Extreme Heat & Mental Health – Dr. Jeider & News 3 Las Vegas

June 18, 2024

As Las Vegas faces extreme summer heat, certain prescription medications can put individuals at a higher risk of heat-related illnesses. Dr. Timothy Jeider, a Nevada Mental Health psychiatrist, recently highlighted these dangers.

Medications Mixed with Heat

Antipsychotics and mood stabilizers, commonly prescribed to manage conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, can double your risk of heat exhaustion. Dr. Jeider explained that these drugs affect areas of the brain responsible for mechanisms regulating body temperature, such as sweating. Dr. Jeider noted that lithium, drug used for epilepsy and bipolar disorder, poses similar risks.

Dr. Jeider highlighted a few groups particularly at risk, one of which are tourists. Tourists might not be acclimated to the dry, hot climate of Las Vegas. They may also engage in activities like drinking alcohol, which can further dehydrate them, exacerbating the effects of their medication.

Risks and Safety Measures

These medications can interfere with the brain’s dopamine system and impair the body’s ability to sweat and cool down. They also affect the hypothalamus, the brain’s thermostat, making it harder for the body to recognize and respond to overheating.

For those on these medications, Dr. Jeider advised staying hydrated and seeking cool environments during extreme heat. He also emphasized the importance of monitoring for symptoms of overheating, such as confusion, fatigue, and headache.

Nevada Mental Health is here to help with all your psychiatry needs.