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Medicines That Increase the Chance for a Heat-Related Illness

Overview

Many medicines change how well your body can stay cool. They include:

  • Some antidepressants.
  • Antihistamines.
  • Some blood pressure medicines.
  • Some sedative medicines.
  • Thyroid medicine.

Alcohol and illegal drugs such as methamphetamines, amphetamines, cocaine, heroin, PCP (phencyclidine hydrochloride), and LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) can also cause problems. They affect how well you can sense dehydration or heat-related symptoms. They also make you less able to judge whether you need treatment for a heat-related illness.

Credits

Current as of: March 1, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
H. Michael O'Connor MD - Emergency Medicine

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