A major heat wave is expected to hit much of the eastern United States… And millions of people across the country are taking medications that may make them more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
Diuretics, which doctors prescribe to manage heart failure, kidney disease or high blood pressure, help your body reduce fluid through frequent urination. But they can also cause dehydration or lead to an imbalance of electrolytes such as potassium or salt, which make it harder for the body to regulate its temperature, said Allison Hill, the director of practice implementation and professional affairs at the American Pharmacists Association.
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Some antidepressants can increase sweating and repress thirst, which — much like frequent urination — can lead to dehydration during heat waves. And thyroid hormone replacement medications also can raise body temperature, impair temperature regulation and cause excessive sweating.
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Stimulants, such as amphetamines and other drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, may increase the risk of heat-related illnesses by interacting with the central nervous system and brain to raise body temperature, said Dr. Mahesh Polavarapu, the medical director of emergency medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester.
