Texas doctors are warning people that some medications they take could put them at a higher risk for heat-related illness.
The medicines range from every day pills like antihistamines for your allergies and also includes anti-depressants and diuretics.
Doctors say it's just the start of summer and patients already come in with heat exhaustion.
"The elderly folks, a lot of times they take medications as well that can make them more prone to heat stroke and heat exhaustion," says Dr. Mariada George. "So if you have elderly folks that are by themselves, it's a good idea to check on them a couple of times a day and encourage them to go in and take a break. You know they're very resilient and want to get out there and do all there work so keep an eye on those folks."
But it's not just the elderly that are vulnerable...
"People who are athletes outside, people who are expectant mothers, children," says George.
"Smaller people, their mass to body surface area is different then ours so it's easier for them to lose fluid then it is for us," says Julie Poindexter, RN.
Some of the medications that can increase your risk of getting sick are antihistamines, diuretics, amphetamines and some antidepressants.
Doctors say a side effect of antihistamines is you may produce less sweat which is needed to keep your body cool.
Diuretics make you lose water and can cause you to feel dizzy. They could also cause you to be sensitive to sunlight.
And a side-effect from tricylic anti-depressants is that it affects your body's ability to regulate heat.
Some antidepressants can even increase heat production.
"Spend some time in the air conditioning that can really help you," says Poindexter.
"A regular fan just blowing air on you won't help you when it's 90 degrees. You need air conditioning or come in and take a cool shower."
Symptoms of a heat-related illness may include rapid pulse, dizziness, nausea, confusion or blacking out.
And if you plan on spending the day outside drink lots of water. Alcohol and drinks with caffeine do more harm than good, and avoid sports drinks when you can.
