As temperatures could soar to 34C, Brits taking certain medications have been issued an urgent warning over heat-related health issues
A common medication may make heatwaves more challengin(Image: Getty Images)
Experts have issued a warning to Brits taking certain medications as a heatwave hits the UK.
The Met Office has said temperatures are set to soar to 34C in southern parts of England on Saturday (June 21), with heatwave conditions forecast for large parts of the UK.
Ahead of a predicted UK heatwave, the health officials issued a rare amber heat-health alert across the whole of England, warning of a “rise in deaths” as temperatures could top 30C for much of the country.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned those most at risk of heat-related health problems include vulnerable groups such as those ages 65 and over or with health conditions.
Amber heat-health alerts have been issued across the whole of England(Image: UKHSA)
Those taking certain medications are also at risk of heat-related health issues and have been urged to “take precautions to stay cool”.
According to Mental Health UK, some antidepressants, such as SNRIs, antipsychotic medication, and some SSRIs, can affect body temperature regulation and make you more sensitive to heat.
An estimated 8.7 million people in England take antidepressants, according to NHS statistics. The charity adds that interfering with temperature regulation is often listed as a potential side effect of the drugs, so it is important to check the medication’s leaflet if you are concerned.
The following medications have been linked to harmful side effects in hot weather:
- Antipsychotic medications such as amisulpride (brand name Solian), aripiprazole (Abilify), clozapine (Clozaril, Denzapine, Zaponex), lurasidone (Latuda), olanzapine (Zypadhera, Zyprexa), paliperidone (Invega, Xeplion), quetiapine (Seroquel, Seroquel XL), risperidone (Risperdal, Risperdal Consta), chlorpromazine, flupentixol, and haloperidol
- Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, imipramine, doxepin, mianserin, and trazodone
- SSRIs such as sertraline, citalopram, and fluoxetine
St John Ambulance has warned that four in 10 surveyed Brits are unaware that these medications can increase the risk of heat-related illness.
Heat stroke is a life-threatening health problem brought on by extreme heat(Image: Getty Images)
Lydia Scroggs, Head of Clinical Strategy & Policy at St John Ambulance, said: “Just over half of respondents weren’t confident they could tell the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion – a distinction that, if understood, could save someone’s life.
“We also found that older people, while more confident in managing their health in the sun, were less aware of the risks posed by certain medications. This is most concerning, given that both older adults and young children are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, so extra precautions are essential.”
Heat stroke is a medical emergency which requires a 999 call, while heat exhaustion can be treated by cooling and hydrating a patient. There is a risk of heat exhaustion progressing to life-threatening heat stroke if left untreated.
The NHS says the signs of heat exhaustion include tiredness, dizziness, headache, feeling sick or being sick, excessive sweating or getting a heat rash, fast breathing or heartbeat, and a high temperature.
If a person is still unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place, the NHS says they might have heat stroke, which can be life threatening.
Advice to Brits taking antidepressants and antipsychotics
Dr Sameer Sanghvi, a practising GP and Clinical Technology Lead at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, explained: “Common antidepressants can all stop the temperature regulating area of the brain functioning as it should.
“Serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are some of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants.
“However, SNRIs are known to cause excessive sweating and thus dehydration, while SSRIs have been linked to heat intolerance and heat stroke.”
Dr Sanghvi said people should not stop taking their medication during hot weather and to “always consult your doctor before making changes to your mental health medication,” The Express reports.
He added: “The best thing you can do is take precautions to stay cool: stick to the shade; drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol; keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm; avoid exercising in the hottest parts of the day; and wear loose, breathable clothing.”