High temperatures can raise risks for people on mental health medications

Heat waves can elevate health risks for those on psychiatric medications, which impair the body's ability to manage heat, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses like heat stroke.

Nina Dietz reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

Many psychotropic drugs, such as SSRIs, SNRIs, antipsychotics, and stimulants, alter body temperature regulation by affecting the hypothalamus.
During high heat, people on these medications face increased risk of dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and severe conditions like heat stroke.
Experts suggest preparing for emergencies by consulting with doctors about medication risks and stockpiling essentials.

Key quote:

“When we talk about heat related illness, we’re talking about seven to 10 percent of the impact of heat. Heat is the force multiplier of disease.”

— Dr. Pope Moseley, biomedical sciences researcher and intensive care physician

Why this matters:

As extreme heat events become more frequent due to climate change, people taking medications that affect body temperature regulation face higher risks of life-threatening heat illnesses. Being proactive with doctors about heat-related medication effects can help mitigate these dangers.

insideclimatenews.org

Credit: airphoto.gr/BigStock Photo ID: 4550715

‘It’s sick’: Trump administration uses mascot called ‘Coalie’ to push dirtiest fossil fuel

Cartoon lump of coal with giant eyes was spotlighted by US interior secretary in X post saying: ‘Mine, Baby, Mine!’

Read the Full Article on

www.theguardian.com

3D rendered illustration of solar system and battery storage

Credit: Hartono Creative Studio/ Unsplash+

Battery demand 'straps on a rocket' in Australia as rooftop solar passes its peak

Even as Australia appears to have passed the peak of solar uptake, demand for batteries is seemingly headed into orbit.

Read the Full Article on

www.abc.net.au

High temperatures can raise risks for people on mental health medications

‘It’s sick’: Trump administration uses mascot called ‘Coalie’ to push dirtiest fossil fuel

China to see solar capacity outstrip coal capacity this year

Battery demand 'straps on a rocket' in Australia as rooftop solar passes its peak

Colorado River negotiators are nearly out of time and snowpack

Western U.S. cities open wallets in quest for water

Attempt to drill through Thwaites Glacier is foiled

Vienna, Austria, swaps parking for green space

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.