As the mercury rises, athletes and sports medicine professionals are sounding the alarm about a hidden danger: the elevated risk of heat stroke faced by athletes taking medications for conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and depression.
A disturbing incident in 2021 involving a college softball player in South Carolina highlights the issue. The player, who had recently switched her ADHD medication, complained of dizziness, shortness of breath, and muscle tremors after an inning. Suspecting heat stroke, the athletic trainer quickly intervened, putting the player in an ice bath and calling 911.
Experts warn that certain medications can increase the risk of heat stroke by constricting blood vessels, inhibiting sweating, and raising blood pressure and core temperature. Stimulants, in particular, can hinder the body’s natural cooling mechanisms, creating a “perfect storm” for heat-related illnesses.
Studies show that nearly one in three college students takes some type of psychotropic medication, and many athletes take multiple medications for various mental health conditions. Meanwhile, federal data reveals a surge in heat illness diagnoses and heat stroke deaths as global temperatures rise. This summer, five middle and high school football players in the US died of heat stroke, the most since 2011.
Researchers are calling for more awareness and research, especially as mental health awareness prompts more people to seek help, which often includes medication. They emphasize the need for athletes, coaches, and medical staff to be aware of the risks and take precautions, such as monitoring hydration, sleep, and other preventative measures.
The challenge lies in keeping track of athletes’ medications, as they may not want to disclose this information for fear of stigma or because they believe certain medications improve performance or act as appetite suppressants. Additionally, many athletes come to college or a new team using drugs prescribed by a hometown physician rather than a team or university doctor.
Sports medicine professionals stress that athletes should not stop taking their medication but rather take greater precautions to mitigate the risks. Parents, coaches, and medical staff must also be aware of the potential risks and take steps to educate athletes and ensure their safety. As one expert notes, “Awareness is number one.”
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