A spate of hot weather this week could cause issues for people taking certain standard prescriptions.
Temperatures are set to surge this week – and a warning has been issued for those taking certain medication(Image: Getty Images)
A health warning has been issued across the UK ahead of an expected surge in temperatures in the coming days. The UK has basked in several heatwaves over the summer months, though most haven’t stretched as far as Scotland.
And weather maps are forecasting temperatures hotter than Ibiza in parts of Britain this week, with another run of searingly hot conditions on the way.
Maps from Ventusky predict highs of 33C in Huntingdonshire this week, which is more than the 31C expected on the famed party island. The peak is expected at around 4pm on Tuesday, August 12.
The Met Office temperature chart forecasts much of southern England to be basking in the low-30s at this time. Central Scotland is expected to be around the mid-20s at this point.
And it is predicted to be a few degrees higher at the same time the following day, Wednesday, August 13, north of the border. So there is a chance of meeting the heatwave criteria of three days above the temperature threshold in parts of Scotland, though it is set to cool off on Thursday, August 14.
Scotland may not get a heatwave this week but temperatures will be in the mid-20s for many of us(Image: Met OFfice)
There are lots of things to consider when it comes to hotter weather, but one that many don’t realise is that searing temperatures can increase the health risks associated with certain common medication.
Some prescriptions can exacerbate heat-related symptoms and could affect millions across the UK, health experts have warned. This includes diabetes medicines, such as insulin and metformin, The Mirror reports.
Diabetes drugs can increase the risk of dehydration and make the early symptoms more difficult to spot. This is particularly dangerous in warm weather, where dehydration can cause a further increase in body temperature.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency warned: “Dehydration can cause dizziness, headaches, tiredness, confusion, and dark urine. This is particularly dangerous for older adults, young children, and people with heart or kidney conditions.
Common prescription medicines could cause issues in the hot weather(Image: Getty Images)
“If you start to feel unwell in the heat, move somewhere cooler, sip water slowly, and seek medical advice if you don’t feel better quickly.”
Those taking certain antidepressants should also take extra care during spells of hot weather. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are one of the most common forms of antidepressants prescribed and they work by increasing the level of serotinin in the brain, which can improve sleep and mood.
But one of the main side effects of this type of medication is increased sweating. During a heatwave or even just warmer spells, this can be dangerous.
SSRIs impact the hypothalamus, the area of the brain that regulates temperature, by influencing the different chemical levels in the brain. With the increase in serotonin, the hypothalamus struggles to send signals to regulate the overall body temperature as effectively as normal.
“This can lead to excessive sweating,” pharmacist Thorrun Govind told The Sun. “This can be counterproductive in hot weather as the body is already struggling to cool down.”
An increase in sweating can lead to dehydration, causing a further spike in body temperature. However, the hotter weather and its increased risk does not mean people should stop taking their prescription medicine.
A sudden withdrawal from antidepressants, for example, can be extremely dangerous. People should continue taking thei medication as directed by their doctor – but just make sure to take extra precautions with the heat.
Avoiding going outside or doing exercise between 11am and 3pm, often the hottest hours of the day, is advised. And, for those times when you are out and about in warmer weather, stick to the shade as much as possible.
Drinking lots of water will help keep you hydrated and staying away from alcohol, which is dehydrating, is also advised. Wearing loose, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen can also help keep you cooler.
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