Physical Activity and Medications: What You Need to Know

When you move your body—whether it’s walking, gardening, or lifting weights—you’re doing something good for your health. But if you’re taking medication, physical activity, the act of moving your body to improve or maintain health. Also known as exercise, it can interact with drugs in ways most people don’t expect. For example, some antidepressants like SSRIs can lower sodium levels, making you dizzy and more likely to fall. That’s not just a side effect—it’s a real risk when you’re climbing stairs or stepping off a curb after a morning walk.

Then there’s photosensitivity, an unusual reaction to sunlight triggered by certain medications. Drugs for acne, blood pressure, or even some antibiotics can make your skin burn faster, even through clouds or windows. If you’re out walking, jogging, or just sitting in the yard, that extra sun exposure isn’t harmless—it’s dangerous. You’ll need more than just sunscreen. Think UPF clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and timing your walks for early morning or late afternoon.

For older adults, fall prevention, strategies to reduce the risk of falling due to dizziness, weakness, or medication side effects. isn’t just about handrails or non-slip mats. It’s about understanding which meds—like sedatives, diuretics, or heart drugs—can make you unsteady. A simple daily walk might be the best thing you can do for your heart, but if you’re on a drug that lowers your blood pressure too much, that walk could end in a hospital. Talk to your doctor. Don’t guess.

And it’s not just about safety. Physical activity can change how your body absorbs, processes, and gets rid of drugs. If you’re on diabetes meds like repaglinide, exercise can lower your blood sugar faster than expected. If you’re using scopolamine for motion sickness, being active in hot weather might make you feel more tired than usual. Even something as simple as walking after dinner can affect how sucralfate works in your stomach.

You don’t need to run marathons. You don’t need fancy gear. But you do need to know how your meds and your movement fit together. The articles below cover real cases—older adults on SSRIs, people using migraine drugs who get sunburned, patients on diuretics who feel faint after walking the dog. These aren’t theoretical risks. They’re everyday situations. And they’re fixable—if you know what to look for.