Medicines That Increase the Chance for a Heat-Related Illness

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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: September 25, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.