Antidepressants and Diving - SNRIs

[PK1]

I have read all of the threads (that I could find) on this Board and others, as well as several articles, regarding gudelines for diving while taking antidepressants. While I understand that there are mixed views on the subject, the consensus seems to be that the newer antidepressant drugs (specific reference was made in several posts and articles to SSRIs) are more compatible with diving than the older drugs. I also have read the caveats about not diving while on antidepressants during the first 3 months of starting on the medications, etc. What I haven't been able to find are any references to the SNRI category of medications. I'm specifically interested in any research/info/advice on taking Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) while diving. Ditto for Wellbutrin (Bupropion).

 

[PK1]

In case others may have a similar question, I want to relay the information I received via I phone call to the DAN Medical Information line. I was told that the advice regarding fitness to dive while taking SNRI category antidepressants is the same as for SSRIs - namely that if the diver has been taking the medication for at least a month and has not had any negative side effects, no additional side effects would be expected as a result of diving.

Cheers

I have read all of the threads (that I could find) on this Board and others, as well as several articles, regarding gudelines for diving while taking antidepressants. While I understand that there are mixed views on the subject, the consensus seems to be that the newer antidepressant drugs (specific reference was made in several posts and articles to SSRIs) are more compatible with diving than the older drugs. I also have read the caveats about not diving while on antidepressants during the first 3 months of starting on the medications, etc. What I haven't been able to find are any references to the SNRI category of medications. I'm specifically interested in any research/info/advice on taking Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) while diving. Ditto for Wellbutrin (Bupropion).

 

[Duke Dive Medicine]

Hi PK1,

DocVikingo, one of our medical moderators, is the resident expert on these. He's answered several questions on this subject very thoroughly so if you search the diving medicine forum you should be able to find those threads. Both of these drugs have seizure listed as a potential side effect and so can theoretically lower the seizure threshold. Like DAN said, once a patient is stable on one of these meds and hasn't shown any adverse effects he/she is probably fine to dive, but we recommend using caution with hyperoxic mixes (e.g. nitrox). Keep the pO2 on the lower side and be mindful of CO2 buildup related to gas density or exercise in order to minimize any risk of seizure that hyperoxia/hypercapnia might contribute to.

Best regards,
DDM

 

[DocVikingo]

Clearly, concisely & correctly said, DDM.

I would remind divers taking an SNRI to fully consider the possible scuba-related implications of the condition for which the medication was prescribed and the extent to which target signs & symptoms have been brought under control.

Cheers,

DocV

 

[drbill]

I am not a medical doctor nor do I play one on TV. I do take two older anti-depressants (Paxil, Trazadone) and have for decades. I have had no problems with them (although I avoided diving the first 8-12 months I took them). Of course IMHO diving is the best anti-depressant ever created!

 

[MLVK]

I have read all of the threads (that I could find) on this Board and others, as well as several articles, regarding gudelines for diving while taking antidepressants. While I understand that there are mixed views on the subject, the consensus seems to be that the newer antidepressant drugs (specific reference was made in several posts and articles to SSRIs) are more compatible with diving than the older drugs. I also have read the caveats about not diving while on antidepressants during the first 3 months of starting on the medications, etc. What I haven't been able to find are any references to the SNRI category of medications. I'm specifically interested in any research/info/advice on taking Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) while diving. Ditto for Wellbutrin (Bupropion).

Hello guys,

It's been 11 years since you posted this, but it's one of the few mentions/questions directly about bupropion and scuba diving (besides a couple of Reddit posts). Since SSRIs are a very different thing, I'm looking for bupropion/wellbutrin mentions only. I'd like to ask how it went and whether you did scuba dive while taking bupropion. I'm not asking for medical advice, just your experience or any information you came across.

In case you read this, thanks !

 

[PK1]

Hello guys,

It's been 11 years since you posted this, but it's one of the few mentions/questions directly about bupropion and scuba diving (besides a couple of Reddit posts). Since SSRIs are a very different thing, I'm looking for bupropion/wellbutrin mentions only. I'd like to ask how it went and whether you did scuba dive while taking bupropion. I'm not asking for medical advice, just your experience or any information you came across.

In case you read this, thanks !

I did upwards of 50 dives while taking Wellbutrin with no noticeable effects. Hope this helps.

 

[happy-diver]

Wow what have you got, a just in case ScubaBoard calls alert string tied around your little toe

 

[NW Dive Dawg]

Just curious..... is anti anxiety medication the same as anti depressant medication...?

 

[tursiops]

Just curious..... is anti anxiety medication the same as anti depressant medication...?

Anxiety and depression: Which medications are best?

Several medications can treat anxiety and depression. The most suitable treatment depends on individual factors, including the severity of the condition.

www.medicalnewstoday.com