AI Generated Image
Heat wave warning: Common medications that can increase your risk of heat illness
ClickOnDetroit | WDIV Local 4 • • health
Key Points:
- Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications can impair the body's ability to manage heat, increasing risks of dehydration, dizziness, fainting, and heat-related illnesses during heat waves.
- Diuretics, blood pressure medications (beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARBs), mental health drugs (antipsychotics, SSRIs, TCAs), ADHD stimulants, and older allergy or sleep medicines can interfere with sweating, hydration, and temperature regulation.
- People with diabetes face additional risks as heat and dehydration can disrupt blood sugar control, insulin absorption, and device function; some diabetes medications like SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 drugs may worsen heat-related problems.
- Warning signs of heat stress include dizziness, fatigue, intense thirst, and reduced urination, while emergency symptoms like confusion or hot, dry skin require immediate medical attention.
- Patients are advised not to stop medications without consulting healthcare providers and to discuss a "hot day plan" to safely manage their health during extreme heat.
