We’re experiencing some cool weather, but warmer days are ahead before fall settles in.
Staying safe in hot conditions requires you to work below 80°F heat index, hydrate, take rests when needed, and assess if you are mission ready. However, you also need to consider what medications could make you more susceptible to heat stress. A few medications include:
- Diuretics: These “fluid pills” are medications that can reduce thirst sensation, making it more difficult to stay hydrated.
- Antipsychotic medications: Can interfere with your internal body temperature, typically raising it, leading to increased risk of overheating.
- Antidepressants: Many antidepressants can cause you to sweat less, which is essential to keeping you cool in hot conditions.
- Antihypertensive agents: These can also interfere with your internal body temperature and the amount of fluid you retain, increasing the risk of dehydration and overheating.
- Cardiovascular medications: ACE inhibitors (e.g. any drug ending in “-pril”) or ARBs ( e.g. any drug ending in “-sartan”) can also affect your internal body temperature and the amount of fluid you retain, increasing the risk of dehydration and overheating.
- Non-selective antihistamines: Drugs like these (Benadryl) can increase skin sensitivity, leading to an increase in heat-related skin conditions like burning.
- Stimulants: Medications like methylphenidate or amphetamines for ADHD can increase your heart-rate and blood pressure, increasing the risk of overheating.
When you know you will be working in hot conditions, make sure to ask your doctor if your medication makes you more susceptible to overheating and other heat related risks.
Also, make sure you are reporting any new medication you are taking to Health Services.
Have more questions? Make sure to refer them to Dr. Longphre, JohnPaul.Longphre@orcc.doe.gov.
