As the United States braces for record-breaking heatwaves in several regions this week, doctors are warning that certain medications can heighten the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Understanding the potential dangers is crucial, and healthcare professionals are urging caution for individuals taking these medications.

The ability to sweat is a vital mechanism that helps the body cope with high temperatures. According to Lewis Nelson, M.D., chair of emergency medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, medications that block sweating can be particularly problematic. "When you are unable to sweat, you lose one of the body's natural ways to cool down," explains Michael Levine, M.D., an emergency medicine physician at UCLA Health.

Various medications have been identified as potentially increasing the vulnerability to heat illness. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), commonly prescribed for depression, may interfere with the body's temperature regulation and fluid balance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Antihistamines such as promethazine, doxylamine, and diphenhydramine, often used to treat allergies, can also disrupt temperature regulation and inhibit sweating.

Stimulants like amphetamines, typically prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), have been found to elevate body temperature. Beta-blockers, commonly used to manage cardiovascular diseases like high blood pressure, can impede sweating and hinder effective cooling. Additionally, diuretics and ACE inhibitors, prescribed respectively for reducing fluid buildup and managing high blood pressure, have the potential to cause reduced thirst, excessive urination, and decreased ability to sweat.

Thyroid hormone replacement medications, such as levothyroxine, used to address low thyroid hormone levels, can elevate body temperature and increase the risk of dehydration. Similarly, antipsychotic drugs prescribed for conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and Alzheimer's disease, may disrupt the body's ability to regulate temperature, hamper normal sweating, and diminish thirst sensation.

To stay safe amidst high temperatures while taking these medications, experts advise adhering to prescribed treatment regimens. "Don't stop taking medications without consulting your physician," cautions Dr. Levine. However, individuals should also be mindful of potential overheating and take necessary precautions. If possible, staying indoors during extreme heat is recommended. When venturing outside, seeking shade, using portable fans, staying well-hydrated, and taking regular breaks from outdoor activities can help mitigate the risks associated with these medications.

Dr. Levine emphasizes the importance of monitoring one's surroundings and listening to the body's signals. "If you start to feel excessively hot, it's crucial to take a break and find a cooler environment," he advises.

Being aware of the potential effects of specific medications and understanding the importance of heat safety measures can help individuals effectively manage their health and minimize the risk of heat-related illnesses during the intense summer heat.