Medicines that can make you sleepy
Some medications can leave you feeling drowsy and sleepy, consequently impacting your ability to concentrate and your reaction times. As a result, you might struggle to maintain your wellbeing during the heatwave by neglecting to stay cool and properly hydrated. These medicines include:
- Anti-anxiety medicines or medicines for insomnia such as benzodiazepines (lorazepam or oxazepam for example).
- Some nerve pain medications such as pregabalin and gabapentin.
- Opioid pain medications such as morphine and codeine.
Medicines that can increase risk of organ damage via dehydration
Using particular medications while dehydrated can potentially reduce blood flow to your vital organs. Medicines that may increase the likelihood of this happening include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
- Blood thinners used to prevent blood clots.
- Medications for high blood pressure.
- Various medications used to treat diabetes, including metformin.
- Lithium for bipolar disorder.
