As the UK experiences its first heatwave of the summer this Bank Holiday weekend, London Underground passengers may already be feeling the heat. With temperatures expected to reach 30°C or higher in parts of the country, those on antidepressants should be especially cautious.
Heat Risks on the Tube for Antidepressant Users
The hottest temperature officially recorded on the London Underground was 32°C on the Victoria Line in August 2024, though many commuters describe the conditions as far more intense. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), commonly prescribed for anxiety, depression, and panic disorders, can impair the body's ability to regulate temperature, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion in sweltering environments like the Tube.
In 2025, an estimated 8.89 million patients in England were prescribed antidepressants, according to NHS data. Social media is filled with accounts of users experiencing overheating, with some describing it as feeling "burnt alive" or "melting" during hot weather.
Expert Advice for Staying Safe
Dr Asim Cheema, an internal medicine and cardiology specialist at Your Doctors Online, advises: "Recognise warning signs like headache, nausea, confusion, or feeling faint. Stay well-hydrated, dress in breathable clothing, and plan ahead by carrying water, using cooling towels, and avoiding peak travel times."
Dr Cheema explains that SSRIs like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, SNRIs like Venlafaxine and Duloxetine, and tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline can all affect heat regulation. "Antipsychotics, beta blockers, diuretics, and some antihistamines can also impact heat tolerance," he adds.
How to Survive a Heatwave on Antidepressants
Dr Nikki Kanani, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Aneira Health, recommends acting quickly if symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or heavy sweating occur. "Move to a cooler place, sip water slowly, and use a fan or damp cloth. Avoid pushing through symptoms, and talk to your doctor if they persist."
She suggests avoiding direct sun between 11am and 3pm, wearing a hat and SPF, and planning outdoor activities for early morning or evening. For public transport, she advises traveling outside peak times, carrying water, and wearing breathable clothing. "If you feel faint, get off at the next stop and rest. Never ignore symptoms," she warns.
Dr Kanani notes that this side effect is often overlooked, especially when medications are first prescribed in cooler months. "As heatwaves become more common, we need to discuss how medication affects health in real-world conditions, particularly for women and those with long-term conditions."
