SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB\/WSHM) – By now, we all know the big 3 summer safety tips\u2026 wear sunscreen, drink plenty of liquids, and try to stay cool.<\/p>\n
But there\u2019s a lesser-known concern when it comes to the hot temperatures.<\/p>\n
Specifically, those taking medication to support their mental health.<\/p>\n
Western Mass News spoke to a local doctor about the need to be extra cautious in summer heat.<\/p>\n
As much as we all look forward to summertime, the increase in temperatures can impact some of your prescription medications and that\u2019s especially true if you\u2019re taking it for mental health conditions.<\/p>\n
\u201cOften times folks are encouraged to take their medication regularly and as a result of that with the heat and not being mindful of hydration they can experience some weird side effects,\u201d says Dr. Kenneth Richmond. <\/p>\n
Dr. Richmond is the Medical Director at MiraVista Behavioral Health Center in Holyoke. <\/p>\n
Those side effects can include heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke \u2013 in that degree of severity.<\/p>\n
And in fact\u2026 the CDC estimates about 1,220 Americans die each year from extreme heat making it the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States per the National Weather Service.<\/p>\n
Individuals who take medications that affect thermoregulation are among those at higher risk as the side effects from antipsychotics, muscle cramps, feeling hot, and irregular heartbeats are similar to those experienced with heat.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, being mindful that if somebody is on an antipsychotic medication \u2013 those are medicines that can contribute to someone having a similar presentation,” noted Dr. Richmond. <\/p>\n
He says there are steps you can take to make sure you stay on your medication and stay cool, safe, and healthy when the temperatures rise.<\/p>\n
First and foremost, talk to your doctor about any precautions you need to be aware of.<\/p>\n
\u201cContact your healthcare provider and let them know, hey these are the type of symptoms you\u2019re experiencing \u2013 some of those symptoms would include \u2013 hey my heart rate feels like it\u2019s beating too fast, I\u2019m sweaty or people are saying that I\u2019m confused or you\u2019re appearing confused to your loved ones. Or you just can\u2019t get comfortable. You\u2019re always hot, there\u2019s sweating that\u2019s happening. And more often than not, you\u2019ll hear people saying \u201cI don\u2019t feel like myself. Something is off,\u201d …” explained Dr. Richmond. <\/p>\n
The CDC has an extreme heat guide on its website with tips on staying cool, identifying risk factors and knowing symptoms associated with overheating. <\/p>\n