It’s mid-June and the weather in the UK has been nothing short of awful. In fact, Paramore, who are supporting Taylor Swift on the UK leg of her Eraser tour, Said “The summer has vanished from touring and it’s vanished from the UK,” he said at the weekend.
Ah, British weather, embarrassing us in front of Taylor Swift.
Either way, thankfully, it looks like summer is finally here with extremely hot weather predicted for next week.
Now is the time to put on your sunglasses and sandals, but you might also want to check your medicine cabinet for any medications that could cause overheating.
Drugs that can cause overheating
by Mental Health Foundation: “One in eight adults are receiving mental health treatment, and 10.4% [of those] 10% were receiving pharmacological treatment and 3% were receiving psychological treatment.
“The statistical overlap is due to the fact that 1.3% of people receiving treatment report receiving both medication and psychological treatment.”
Mental health medications fall into different categories, including serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), antipsychotics (ACDs), and beta-blockers, which are often used to treat anxiety disorders and heart conditions.
All of these medications can cause heat intolerance.
Additionally, blood pressure medications can also cause heat intolerance. Centers for Disease Control“Certain medication combinations, such as the combination of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) with diuretics, can significantly increase the risk of harm from heat exposure.”
How to Prevent and Treat Heat Intolerance
Today’s Medical News The following steps are recommended:
- Avoid direct sunlight, which is at its hottest and brightest between 11am and 3pm.
- Using air conditioners and fans in the summer
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
- Avoid alcohol in hot weather
- Take a cold bath or swim in a pool
- Place a towel soaked in cold water around the back of your neck
- Avoid strenuous exercise in hot weather or in a warm room
If you have any concerns, ask your pharmacist for advice.
