Doctor says extreme heat can affect people on GLP-1 medications

Extreme heat presents specific risks for individuals taking GLP-1 medications. Dr. Diane Erdman, director of Ambulatory Pharmacy at Ascension Wisconsin, notes that these drugs can reduce a person's thirst sensation. This change makes it easy for patients to become dehydrated during high temperatures.

Beyond GLP-1s, other common medications also affect how the body manages heat. Antipsychotics, antidepressants, antihistamines, and drugs used to treat high blood pressure can increase fatigue or sweating. These physiological changes often lead to a faster onset of heat-related illness.

Health experts emphasize the importance of staying hydrated as a preventative measure. Even if the body does not signal a need for water, individuals on these prescriptions should maintain a regular intake.

Staying safe during a heat wave requires common-sense precautions. Experts advise staying in air-conditioned environments, limiting time outdoors during peak heat, and wearing lightweight clothing.

Patients with concerns about how their specific medications interact with the current weather should contact their pharmacist or review clinical guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.