Some Drugs May Exacerbate Health Risks during Heat Waves As temperatures soar during heat waves, individuals taking certain medications must be vigilant of potential adverse effects that can amplify health risks. Medications that Impede Thermoregulation: * Anticholinergics: Drugs like atropine and scopolamine block the body’s ability to sweat, which is essential for cooling. * Diuretics: These medications increase urine output, leading to dehydration and reduced blood volume, impairing heat dissipation. Cardiovascular Medications: * Beta-blockers: These drugs may reduce heart rate and blood pressure, which can impede the body’s natural response to heat stress by dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the skin. * Calcium channel blockers: They can also lower blood pressure and affect heart rate, potentially exacerbating heat-related cardiovascular strain. Mental Health Medications: * Antipsychotics: These drugs can impair the body’s ability to recognize and respond to heat, increasing the risk of heatstroke. * Lithium: This medication can interfere with the body’s water balance and electrolyte levels, making individuals more susceptible to dehydration. Other Medications: * Steroids: They can suppress the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. * Blood thinners: These drugs can increase the risk of bleeding and heatstroke by impairing the body’s ability to dissipate heat. Precautions and Recommendations: * Individuals taking these medications should consult with their healthcare providers before engaging in strenuous activity or spending prolonged periods outdoors during heat waves. * Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and following cooling measures (e.g., cool baths, air conditioning) is crucial. * Avoiding taking medications during the hottest part of the day can help minimize their adverse effects. * If symptoms of heatstroke or heat exhaustion occur, seek immediate medical attention. By understanding the potential risks associated with certain medications during heat waves and following appropriate precautions, individuals can mitigate the health risks and ensure their well-being.Medications that Increase Heat-Related Illness Risk Amid Heat WaveMedications that Increase Heat-Related Illness Risk Amid Heat Wave As millions in the eastern U.S. endure a major heat wave, individuals taking certain medications face heightened risks for heat-related illnesses. These medications can hinder hydration and body temperature regulation, as reported by The New York Times on June 15. List of Medications: * Diuretics: Used for heart failure, kidney disease, or high blood pressure, they can cause dehydration and impair temperature regulation. * Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors: Treat high blood pressure and can increase fainting and falls while suppressing thirst. * Beta-blockers: Also treat high blood pressure, but they raise the risk of fainting and falls and affect sweating. * Calcium channel blockers: Blood pressure medications that can affect body temperature regulation. * Antipsychotic medications: Some, like haloperidol, olanzapine, and risperidone, prevent sweating. * Antidepressants: Some increase sweating and suppress thirst, leading to dehydration. * Thyroid replacement medications: Elevate body temperature, hinder temperature regulation, and cause excessive sweating. * Stimulants: Including amphetamines for ADHD, can raise body temperature. * Over-the-counter antihistamines: Diphenhydramine, promethazine, and doxylamine can impair temperature regulation and reduce sweating. Impact of Extreme Heat In 2023, emergency departments recorded record-breaking heat-related illnesses as climate change intensifies extreme heat events. Hospitals also face the risk of suspending services due to air conditioning outages. Additional Information: More details about the impact of extreme heat on hospitals from last year can be found here.Some Drugs May Increase Health Risks During Heat Waves As temperatures soar during heat waves, certain medications can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration. Certain blood pressure medications, such as diuretics and beta-blockers, can cause dehydration by increasing urine output. This can lead to an electrolyte imbalance, which can worsen in hot weather. Antipsychotics, such as clozapine and risperidone, can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature, making individuals more susceptible to heatstroke. Antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), can also impair temperature regulation. Asthma medications, such as beta-agonists, can increase heart rate and blood pressure, which can exacerbate heat-related stress. Individuals taking these medications during heat waves should take extra precautions to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures. They should also consult with their healthcare provider about any necessary medication adjustments. During heat waves, it is crucial to drink plenty of fluids, reduce physical activity, and wear loose, light-colored clothing. If symptoms of heat-related illness develop, such as dizziness, confusion, or nausea, seek medical attention immediately.