HEAT RELATED ILLNESS IN PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION USERS

Psychotropic medications may impair the body’s ability to regulate its own temperature. During hot and humid weather, individuals taking antipsychotic medications are at risk of developing excessive body temperature, or hyperthermia, which can be fatal.  Individuals with chronic medical conditions (i.e., heart and pulmonary disease, diabetes, alcoholism, etc.) are especially vulnerable.

Heat Exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids.  This can occur in both active and sedentary individuals.  It happens suddenly, and may be quite brief.  A doctor should be called.  Recovery may be spontaneous, or intravenous fluids may be needed to prevent unconsciousness.

   Warning Signs of Heat Exhaustion:

• Heavy sweating
• Paleness
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness
• Weakness, Dizziness, Headache
• Nausea, vomiting
• Fainting

   Treatment:  If a person displays symptoms of heat exhaustion, he or she should be:

• Moved to a cooler place as soon as possible
• Give water or other liquids (avoid coffee, tea, and alcohol) immediately; there is no need for salt
• Encouraged to rest for a short time
• Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath
• Loosen or remove clothing

Heat Stroke  is the most serious heat-related illness.  It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature:  the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down.  This occurs mostly during heat waves.  Persons with chronic illnesses are most vulnerable.  Heat stroke, the most common serious heat illness, can lead to death if left untreated.

 Warning Signs of Heat Stroke:

• Confusion, dizziness, nausea, unconsciousness
• High body temperature (103 degrees Fahrenheit or above)
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Throbbing headache
• Red, hot, and dry skin

 Treatment:  As soon as you recognize the signs of heat stroke, take immediate action:

• Call 911 immediately
• Loosen or remove clothing
• Move to a cooler place as soon as possible
• Cool the victim using cool water
• Do not give the victim alcohol or caffeinated beverages to drink
• If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the emergency room for further direction.

Prevention of Heat Related Illness

During periods of high temperature (90 degrees and above) and humidity, there are things everyone, particularly people at high risk, should do to lessen the chances of heat illness.

• Try to stay cool.
  • Avoid overexertion and outdoor activity, particularly during warmer periods of the day.
  • Wear protective clothing.  (Some medicines increase sensitivity to the sun, making sunburn more likely.)
  • Apply sunscreen and lotion as needed.
  • Drink plenty of fluids (avoid coffee, tea, and alcohol).
  • Dress in loose fitting, light colored clothing.  Wear a hat, sunglasses, and other protective clothing.
  • Take a cool shower or bath.
  • Lose weight if you are overweight.
  • Eat regular meals to ensure that you have adequate salt and fluids.

• Stay in air conditioned areas if possible.  If you do not have air conditioning at home, go to a shopping mall or public library.
• Keep windows shut and draperies, shades, or blinds drawn during the heat of the day.
• Open windows in the evening or night hours when the air outside if cooler.
• Move to cooler rooms during the heat of the day.

Common psychotropic medications which can impair your response to heat

*Note:  This is not an all inclusive list 

For a copy of this information brochure, contact Michelle LaPage at 815-757-3488 or bgcml@bengordoncenter.org