How some medications and alcohol can make a heat wave riskier for you
Health experts warn that certain medications and alcohol consumption can impair the body's ability to regulate temperature during heat waves. Drugs such as antidepressants, beta-blockers, and blood pressure medications can interfere with sweating or hydration, increasing the risk of heat-related illness.
Why it matters
Understanding the interaction between common medications and extreme heat is critical for preventing heat exhaustion and heatstroke during climate-related temperature spikes.
Environment Canada is asking Canadians across the country to watch for signs of heat exhaustion during its extreme heat warning , but some experts say consuming alcohol or certain kinds of medication can change how your body reacts to hot weather.
Medications and heat can interact, leading to potentially severe side effects, the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) warns on its website.
The warning extends to both prescription and over-the-counter drugs, the agency says.
Some medications, like beta blockers, can reduce blood flow to the skin and inhibit sweating, the Canadian Pharmacists Association warns.
Sweating is a key bodily function and can help regulate your body temperature during a heat wave.
Medications with anticholinergic properties can also inhibit sweating, “reducing heat elimination from the body,” the Canadian Pharmacists Association adds.
However, some medications may increase your sweating, leading to dehydration.
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