse still, perspiration can be inhibitedmaking the body incapable of evacuating excess heat. The feeling of thirst can also fade, which further increases the risk of discomfort, dehydration, or even heat blows.
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Should you stop your treatment in summer? Especially not
The message of the specialists is clear: one should in no case interrupt An antidepressant treatment Because of the heat. On the other hand, simple daily adjustments can make the difference. “”Hospitals are filled with dehydrated people“, Recalls Professor Astier to Allodocants.
The preventive gestures to adopt: drink at least two liters of water per day, avoid outings in the middle of the day, favor fresh or air -conditioned places, wear light clothes and get the body regularly. A suitable rest, good hydration and regular discussions with a healthcare professional may be enough to spend the summer without incident.
