IRISH people are being reminded that five medications taken by thousands daily can make it harder to cope in the heat.
As temperatures increase across the country this summer, the risk of heat-related health problems rises – especially for those taking certain prescription drugs.
Ireland has experienced some record-breaking temperatures lately[/caption]
And there are some medications that make you more susceptible to overheating[/caption]
The body cools itself through sweating, adjusting blood flow near the skin and managing fluid levels.
But the following drugs interfere with how you cope with the heat.
Antipsychotics
Prescribed for conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, antipsychotics block dopamine and indirectly affect serotonin levels.
This disruption can impair the hypothalamus, the brain’s temperature regulator and make it difficult for patients to sense heat or thirst.
Blood pressure may drop and heart function may weaken due to this, prompting the body to constrict blood vessels and retain heat.
What’s more, antipsychotics have effects that inhibit acetylcholine, which reduces the ability to sweat properly.
Stimulants
Stimulants used to medicate those with ADHD include dopamine and noradrenaline – both of which can raise the body’s temperature and metabolism.
This changes sweating patterns and increases the risk of dehydration and overheating – particularly during physical activity or hot weather.
Antidepressants
Up next, certain antidepressants, specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants, may cause difficulties for Irish patients coping with the heat.
They influence neurotransmitters such as serotonin and noradrenaline, and TCAs also block acetylcholine – a key brain chemical that allows the body to sweat.
This can result in either reduced sweating or excessive sweating, both of which can impair how the body copes with the heat.
Insulin
For those with diabetes, high temperatures cause blood vessels to dilate which speeds up insulin absorption where the person injects it.
This faster absorption can cause blood sugar levels to fall rapidly, which may lead to hypoglycaemia – a condition with symptoms like dizziness, sweating and confusion.
Heat exposure can also lower insulin levels, reducing its effectiveness and requiring it to be stored immediately.
Heart medications
Beta-blockers are often prescribed for conditions like heart failure and irregular heartbeats by slowing the heart rate and decreasing the force of heart contractions.
However, this can reduce blood flow to the skin, making it more difficult for the body to cool down on warm days.
Diuretics, which help lower blood pressure and treat heart failure, increase urine production and can lead to dehydration in hot weather.
When fluid levels drop, the body’s ability to sweat and regulate temperature is impaired, which raises the risk of overheating.
What’s more, lower blood pressure caused by dehydration can cause dizziness or fainting, especially when moving from sitting to standing.
Other medications like ramipril and losartan are used to control blood pressure and work by blocking a hormonal system that regulates blood pressure, fluid balance and thirst.
How to avoid overheating
To avoid overheating when taking medication, drink water frequently throughout the day, as some drugs can reduce your sense of thirst even when you’re dehydrated.
Stay in air-conditioned or cool environments as much as possible, since certain medications make it harder for your body to release heat.
You should also check with your GP or pharmacist to see if you should adjust your medication or dosage during very hot weather.
