As temperatures soar across the US, certain medications in your cabinet might be turning up the heat even more. Millions of Americans unknowingly risk dehydration, heat stroke, and other serious conditions by taking these common drugs.
Heat Wave Risks in Your Medicine Cabinet
As another heat wave sweeps across the US, certain medications could make the high temperatures even more intolerable. In recent weeks, over 100 million Americans have faced a relentless heat wave, with the east coast hitting 100F and the southwest enduring up to 120F.
Medication Side Effects in Extreme Heat
Many prescription and over-the-counter drugs come with a long list of side effects, some of which can become dangerous during severe heat. Experts warn that commonly taken drugs can increase the risk of dehydration, kidney injuries, and heat stroke by making you sweat more and overheat
Antidepressants and Heat
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are an older class of drugs compared to the more common selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Common TCAs like amitriptyline and nortriptyline are taken by many Americans, with the CDC estimating that one in ten people over 12 use antidepressants.
TCAs and Sweating
TCAs are less prescribed than SSRIs due to their intense side effects, including insomnia, bed-wetting, and conditions like fibromyalgia. These drugs disrupt serotonin and norepinephrine production, preventing sweating, which can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
SSRIs and Sweating
SSRIs such as sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil), along with Wellbutrin, a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, can also cause excessive sweating. A review found that this excessive sweating affects one in ten patients on SSRIs.
OTC Pain Medications
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil and Aleve are some of the most common over-the-counter pain medications. However, these drugs can increase the risk of kidney injury, especially in high temperatures, by inhibiting prostaglandins that regulate blood flow to the kidneys.
NSAIDs and Kidney Damage
High heat can exacerbate kidney damage by causing fluid loss and dehydration, further increasing the risks associated with NSAIDs. Despite this, NSAID-related kidney disease is rare, occurring in only one percent of cases, with millions of adults taking these drugs for pain relief.
Parkinson’s Medications and Heat Risks
Drugs for Parkinson’s disease, which affects the nervous system, help manage symptoms like tremors and stiffness. Around 1 million Americans have Parkinson’s, and 80 percent of them take these medications.
These medications can impair sweating and disrupt the brain’s ability to regulate temperature. A study from 2023 indicated that dopamine-boosting Parkinson’s drugs may hinder sweating, posing a risk in high temperatures.
Heart Medications in Hot Weather
Several heart medications can cause heat-related side effects. Beta blockers, which lower blood pressure by blocking adrenaline, may increase the risk of heart attack during hot weather. A study from Yale University found that users of beta blockers were 65 percent more likely to suffer a heart attack in summer. The risk was not increased for those not taking these drugs.
ACE Inhibitors and Sweating
ACE inhibitors, used for high blood pressure and heart failure, can cause excessive sweating and hot flashes. This can lead to heat intolerance during high temperatures. Millions of Americans use these medications, with about 41 million prescriptions for ACE inhibitors. The side effects can exacerbate heat-related issues, especially during summer.
ADHD Medications and Heat Sensitivity
Stimulant medications for ADHD can significantly affect heat sensitivity. They trigger the hypothalamus to raise core body temperature and increase sensitivity to the sun. Drugs like Adderall reduce blood flow to the skin, inhibiting sweating. This makes it harder for the body to cool down, raising the risk of heat-related problems.
Antipsychotic Medications and Dehydration
Antipsychotic medications, such as clozapine and risperidone, can increase dehydration risk in hot weather. These drugs are often anticholinergic, blocking acetylcholine and reducing the body’s ability to sweat.
This reduction in sweating can lead to overheating or heat stroke. Millions of Americans take antipsychotic medications, with common ones including Risperdal and Zyprexa.
Erectile Dysfunction Medications and Sweating
Erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra can cause excessive sweating. These medications improve blood flow to the skin, leading to sweating and hot flashes. While uncomfortable, these symptoms are generally not dangerous. However, older men, who commonly use these medications, might struggle more with temperature regulation.
Migraine Medications and Heat
Certain migraine medications can make heat more unbearable. Triptans, for instance, can cause flushing and increased sweating. These drugs treat migraine pain by blocking pain neurotransmitters and mimicking serotonin. They also pose a risk of serotonin syndrome if taken with SSRIs, which can cause severe heat-related symptoms.
