Heatwave Alert: Medications That Increase Risk
Millions of Britons taking specific medications are being cautioned due to the escalating heat. Experts are concerned about the impact of extreme temperatures on commonly prescribed drugs, potentially increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Vulnerable Medications
Certain antidepressants can amplify a person’s sensitivity to high temperatures, as highlighted by experts at Mental Health UK. This heightened sensitivity can render individuals more prone to heat exhaustion and potentially even heatstroke.
These at-risk drugs include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and antipsychotic medications. They may disrupt temperature regulation within the body.
“This is because they interfere with the hypothalamus, the part of the brain responsible for temperature regulation.”
—Mental Health UK
It’s crucial for individuals to check the information leaflet that accompanies their medication and to consult their doctor or pharmacist if they have concerns. The NHS has a comprehensive medication directory (NHS Medicines) to provide further information.
Specific Medications and Risks
Examples of medications that fall into this category include numerous antipsychotics such as amisulpride and aripiprazole; tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline; and SSRIs like sertraline and citalopram.
Mental Health UK points out that some medications can cause increased sweating, potentially leading to dehydration, while others may reduce sweat production.
Recognizing Symptoms
Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include nausea, extreme thirst, dizziness, and fatigue. Additional signs involve headaches, excessive sweating, a high temperature, and changes in skin color, along with a rapid heart rate and breathing.
The ability to think clearly can also be impaired by these medications, and a person’s tolerance for heat may change. Severe heatstroke symptoms, requiring immediate medical attention, involve a very high temperature, hot, dry skin, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
In 2022-23, approximately 8.6 million patients in England received prescriptions for antidepressants, a figure that has nearly doubled since 2011. This underscores the importance of understanding the risks associated with these medications during heatwaves.
What to Do
If someone is experiencing heat exhaustion, move them to a cool environment, remove excess clothing, and offer them cool water or a sports drink. Cooling the skin with water and fanning them can also help. If symptoms persist for over 30 minutes despite these measures, or if heatstroke is suspected, call emergency services immediately.
Stay with the person for about half an hour, and if they don’t improve, seek help.