Hidden Heatwave Threat REVEALED

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted July 21, 2024

Heat waves can have serious consequences.

After all, staying cool isn’t just a comfort issue. When the mercury soars, it threatens your health—especially when you’re a senior.

There are various reasons for this, including chronic medical conditions and bodies that just don’t regulate temperature as well as they once did.

But there’s another heat-linked threat you likely haven’t ever considered. And ignoring it could be a deadly mistake.

Most folks don’t realize that heat and prescription medications DON’T always play well together.

Some drugs don’t work as well when they’re exposed to extreme heat, while others can trigger new, unexpected dangers when taken just before you head out into a heatwave.

These side effects run the gamut from making you more uncomfortable to being downright dangerous. And they’re caused by some common medications.

Thermoregulation is the body’s way of maintaining a consistent temperature. However, certain medications can interfere with this process, making it harder for our bodies to cool down.

They might make us sweat less or affect how our blood vessels work. This means we could get dehydrated more easily or feel dizzy in the heat, leading to a higher fall risk.

Antipsychotics, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and GLP-1 agonists (for diabetes and weight loss) are among those that can mess with your body’s thermostat…

• Antipsychotic medications that can trigger side effects in extreme heat include Haldol (haloperidol), Zyprexa (olanzapine), and Seroquel (quetiapine).
• Antidepressant medications that can cause harmful side effects when you’re exposed to high temps, include amitriptyline and Anafranil (clomipramine).
• Blood pressure medications that can become dangerous in high temperatures include diuretics, beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor-neprilysin (ARN) inhibitors.
• GLP-1 medications that can cause vomiting and diarrhea, raising dehydration risk, include Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.

Other common drugs can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, leading to skin irritations resembling sunburns, including…

• antibiotics like Metrogel and tetracycline
• antifungal medications like Ancobon and Grifulvin V

Still, other medications may lose their effectiveness when exposed to heat, including EpiPens, insulin, and certain inhalers.

Seniors, young children, and folks with mental illness or chronic diseases are more susceptible to the harmful effects of heat in general. But, even if you’re in good health, you can have trouble when the weather turns hot.

To stay safe when the mercury is rising, stay updated on local weather conditions and adhere to the recommendations of local health authorities regarding heat advisories.

If you decide to step out into the heat, it’s vital to stay hydrated and keep track of the time you spend out there so you can head back into the air conditioning before you become overheated.

Also, consider talking with your doctor or pharmacist about how the soaring summer temperatures may affect the medications you’re taking.

P.S. The OTHER summer danger that’s TORCHING your health.

Source:

“Heat and medications—guidance for clinicians,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [cdc.gov]

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More By Dr. Scott Olson, ND