Medicines That Increase the Chance for a Heat-Related Illness

Overview

Many medicines change how well your body can stay cool. They include:

  • Some antidepressants.
  • Antihistamines.
  • Some blood pressure medicines.
  • Some sedative medicines.
  • Thyroid medicine.

Alcohol and illegal drugs such as methamphetamines, amphetamines, cocaine, heroin, PCP (phencyclidine hydrochloride), and LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) can also cause problems. They affect how well you can sense dehydration or heat-related symptoms. They also make you less able to judge whether you need treatment for a heat-related illness.

Credits

Current as of: September 25, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.