Health experts have warned that high temperatures during a heat wave could increase the risk of serious health complications for people taking certain common medications.
Deepa Kamdar, a senior lecturer in pharmacy practice at Kingston University, explained that the body relies on sweating, increased blood flow to the skin, and fluid balance to maintain its temperature, but some drugs can affect these mechanisms, making the body less able to adapt to hot weather
She said that the most important medications to be cautious about during heat waves include:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may reduce the body's ability to sweat, impairing the body's cooling process and increasing the risk of heat stress or dehydration
These drugs affect the body's temperature regulation center and may reduce the sensation of thirst or fever, increasing the likelihood of dehydration, low blood pressure, and heat-related disorders
Beta-blockers, which may restrict blood flow to the skin and reduce the body's ability to dissipate heat, and diuretics, which increase fluid loss and raise the risk of dehydration, are among the medications that can contribute to this condition. The drugs ramipril and losartan may also increase the risk of dehydration due to their effects on fluid balance and thirst regulation.
Like amphetamines, which are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, they may raise body temperature, speed up metabolism, and affect sweating, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke, especially with physical exertion.
Heat can accelerate insulin absorption, increasing the likelihood of a rapid drop in blood sugar levels, which may cause dizziness, trembling, and sweating, and in some cases, even loss of consciousness or seizures. High temperatures can also reduce the effectiveness of insulin if it is not stored according to instructions.
Kamdar advised staying hydrated, avoiding sun exposure during peak hours, staying in cool places as much as possible, and paying attention to symptoms of heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, nausea, confusion, and excessive sweating.
She also pointed out that dehydration may increase the side effects of some other medications, such as anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen, and may make lithium, a drug used to treat bipolar disorder, more toxic.
She concluded by stressing the need to not stop taking any prescribed medication without consulting a doctor or pharmacist, even in high temperatures.
