Mental Health Meds and Sunshine: What You Should Know This Summer

Posted: July 11, 2025

Summer is the perfect time to go outside, soak up some sun, and enjoy fresh air; especially in Upstate New York. But if you’re taking certain mental health medications, it’s important to know how they might interact with the heat and sunlight.

Some medications can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, while others can mess with your body’s ability to cool down and regulate temperature (NJ DHS DMHAS, 2016). That doesn’t mean you have to avoid the outdoors completely, it just means being a little more mindful.

Medications That Can Make You Sun Sensitive

Some mental health medications can make you more likely to get a sunburn or skin irritation (NJ DHS DMHAS, 2016). These include:

Antidepressants (like sertraline, fluoxetine, or amitriptyline)
Antipsychotics & mood stabilizers (like haloperidol or chlorpromazine, and especially lithium)
Anti-anxiety meds (like diazepam and other benzodiazepines)

Tips to keep your skin safe:

Wear sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
Use a hat and sunglasses
Stick to the shade during peak sun hours (10 AM – 4 PM)

Some Medications Make It Harder to Handle Heat

Certain medications can make it harder for your body to cool down, which puts you at risk for overheating, heat exhaustion, or even heatstroke (NJ DHS DMHAS, 2016). Watch out if you’re taking:

Lithium (can cause dehydration)
Stimulants (like Adderall or Ritalin)
Some antipsychotics or antidepressants that affect sweating or body temperature

Tips to stay cool:

Drink lots of water and maintain levels of electrolytes
Take breaks in the shade or AC
Avoid intense outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day

Simple Ways to Stay Safe

Whether you’re going for a walk with the dog, hitting the beach, or just sitting outside enjoying the season, a few simple habits can make a big difference:

Apply sunscreen every morning
Reapply every 2 hours, or more if you’re swimming or sweating
Stay hydrated (bring a water bottle!)
Listen to your body, if you feel lightheaded, tired, or too hot, take a break

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

If you’re not sure whether your meds could be affected by the sun or heat, talk to your doctor, therapist, or pharmacist. They can walk you through what to expect and how to stay safe, no judgment.

The bottom line is you deserve to enjoy your summer and take care of your mental health. With a few extra steps, you can do both.

We’re here to support you. Reach out to our team to learn more or schedule an intake.

References:

NJ Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). (2016, July). Summer Heat and Sun Risks When Taking Psychiatric Medications. NJ DHS, Office of Publications. https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/documents/Summer%20Heat%20and%20Sun%20Risks.pdf