It has been a while since my last Newsletter. I hope you have been having a lovely spring.

I am writing to inform you about an important, timely, and life-impacting issue that has also affected me–Heat-Related Illness.

I have written about this topic before. Since spring and summer are upon us, it is essential to be proactive in preventing heat illness. Please see my past newsletters for helpful guidance.

According to NYC.gov Health, “Hot weather is increasing in severity and frequency due to climate change and kills more New Yorkers, on average, than any other extreme weather event.”(1)

“Hot weather predisposes people to hyperthermia (heat stress) and worsens existing medical and mental health conditions.”(1)

Here is a list of medications that can increase your risk of heat related illness: (1)

☀️ Heat Risk Medications

💓 Cardiovascular

Diuretics
ACE inhibitors
ARBs
Beta blockers
Calcium channel blockers
Aspirin
Clopidogrel

🧠 Psychiatric / Neurologic

Antipsychotics (typical, atypical)
SSRIs
SNRIs
TCAs
Antidepressants (other)
Benzodiazepines
Opioids
Stimulants
Anticonvulsants
Carbamazepine
Lithium

⚡ Anticholinergic Agents

Anticholinergic medications (all classes; e.g., bladder, allergy, Parkinson’s treatments)

💊 Pain / Anti-inflammatory

NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen)
Aspirin

🧪 Blood Thinners

Apixaban
Aspirin
Clopidogrel

🧂 GI / Fluid & Electrolyte Effects

Diuretics
Laxatives
Antacids

🦠 Antibiotics

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX)

Please refer to this link to find out how these medicines can affect you in the heat and discuss with your physician or health provider how to plan ahead for safe medication use during the spring and summer months.

Please visit this site to learn more about how to prevent heat related illness.

It could save your life and your loved ones. (2)

To Your Health,

Dr. Jill

References:

1. https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/providers/emergency-prep/heat-and-medications.page

2. https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/emergency-preparedness/emergencies-extreme-weather-heat.page

*Please note that portions of the 2023 and 2024 newsletters linked above—specifically references to a climate webinar and a heat advisory—are no longer current. The remaining information remains timely and relevant.

Please feel free to read my past Newsletters on my blog Dr. Jill Baron Newsletters and Blog which has helpful tips for you to feel good and optimize your health.

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Disclaimer: Please note that the content on this Newsletter does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a physician before making any medical, nutritional, or lifestyle changes recommended in this Newsletter.

Summer Heat and Your Medications: What You Need to Know