During heat waves, common medications increase the risk of dehydration

Health experts have warned that patients taking medications for high blood pressure, allergies and mental health conditions may be more susceptible to illnesses related to extreme heat.

Experts explained that diuretics, a type of medication commonly used to increase urination as a treatment for heart failure, high blood pressure or kidney disease, can cause problems. While fluid loss is beneficial for these conditions, it can sometimes lead to dehydration or an imbalance of electrolytes such as magnesium, potassium, or salt, making it difficult for the body to regulate its temperature.

Patients taking these types of medications are advised to consume a large amount of water and be aware of signs of dehydration, such as headache, dizziness, dark urine, and thirst.

Another medication that can pose a risk in hot weather is angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, which are used by high blood pressure patients.

As temperatures rise, these patients may be more likely to faint or fall.

Beta blockers also represent a danger, because they prevent sweating, which increases the risk of overheating due to insufficient cooling.

Many antipsychotic medications used to treat mental health conditions, such as haloperidol, olanzapine and risperidone, also affect your ability to sweat.

“Your body temperature is likely to become hotter when you take these medications,” Dr. Michael Redlener, medical director of the emergency department at Mount Sinai West Hospital, explained to the New York Times.

Some antidepressants can increase the risk because they increase sweating and suppress thirst, making users more vulnerable to complications related to dehydration.

Those taking hypothyroidism medications can also be affected, as they raise body temperature and make it more difficult to regulate body temperature effectively.

Some over-the-counter medications can make you more susceptible to heat-related illness, including sleeping pills and hay fever medications.

A doctor should be consulted if necessary.