Heat waves can elevate health risks for those on psychiatric medications, which impair the body's ability to manage heat, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses like heat stroke.
Nina Dietz reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- Many psychotropic drugs, such as SSRIs, SNRIs, antipsychotics, and stimulants, alter body temperature regulation by affecting the hypothalamus.
- During high heat, people on these medications face increased risk of dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and severe conditions like heat stroke.
- Experts suggest preparing for emergencies by consulting with doctors about medication risks and stockpiling essentials.
Key quote:
“When we talk about heat related illness, we’re talking about seven to 10 percent of the impact of heat. Heat is the force multiplier of disease.”
— Dr. Pope Moseley, biomedical sciences researcher and intensive care physician
Why this matters:
As extreme heat events become more frequent due to climate change, people taking medications that affect body temperature regulation face higher risks of life-threatening heat illnesses. Being proactive with doctors about heat-related medication effects can help mitigate these dangers.
Related: Our View: It’s time to recognize, research, and remove environmental causes of mental illness
