People taking many common psychiatric drugs, especially antipsychotics, should limit their exposure to summer heat and strenuous activity and drink plenty of water. The elderly are even more at risk of heat-related illness from psychiatric drugs that impair temperature regulation. Current heat wave in U.S. South adds to risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke in those taking certain psychiatric drugs, especially antipsychotic drugs. One study found that taking psychiatric drugs nearly doubled the risk of death during a heat wave.The elderly are even more susceptible to the risk of heat-related illness. [1]During periods of extreme heat, those taking antipsychotic drugs are at particular risk of heat stroke.

Source: Washington Post June 28, 2023 19:45 UTC