Caffine pills

[Natasha]

Ok Gasman...
I know you won't believe this, but I wasn't asking for myself. Honest!
I only have one cup a day in the morning. I never take any pills other then vitamins. But, I know someone taking these pills and wanted to know if they were harmful.
Pilless ears,
Cheers,
Dive the Planet!

 

[Gaucho]

Is there something wrong with taking these... they are popular in my line of business when you have to do overnighters at the office....

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Gaucho,

The potential dangers of such products when used while actively diving have been adequately discussed above.

In the situation where the type of products referenced were consumed far enough in advance of diving that any acute sympathomimetic effects (e.g., tachycardia, hypertension, diaphoresis, hyperthermia, anxiety) had substantially dissipated, remaining concerns would include residual dehydration & delay in the onset of fatigue. I consider excellent states of hydration & rest to be absolute prerequisites to safe & enjoyable scuba.

Personally, I would not use these products the night before diving.

Best regards.

DocVikingo

 

[rcohn]

I had an experience with caffeine on my last dive trip. I was once a heavy coffee drinker and the caffeine had little effect on me. I quit regular consumption of caffeinated beverages over 10 years ago because I was tired of requiring morning coffee to avoid a headache by noontime. Now when I drink an occasional cup of coffee, usually when I need to stay awake through long meetings at work, the caffeine has a very strong effect.

Anyway, on my last dive trip to Sorcorro on the Solmar V, being a bit tired by the last day, I decided to have a mug of coffee for breakfast. It turned out to be quite strong and I had not had any caffeine for at least two weeks. Big mistake, my pulse increase significantly and this really killed my air consumption and reduced exercise tolerance, limiting diving that day.

If your consuming caffeine regularly it will have limited effect on diving, but an occasional pick-me-up is probably a bad idea.

Ralph

 

[Gaucho]

Thanks Doc & Ralph, you raise some interesting points.