The Spoonie’s Guide to Staying Cool in a Heat Wave—Especially if You’re on These Meds
This summer has been brutal. Temperatures are soaring, humidity is high, and if you’re anything like me—juggling health issues while trying to function—you might be wondering why you’re feeling the heat more than others. The answer might lie in your medicine cabinet.
Many commonly prescribed medications can interfere with your body’s ability to regulate temperature, making it harder to stay cool and increasing the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. As someone who’s chronically ill and heat-sensitive, I wanted to share what I’ve learned about how to stay safe—and which medications put you more at risk.
🚨 Medications That Can Make You Overheat:
Here’s a list of common medications that may impair your body’s heat regulation:
Psychiatric Medications
Antidepressants (especially tricyclics like amitriptyline, SSRIs like fluoxetine, and SNRIs like venlafaxine)
Antipsychotics (such as risperidone, olanzapine, and haloperidol)
Mood stabilizers (lithium, carbamazepine)
Stimulants
ADHD medications (like Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse)
Decongestants (pseudoephedrine, found in cold meds)
Diuretics (“water pills”)
Furosemide (Lasix)
Hydrochlorothiazide
Used for high blood pressure or heart failure, these can lead to dehydration more quickly.
Anticholinergics
Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
Oxybutynin (used for overactive bladder)
Some anti-nausea meds like promethazine
These reduce sweating, your body’s natural cooling system.
Beta Blockers
Metoprolol, propranolol
These slow your heart rate, which can make it harder for your body to react to heat stress.
Other Medications
Thyroid medications (can amplify heat sensitivity)
Certain seizure medications (like topiramate)
Some antibiotics and antifungals can also increase sun sensitivity, making you more likely to burn or overheat.
⚠️ Always talk to your doctor before stopping or adjusting any medication.
💧 How to Stay Cool and Safe
If you’re on any of the above meds—or just generally struggling to beat the heat—here are some low-spoon, high-impact tips to help:
1. Hydrate Like It’s Your Job
Sip water all day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Add electrolytes (try tablets or a splash of juice with a pinch of salt).
Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you.
2. Embrace the Wet Rag Life
Wet a washcloth and keep it in the freezer to drape over your neck or wrists.
Use a spray bottle of cold water on your face, chest, and feet.
Take lukewarm (not cold) showers to bring your core temperature down gently.
3. Keep Curtains Closed & Fans On
Block out direct sunlight.
Put a bowl of ice in front of a fan for a DIY cooling system.
If you don’t have AC, find a public space that does (library, community center, etc.).
4. Dress to Vent
Wear lightweight, breathable clothes—cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking fabrics.
If going outside, opt for loose-fitting long sleeves to reduce sun exposure.
5. Time Your Activities
Avoid exertion during the hottest parts of the day (usually 11 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Do errands or take walks early morning or late evening if possible.
🌡 Signs You Might Be Overheating
Don’t ignore these signs:
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Nausea or vomiting
Rapid heartbeat
Muscle cramps
Confusion or disorientation
Red, hot, or dry skin (especially if you’ve stopped sweating)
If you or someone near you is showing these signs, move to a cooler space immediately, sip water, and seek medical help if symptoms are severe.
💬 A Gentle Reminder
You are not weak for being more sensitive to heat. You are not lazy for needing extra rest or support. The intersection of chronic illness, neurodivergence, and medication management makes summer feel like an extreme sport. Your body is doing its best.
Take care of it—and be gentle with yourself.
🧊 Stay cool out there. And if you’ve got other tips or want to share your experience, I’d love to hear from you in the comments or DMs. 🖤
