Experts have issued a health warning for anyone taking a common prescription medication
10:22, 11 Aug 2025Updated 15:16, 11 Aug 2025
(Image: In Pictures via Getty Images)
A health warning has been issued for Brits as weather maps are forecasting the UK could see temperatures hotter than Ibiza this week.
The nation is set to bask in sizzling conditions, with the Met Office indicating that Sunday’s pleasant weather will give way to “strong August sunshine” across England and Wales in the coming week, with even the chance of isolated thunderstorms developing.
Weather maps are showing potential highs of 33C in Huntingdonshire, surpassing Ibiza’s expected 31C. The maps indicate that the peak temperatures in the UK could occur around 4pm on Tuesday.
It comes after a heatwave forecast revealed the exact date a 39C heat plume will scorch the UK.
As the country prepares for the fourth heatwave of the summer, it’s crucial to remember that certain prescription medications can worsen heat-related symptoms, reports the Mirror.
Experts have issued a warning that millions of Brits could face an increased health risk due to common prescription medications. Among these are diabetes treatments such as insulin and metformin.
The government has cautioned that diabetes medications can heighten the risk of dehydration or obscure the early signs of it. Dehydration is particularly perilous in hot weather, as it can lead to a further rise in body temperature.
Nine major UK cities could hit with temperatures over 30C on August 12(Image: Ventusky)
“Dehydration can cause dizziness, headaches, tiredness, confusion, and dark urine. This is particularly dangerous for older adults, young children, and people with heart or kidney conditions,” the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency warns.
Offering advice to anyone affected, the agency states: “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.”
Individuals taking antidepressants should also be careful in the heat. There are many types of antidepressants, but one of the most common are SSRIs.
They work by increasing the level of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain, which can improve your sleep and mood.
Nevertheless, excessive sweating represents a typical side effect of SSRIs – and during a heatwave, this can pose significant risks, according to specialists.
These antidepressants affect the hypothalamus – the brain region responsible for temperature control – by altering various chemical concentrations within the brain. With elevated serotonin levels, this internal thermostat struggles to transmit proper signals that maintain the body’s overall temperature regulation.
“This can lead to excessive sweating,” pharmacist Thorrun Govind explained to The Sun. “This can be counterproductive in hot weather as the body is already struggling to cool down.”
Excessive perspiration can result in dehydration, subsequently triggering a further rise in body temperature.
New data shows more than 2,000 people died as the result of hot weather in the UK last summer(Image: Getty)
This doesn’t mean you should stop taking antidepressants if they’ve been prescribed to you – as a sudden withdrawal from these medications can be incredibly dangerous.
Instead, you should follow your GP’s instructions and continue with your prescription as usual – but take extra precautions when it’s hot.
This includes avoiding going outside or exercising during the hottest parts of the day – between 11am and 3pm – and staying in the shade as much as possible.
You should also steer clear of alcohol, as it’s dehydrating, and ensure you’re drinking plenty of water. Opt for loose, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen during a heatwave.