carbamazepine, neurontin and diving

[crazyc]

I have a student that wants to take an upper level class from me. On the medical questionaire he stated that he is taking carbamazepine and neurontin to control ocipital neuralgia. He states that he has been diving with the carbamazepine for 11 months and just recently added the neurontin. I am familiar with the carbamazepine but not neurontin. I have requested a medical waiver from his physician, but I am curious as to what if any problems these drugs could possibly cause with diving, especially in combination.

CrazyC

 

[Saturation]

Among many side effects, both drugs cause drowsiness. I presume the user tolerates this well.

Neuralgia may have secondary causes which I presume are ruled out.

These drugs are commonly used in seizure disorders too and there are few to no reported effects in diving, other than the theoretical.

Within OW recreational limits the risk for narcosis is low, and the added effects of these drugs should provide a tolerable risk that needs to be experienced before one can say its inconsequential at depth.

The diving candidate should realize that these drugs and neuralgia pose some risk for diving above the normal, and should exercise caution: be alert, no alcohol, be well rested before dives. It would be prudent to make dives in ideal conditions: warm water, flat seas, zero current, less depth, 100'+ visibility.

if possible report experiences of dives back to physician or instructor to help build more information on diving with specific drugs.

 

[crazyc]

Thanks Saturation,

I appreciate the information. This way I can also make sure the student is more informed about what potential risk he is assuming and help him research it too.

CrazyC

 

[Jut]

well only his doc can give him prober advice but im on carbamazepine and have been limited to 20m on a normal air mix by my doc. so far im had no problems but yes its wise to exercise extra caution i.e. no drinking (carbamazepine enhances the effect of alcohol) be rested etc...

 

[Saturation]

Are you on carbamazepine continuously? What for, if I may ask?

You've dived to the 20m limit and had no issues at all? No drowsiness?

Jut once bubbled...
well only his doc can give him prober advice but im on carbamazepine and have been limited to 20m on a normal air mix by my doc. so far im had no problems but yes its wise to exercise extra caution i.e. no drinking (carbamazepine enhances the effect of alcohol) be rested etc...

 

[Jut]

im on carbamazepine and the occasional temazepine for manic depression, im yet to experience any problems with it although im a little paranoid so i am extra extra conservative with my dive tables therefore havn't hit 20 m yet. i think 16 is my deepest.

 

[Saturation]

Thanks, Jut. Feeling 'paranoid' can help considering the unknown risks induced by the medications. One last question, how many dives have you done on these medications?

Jut once bubbled...
im on carbamazepine and the occasional temazepine for manic depression, im yet to experience any problems with it although im a little paranoid so i am extra extra conservative with my dive tables therefore havn't hit 20 m yet. i think 16 is my deepest.

 

[Jut]

BTW i do not dive unless 24 hours has passed between my last benzo dose.
I take 600mg of carbamazepine daily and experience zero side effects normally.
I have only done a dozen dives so i guess time will tell wheither there are any side effects

 

[Saturation]

Jut once bubbled...
BTW i do not dive unless 24 hours has passed between my last benzo dose.
I take 600mg of carbamazepine daily and experience zero side effects normally.
I have only done a dozen dives so i guess time will tell wheither there are any side effects

Most kind of you to share the details.
Many thanks again.

 

[Jut]

no probs, glad to help. If you have any questions or want an update in the future feel free to ask.
To be honest carbamazepine is the most gentle drug i've tried compared to other anti depressants/mood stabs.