Health Risks from Heat and Medications

With temperatures rising again this week, health professionals are cautioning that the heat can negatively affect individuals taking certain medications or illicit drugs.

A yellow-level heat warning is in place, and Tuesday is forecasted to be the hottest day in southern Ontario, with temperatures hitting the mid-30s C and the humidex making it feel closer to the mid-40s.

Dr. Samir Gupta, a respirologist at the University of Toronto, points out that some common prescription drugs – like those for high blood pressure, heart conditions, and mental health issues – can heighten a person’s susceptibility to heat and affect how the body cools itself.

“People are living longer, and that means they’re living with more and more chronic conditions, and that means they’re on more and more medications to manage those conditions, and unfortunately, some of the most common chronic diseases require medications that have an impact on the body’s ability to tolerate heat,” Gupta told CBC Saskatchewan’s The Morning Edition.

“Don’t forget that sweating is our most effective way of getting rid of heat. The problem is that many of these different medications have what’s called an anticholinergic effect, which is when they inhibit the signals used by our nervous system to tell our sweat glands to produce sweat.”

Gupta mentioned that anti-depressants can disrupt the brain’s capacity to regulate temperature, while some anti-depressants may boost sweating levels, raising dehydration risks. 

Antihistamines often used during allergy season can limit sweating; meanwhile beta blockers and Aspirin might hinder blood vessels from expanding – preventing them from radiating heat outward effectively.

The Morning Edition – Sask6:52These medications can increase your chances of getting over-heated

Some common prescription medications increase our vulnerability to heat. Host Adam Hunter chats with Doctor Samir Gupta about tips for monitoring your health this summer.

Diuretics keep body fluids lower, so if you’re taking them, “when it’s hot and you start sweating on top of that, you become very susceptible to dehydration.”

“Other blood pressure pills can actually reduce your thirst sensations.”

Any blood pressure medication carries risk when it’s hot outside because becoming dehydrated from sweating will lead to lower blood pressure levels.

Store medicines in cool areas

Gupta also advises storing medications in a cool and dry location.

“Most medications aren’t meant to be kept in hot environments,” he said.

If indoor temperatures start rising or if meds are left inside a hot vehicle, “they can degrade due to that heat and stop functioning correctly,” Gupta added.

He noted insulin should remain below 30 C while Epipens lose effectiveness at higher temperatures-so they should be stored under 25 C.

“One thing to keep in mind as well is that heat waves can trigger power outages because of strain on electrical grids; some patients rely on devices such as nebulizers for inhaled medication – others may need oxygen concentrators,” he said.

“These treatments are essential for survival; hence these patients must have contingency plans for potential power outages.”

Increase in overdoses during first heat wave

At the beginning of July, Waterloo region’s overdose monitoring system issued a community drug alert after recording 44 suspected overdoses along with one death between June 28th and July 2nd. 

This alert included warnings stating: “Individuals who use drugs face greater risks of death or overdose/drug poisoning during extreme heat.” 

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit’s opioid notification system also reported an uptick in overdoses between June 28th through July 4th: there were 29 opioid overdoses recorded with 19 involving fentanyl.

WATCH | Toxic drug supply in Windsor:

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In her two decades using fentanyl, Windsor resident Colleen Marie Cahill notes she has never seen it become so dangerous. The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit’s Opioid Notification System announced Wednesday about increased opioid overdose incidents from June 28th until July 4th. The CBC’s Pratyush Dayal reports. CORRECTION (July 10th ,2026): A previous version of this video had incorrect information regarding how fentanyl affects people during hot weather. This has been amended.

Julie Kalbfleisch represents Sanguen Health Centre-an organization aiding homeless individuals across Waterloo region through drug testing initiatives alongside a community health van.

“We understand that high temperatures might lead certain substances causing adverse reactions; additionally since users don’t always know what exactly they’re consuming raises their risk further,” she shared with CBC K-W’s The Morning Edition.

Through their drug-testing program Sanguen encounters “some very concerning substances” including unregulated drugs or veterinary medications such as tranquilizers mentioned Kalbfleisch.

She advised anyone seeing someone who seems distressed outdoors should inquire if everything’s okay while looking out for symptoms like:

Are they breathing? If yes-is it slow/ ragged? Are they producing gurgling noises? What color are their lips/nails? Blue/purple could signal distress. If interacting-they might not wake up easily.

It could simply mean someone’s asleep-or signify something graver.

“Try calling out gently trying rouse them gradually,” she suggested.”You might consider lightly shaking their shoulders or using methods like trapezius squeeze/fingernail pinch/collarbone rub saying clearly you’ll administer naloxone & dial emergency services”

LISTEN | Increase in drug overdoses during summer’s first heat wave:

The Morning Edition – K-W8:21Hot weather can lead to more drug overdosesHot weather raises odds for street drug overdosing according Julie Kalbfleisch affiliated with Sanguen Health Center supporting homeless individuals via testing programs/community health vans explaining how high temps combined unknown street substances elevate risks among users.

Dangers Of Sunburn

Both illicit substances along prescribed therapies pose threats under sunlight exposure according Dr. Gupta noting potential photosensitivity heightened sunburn risks associated medicines including cholesterol treatments, some antibiotics/diuretics OTC anti-inflammatory options like ibuprofen may also cause concerns.

He recommends avoiding direct sunlight using maximum protection available.

“We don’t want you stopping any treatments,” he remarked addressing side effects stemming from meds combined together with elevated temps.”

“Occasionally doctors suggest reducing dosages/frequency during spells but primarily being able detect signs indicating temperature interactions occurring ensuring awareness allows extra precautions taken towards preventing overheating/exhaustion/stroke.”

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