Dr. Sid Khurana Explains How Extreme Heat Can Affect Mental Health and Medications
Nevada Mental Health’s Medical Director, Dr. Sid Khurana, recently spoke with News 3 Las Vegas about how extreme heat can affect mental health and create additional risks for people taking certain psychiatric medications.
While Las Vegas residents are familiar with the physical dangers of extreme temperatures, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, prolonged heat can also influence mood, anxiety, irritability, and the way the body responds to medication.
The “Triple Threat” of Heat and Mental Health
Dr. Khurana described extreme heat and mental health as a “triple threat.” People with psychiatric conditions may be more vulnerable to heat-related illness, some psychiatric medications can affect how the body manages heat, and patients may need to adjust their daily routines to stay safe during periods of extreme temperatures.
Some medications used to manage depression, anxiety, psychosis, and mood disorders can interfere with the body’s internal temperature regulation or its ability to sweat normally. Dehydration may also change medication levels in the body, particularly when water loss becomes significant.
That is why it is important for patients to make sure their prescriber knows the exact medications and dosages they are taking, including any medications prescribed by other healthcare providers.
Stay Consistent With Medication and Hydration
Dr. Khurana emphasized that patients should continue taking medications as prescribed. Skipping medication for several days and then restarting it can cause medication levels to fluctuate and may create additional health risks.
During periods of extreme heat, patients should:
- Stay well hydrated and keep water intake consistent.
- Limit time outdoors and remain in air-conditioned spaces when possible.
- Take medications according to the prescribed schedule.
- Make sure their psychiatric provider knows about all medications and dosages.
- Ask their provider whether medication levels or other health measures should be monitored.
Patients should not stop, skip, or change the dosage of a psychiatric medication without first speaking with their prescriber. Those with questions about medication management can learn more about psychiatric medication evaluations at Nevada Mental Health.
Heat Can Affect Everyone’s Mood
Extreme heat does not only affect people with a diagnosed psychiatric condition. Dr. Khurana explained that rising temperatures can make people generally feel more anxious, irritable, or short-tempered. The use of emergency psychiatric services also tends to rise as temperatures increase.
Recognizing these effects can help people respond more intentionally. Staying hydrated, getting enough rest, limiting heat exposure, and paying attention to changes in mood or behavior can all be especially important during the hottest parts of the summer.
Know When to Seek Help
The goal is to recognize a potential problem before it becomes an emergency. Changes in heart rate, blood pressure, alertness, or behavior can be warning signs.
Confusion, disorientation, difficulty making sense of things, or failing to recognize familiar people may indicate a serious heat-related condition that requires immediate medical attention. Call 911 for a medical emergency or suspected heat stroke.
Watch the News 3 Las Vegas segment featuring Dr. Khurana:
