Common medications can increase the risk of heat illness, making hydration, cooling techniques and medical guidance especially important in hot weather.
by Calle Nevin@MyCarolinaLife.com
Whether it’s spending a day at the beach, golfing, exploring nature trails, or enjoying other outdoor activities, there are plenty of ways to get outdoors during the summer. But for those who take mood medications, you may be more susceptible to heat-related illness.
According to the National Institutes of Health, one in six Americans take it Medicines to treat depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar or other conditions.
Medications that help reduce anxiety, such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and benzodiazepines, can interfere with the activity of the hypothalamus – a part of the brain that helps increase blood pressure and heart temperature.
“Mood medications can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature,” says Tidelands Health Dr. family medicine physician. Sean NguyenThose who see patients Tidelands Health Family Medicine The Market Common. “Certain medications can impair sweating or alter heat perception, making individuals more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.”
According to Dr. Nguyen, symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be exacerbated by these drugs, which affect thermoregulation.
“Dehydration can worsen the effects of heat on the body,” he says. “It’s crucial that you’re rehydrating even if you’re not thirsty or sweating. A lack of sweat can be an indication that your body is struggling to regulate its temperature.”
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Dizziness, lightheadedness
- Fever, usually over 100 degrees Fahrenheit
- blurred vision
- headache
- Fatigue and weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weak, rapid heartbeat
“If you experience any of these symptoms, you should get to a cool area as soon as possible, drink small sips of water, and seek medical attention quickly if your symptoms do not improve after about an hour of rest and fluid intake, or if you vomit more than once,” said Dr. Nguyen.
Heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, which can cause life-threatening or permanent damage. Symptoms of heat stroke include confusion and loss of consciousness in addition to heat exhaustion.
Call 911 immediately and move the person to a cooler area, keep them cool by removing extra layers of clothing and applying water or ice to the skin. Most people with heat stroke have an altered level of consciousness and cannot safely be given fluids to drink.
To prevent heat-related illness, adjust outdoor activities to avoid the hottest parts of the day, wear lightweight, breathable clothing, and listen to your body.
It is important to discuss this with a Qualified health care provider Whether the medications you are taking are making you more susceptible to heat-related illness.
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MyCarolinaLife.com A news service of Tidelands Health.
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