TAKE CARE: Stay out of the sun and drink plenty of water during the heatwave (Image: SimpleImages/Getty)
A health warning has been issued as much of the country gets ready for the fourth heatwave of the summer. After a sizzling weekend, the Met Office says temperatures will continue to rise across much of England and Wales.
Deputy chief meteorologist, Tom Crabtree, said: “Warmth is the focus in the forecast in the first half of this week, with temperatures likely to peak on Tuesday around the mid-30s, but remaining above average in the second half of the week, particularly further to the southeast. Experts have warned that some prescription medications can increase the risk of dehydration.
This includes diabetes drugs such as insulin and metformin. “Dehydration can cause dizziness, headaches, tiredness, confusion, and dark urine,” warns the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
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They add that dehydration is particularly dangerous for older adults, young children, and people with heart or kidney conditions. The government agency advises: “If you start to feel unwell in the heat, move somewhere cooler, sip water slowly, and seek medical advice if you don’t feel better quickly.”
Anyone taking antidepressants should also take extra care during periods of hot weather. One of the most common types are SSRIs, which increase the level of serotonin in the brain to help improve sleep and mood.
However, they impact the part of the brain that regulates temperature and one of the common side effects is sweating more than normal. “This can be counterproductive in hot weather as the body is already struggling to cool down,” pharmacist Thorrun Govind told The Sun.
Sweating too much can lead to dehydration which, in turn, will cause a further increase in body temperature. This does not mean you should stop taking prescribed antidepressants, as sudden withdrawal can be incredibly dangerous.
You should continue to take medication as directed by your GP but take extra precautions. This includes avoiding going outside or doing exercise during the hottest hours of the day – between 11am and 3pm – and staying in the shade as much as possible. It’s important to drink plenty of water but to avoid alcohol as it is dehydrating.
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