Quick summary: Travel and medical experts have warned that common prescriptions including diuretics, antihistamines, and antidepressants can severely impair the body’s natural ability to regulate temperature, significantly increasing the risk of heat exhaustion during European summer heatwaves. To mitigate these dangerous physiological interactions, travellers on medication must implement strict preventative measures such as utilizing cooling pouches for storage, maintaining rigorous hydration routines, and tracking local emergency health alerts. These findings carry critical implications for public policy and healthcare practice by shifting standard holiday planning away from simple leisure logistics towards active climate adaptation, ensuring that vulnerable individuals can protect their physical well-being and reduce medical anxieties while travelling abroad.
The summer holiday season is almost here, and temperatures have already surged across Europe. This extreme heat can be uncomfortable for anyone travelling in, especially those taking certain medications, which can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature.
To help, Total Travel Protection has partnered with pain management Dr Sean Ormond from Atlas Pain Specialists to understand which medications can make it harder for people to handle heat on holiday, and what precautions they should take.
How medications interact with heat
Dr Ormond shares: “Several medications can interfere with how the body regulates heat. Diuretics (often used for high blood pressure), some antihistamines, antidepressants, and antipsychotics can reduce sweating or affect hydration, making it harder to cool down. Additionally, medications for diabetes can increase the risk of dehydration and blood sugar fluctuations in high temperatures.”
In hot conditions, these physiological changes heighten the chance of heat-related issues such as dizziness, fatigue, or more serious complications.
As Europe experiences more frequent heatwaves, with record temperatures reported in countries such as Spain, Italy, and Greece in recent years, travellers are urged to consider how their health routines intersect with climate conditions. Older adults and those with chronic conditions face elevated risks, according to public health guidance. With AI and mental health research highlighting growing anxiety around climate impacts, preparing for heat while on medication is becoming an essential part of holiday planning for many Britons.
Dr. Ormond’s tips for managing prescriptions
- Stay well-hydrated: Support your body’s natural cooling systems. Drink water consistently throughout the day, and avoid alcohol or caffeine, which can worsen fluid loss.
- Store medications properly: Many should be kept at a stable, cool temperature because heat can degrade some drugs. Avoid leaving them in hot cars or direct sunlight.
- Watch for side effects: Monitor for symptoms that may be amplified by heat, such as dizziness, fatigue, or low blood pressure. Travellers should also be aware of general symptoms of heat exhaustion, such as heavy sweating, weakness, and nausea, and seek shade or air-conditioned spaces promptly.
- Plan ahead for the outdoors: Wear light clothing, stay in the shade, and monitor how you are feeling. Do not hesitate to adjust your schedule and plan activities for cooler parts of the day if needed.
Dr Ormond concludes: “Pack medications in a carry-on with a cooling pouch if needed, bring extra doses in case of delays, and always keep a list of your prescriptions.”
Expert advice for holiday planning
Sarah Findlay, travel expert at Total Travel Protection, shares her top tips for navigating high temperatures safely while abroad
Prioritise health conditions when packing and planning
“Before heading off for your holiday, you should double-check that you have correctly declared any medical conditions on your travel insurance to ensure your cover is valid. It’s also important to consider if your medical condition could be made worse by hot temperatures, such as respiratory issues, heart disease, or diabetes. In this case, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about any precautions you could be putting in place. Always pack medications in your hand luggage, not checked baggage, so they’re easily accessible if the temperature rises unexpectedly while you are travelling.”
Stay informed with local alerts
“Many travellers don’t realise that heat warnings are treated as official health alerts in several countries. Download a local weather or emergency app before you travel; this helps you stay informed if authorities issue extreme heat advisories that might affect your day plans or safety.”
Keep medical documents handy
“If you’re over 50 or travelling with a known condition, it’s smart to keep a medical summary and a list of medications with you, especially if there’s a chance heat could trigger symptoms. If you need emergency care, this speeds up treatment and makes it easier to verify a claim later.”
Health authorities additionally support consulting pharmacists or doctors before travel to obtain personalised advice.