It is still hot (200/365)

[white_hart]

I discovered via Twitter last night that SSRIs and SNRIs (e.g. sertraline, citalopram, duloxetine, fluoxetine, mirtazipine) make you more prone to overheating and dehydration. Though I'm not sure I liked hot weather any better when I wasn't taking citalopram.

I am very tempted to say sod it and wear shorts to the office tomorrow. And also trying to work out if I can fit in a swim somewhere...

Comments

[cmcmck]

Been up over 32 here today!

Go for it, why don't you! :o)

[white_hart]

It is ridiculously hot.

[angelofthenorth]

This is why I once made myself a wrap skirt - plausible deniability if I was wearing shorts, and needed to suddenly be smart.

[white_hart]

I think it's very unlikely that I'll need to look smart, certainly not from the waist down. I'm just still a bit nervous about how many people might see so much of my hairy legs if I do...

[perennialanna]

Somehow we have ended up with a dress code that allows women to wear shorts (tailored) but not men, and I honestly don't know where I stand. Except that we currently have an informal addendum to the dress code which says I can whatever the hell I like because this week the building is essentially being held up by the force of my willpower and nobody dares offend me?

Sertraline and perimenopause. Fun times.

[white_hart]

I uses to say our dress code was "no onesies", though I relaxed that at the start of lockdown so it was just "clothes". Either way, shorts are fine, it's just whether my desire not to melt or my reluctance to display my legs wins out...

[perennialanna]

I actually have had comments on the hairiness of my legs at work, but only from six year olds. Who are just fine with "Yes, they are hairy. That's because I choose not to remove the hair".

A couple of years ago I managed to persuade my brain that it wouldn't matter if people saw my legs as they are. And now it really doesn't matter. But getting to that point took decades - and no amount of being told it would be fine by others helped.

I hope you find an option that allows you to be comfortable without attracting the attention of the brain weasels.

[white_hart]

I decided that it's hot enough I don't care, and shorts and a button-up shirt looks perfectly professional.

[bluapapilio]

Wow, I take both citalopram and mirtazapine, and I already run warm. I hate the heat with a fiery passion. _@

[white_hart]

I am a menopausal woman on citalopram, so yay?

[joyeuce]

I had no idea! Fat, on sertraline, and probably perimenopausal - no wonder I'm having a bad time! (Though so is my 8-year-old, to whom none of those things apply, so it might also be in the genes.)

[white_hart]

Also, it is just ridiculously hot!

[joyeuce]

Well, yes. Daughter and I are going up to London tomorrow on a long-planned trip to meet one of her godmothers; while I very much want to see her, I sort of wish we weren't.

[callmemadam]

Personally, I wouldn't believe everything on Twitter (I'm not on it, BTW). Unless that was an NHS message? Just drink pints of fluids and you should be OK. Does anyone like this weather?
Wear the shorts! Anything to be comfortable.

[lilysea]

Personally, I wouldn't believe everything on Twitter (I'm not on it, BTW). Unless that was an NHS message? Just drink pints of fluids and you should be OK. Does anyone like this weather?
Wear the shorts! Anything to be comfortable.

While I 100% agree that Twitter is not always a reliable source of medical information [unless the person tweeting/being retweeted is a doctor/nurse or similar]

I have seen the information about psych meds increasing problems coping with hot weather from a variety of reputable sources

including the Australian Government's official advice on coping with heatwaves, and also https://www.abc.net.au/news/justin/ which is a highly reputable news source.

[callmemadam]

OK! I must be extra careful.

[lilysea]

Pima County health dept in Arizona says:

https://webcms.pima.gov/UserFiles/Servers/Server_6/File/Health/Education%20and%20Outreach/BeatTheHeat/HRI%20Rack%20Card%20v7%20without%20cenpatico.pdf

"Arizona’s summers are more than hot.

The extreme heat can be very dangerousfor people taking psychiatric medications.

Psychiatric medications can increase your risk of heat stroke, which can be deadly.

Such medicines can make your body unable to control its own temperature and can restrict your body from sweating.

Even a short time in hot weather could cause a rapid and uncontrollable rise in body temperature.

Drugs of major concern

Medicines used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (antipsychotic medicines)

Antidepressants

“Antiparkinson” medicines, like benztropine

Migraine medicines (triptans, in particular)

The first weeks on a new medication or after a change in dose are very dangerous times for heat illness.

Most psychiatric medications decrease your body’s natural responses to heat

To stay healthy and well, take your medications as directed and practice heat safety

Heat illness or overheating can happen while working, playing, resting, or doing routine activities. Symptoms can range from discomfort to death. Muscle cramping may be the first warning sign. Other symptoms include confusion/dizziness, fainting, headache, nausea/vomiting, seizures, and coma.Learn how to stay safe in extreme heat!

It is extremely important to take your medications as prescribed by your doctor. (Regardless of weather!)

If you have been exposed to the heat and develop any symptoms of heat illness, get help immediately.

Tell your family or friends that you are sensitive to heat. They can watch for signs of heat illness and get you to an emergency department quickly.

Don’t use alcohol or street drugs! They can increase heat illness and make you unaware that your temperature is rising.

Limit outdoor activities to the early morning, when outside temperatures are coolest.

Find a cool place to spend the hottest times of the day. (Take shelter, don’t swelter!)

Avoid overexertion during extreme heat.

Seek shade during hot weather.

Stay hydrated. On hot days, drink water before you feel thirsty.

Heat can decrease your appetite; try to eat throughout the day.

Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about your medications and heat illness"

[perennialanna]

I've just remembered something that is on the information leaflet but buried in thickets of medical terms - sertraline certainly lowers blood sodium levels. So can ibuprofen, and in combination it does come up on the BNF as an interaction to be aware of. Since hot weather is migraine weather, it's very much a thing useful to know. Just drinking water could actually worsen this.

[white_hart]

Oh, good point. *Heads to snack machine, buys mini cheddars*

[alithea]

Oh good call, I hadn't realised that was why you had to be careful taking ibuprofen when you're on sertraline