A heat wave can be dangerous for anyone, but some everyday prescription and over-the-counter medications can make it harder for the body to handle high heat, increasing the risk of dehydration, dizziness, fainting, and heat illness.<\/p>\n
Below are several medication classes that are especially important to consider during hot, humid weather.<\/p>\n
Do not stop any medication on your own. If you\u2019re concerned, call your doctor or pharmacist and ask whether you need a \u201chot day plan.\u201d<\/p>\n
Why heat and medications can be a risky mix<\/p>\n
Your body is always producing heat. In hot weather, it has to get rid of that heat by:<\/p>\n
Sweating (to cool the skin)<\/p>\n
Shifting blood flow to the skin<\/p>\n
Adjusting heart rate and blood pressure to keep circulation steady<\/p>\n
Some medications can interfere with one or more of those processes. <\/p>\n
Others can increase dehydration, making it harder to cool down and affecting kidney function.<\/p>\n
Diuretics (\u201cwater pills\u201d)<\/p>\n
Diuretics are commonly used to control blood pressure or reduce swelling. A well-known example is Lasix.<\/p>\n
In extreme heat, diuretics can:<\/p>\n
Increase urination, leading to dehydration<\/p>\n
Contribute to electrolyte imbalances<\/p>\n
Raise the risk of dizziness, fainting, and falls<\/p>\n
Blood pressure and heart medications<\/p>\n
Beta blockers<\/p>\n
Beta blockers\u2014such as Lopressor\u2014can reduce your ability to increase your heart rate in response to heat stress. <\/p>\n
They also lower blood pressure, which can make some people more prone to lightheadedness or fainting in the heat.<\/p>\n
ACE inhibitors and ARBs<\/p>\n
ACE inhibitors like Zestril and ARBs like Cozaar are also widely used to treat high blood pressure.<\/p>\n
During a heat wave, these medications can:<\/p>\n
Contribute to dehydration, especially if you aren\u2019t drinking enough fluids<\/p>\n
Affect kidney function<\/p>\n
Reduce thirst, so you may be less likely to hydrate<\/p>\n
Risk can be higher when these drugs are combined with a diuretic.<\/p>\n
Mental health medications<\/p>\n
Some mental health medications can affect sweating and the body\u2019s temperature control.<\/p>\n
Antipsychotics<\/p>\n
Antipsychotic medications like Seroquel can interfere with temperature regulation and sweating.<\/p>\n
SSRIs<\/p>\n
SSRIs\u2014like Zoloft\u2014may increase sweating, which can increase the risk of dehydration.<\/p>\n
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)<\/p>\n
TCAs\u2014like Elavil\u2014may decrease sweating, making it harder to cool down.<\/p>\n
Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD<\/p>\n
Stimulants, such as Ritalin, increase metabolic activity and can raise a person\u2019s heat production. <\/p>\n
That can make it easier to overheat during outdoor activity, especially if hydration and breaks aren\u2019t adequate.<\/p>\n
Allergy and \u201cPM\u201d sleep medicines<\/p>\n
Over-the-counter medications can matter too, especially older antihistamines like diphenhydramine, best known by the trade name Benadryl.<\/p>\n
These medications can:<\/p>\n
Reduce sweating<\/p>\n
Cause drowsiness, which can make it harder to recognize early heat illness symptoms<\/p>\n
Increase the risk of overheating<\/p>\n
Diabetes and heat: extra risks for blood sugar control<\/p>\n
Diabetes\u2014and the medications used to treat it\u2014deserve special attention during extreme heat.<\/p>\n
In a heat wave:<\/p>\n
Dehydration and heavy sweating can raise blood glucose levels and make it harder for the kidneys to clear excess sugar.<\/p>\n
High temperatures can alter subcutaneous insulin absorption and the rate at which the body uses glucose, leading to unpredictable highs and lows.<\/p>\n
People with diabetic autonomic neuropathy may have impaired heat regulation, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.<\/p>\n
Some medications can add to the risk:<\/p>\n
SGLT2 inhibitors (example: Jardiance) may worsen dehydration.<\/p>\n
Also, heat can affect devices and storage:<\/p>\n
Extreme heat can impair glucose monitoring devices.<\/p>\n
Insulin can lose potency if it\u2019s left in heat or not stored according to directions.<\/p>\n
GLP-1 drugs for diabetes and weight loss<\/p>\n
GLP-1 drugs\u2014like Ozempic\u2014can increase the risk of heat problems for some people. That may be related to reduced thirst, slower digestion, which can contribute to dehydration, and changes in how the body regulates temperature.<\/p>\n
Warning signs to watch for<\/p>\n
Call a healthcare provider if you\u2019re concerned, and seek emergency help if symptoms escalate.<\/p>\n
Common warning signs of heat stress include:<\/p>\n
Dizziness or lightheadedness<\/p>\n
Fatigue or weakness<\/p>\n
Intense thirst<\/p>\n
Reduced urination<\/p>\n
Nausea<\/p>\n
Emergency signs can include confusion, fainting, severe headache, or hot, dry skin. If you suspect heat stroke, call 911 immediately.<\/p>\n
Quick safety tips during a heat wave<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t stop medications without medical guidance.<\/p>\n
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about a \u201chot day plan.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hydrate early and often (follow your provider\u2019s guidance if you have fluid restrictions).<\/p>\n
Avoid peak heat; take frequent breaks in shade or air conditioning.<\/p>\n
Store medications properly\u2014don\u2019t leave them in a hot car, delivery box, or sunny window.<\/p>\n
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