Medications That Turn Up the Heat: Why Some Pills Make Summer Sweating Worse

Many people take medicines for depression, anxiety, ADHD, or high blood pressure, but not everyone knows that these drugs can make it harder for your body to handle hot weather. When the temperature rises, these medicines can increase your risk of dehydration and other heat-related problems. For example, Ileana Okumus, who lives in Brussels, found herself sweating a lot and feeling extremely tired during a heatwave, even though she had lived through hotter summers before. She only realized after reading about it online that her new medication for depression and anxiety might be making it harder for her to cope with the heat.

Doctors and health organizations are warning that some of the most commonly used drugs can interfere with the body's ability to regulate temperature. Antidepressants, for example, can affect the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that helps control body temperature. These drugs can make you sweat more or, in some cases, stop you from sweating enough. Both of these effects can be dangerous. Sweating too much can lead to dehydration and loss of important minerals, while not sweating enough can cause your body to overheat. Other psychiatric medicines, like antipsychotics and stimulants for ADHD, can also make it harder for your body to cool down. Stimulants can even make you less aware that you are getting too hot.

It's not just mental health medicines that can cause problems in the heat. Drugs for high blood pressure, like diuretics and beta blockers, can also make you more sensitive to heat. Diuretics make you lose water, which can lead to dehydration, while beta blockers can stop your body from getting rid of heat. People who take several of these medicines at once, especially older adults, are at even greater risk. Doctors say it's important to be aware of these risks, drink plenty of water, and avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day. If you feel confused, very tired, or notice someone acting strangely in the heat, you should get medical help right away. Never stop taking your medicine without talking to your doctor first. Being aware of how your medicine affects you can help you stay safe during hot weather.