Diving and Viagra

[Tortuga James]

There was a thread that I read implying that diving Nitrox might have some common effects with viagra. It made me a little curious.

Given the fact that Viagra stimulates blood flow (to all parts of the body), what physiological implications could occur if you went diving in the morning after using viagra the evening before? Besides the obvious, dehydration and fatigue.

A friend wanted to know :14:

 

[Tortuga James]

funny...now in all seriousness, does anyone know if it could be dangerous?

 

[Diver Dennis]

Here is a PDF regarding side effects and drug interaction. A lot would depend on how long it takes to metabolize and even then it affects individuals differently.

http://pfizer.com/pfizer/download/uspi_viagra.pdf

The most common side effects of VIAGRA are headache, facial flushing, and upset stomach. Less commonly, bluish vision, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light may briefly occur.

 

[dlndavid]

funny...now in all seriousness, does anyone know if it could be dangerous?

Have you checked with DAN?

 

[undefined]

Would it mess with the divers vision? I remember seeing newscasts about side effects when it first came out - the stuff makes you see blue if memory recalls. Between the natural loss of color at depth and the chemical side effect of seeing blue, I'm guessing that the diver would have some serious overload on BLUE!

Perhaps those diving with Viagra need to look into color correcting lenses?

 

[pescador775]

Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is a vascular relaxant. The drug causes generation of nitric oxide which has the effect of dilating blood vessel walls. Taken with substantial liquid intake it could have the effect of offering some protection from bends, also called DCS or DCI, or something. The sexual component is a peculiar side effect of a drug for which no particular benefit had been found; IOW it is an accidental gold mine for the drug company. Too bad that the company has chosen a pricing schedule based on the expected demand and not on the cost of production and distribution.

 

[Digger54]

Seriously:

If it improves blood flow to all parts of the anatomy at depth wouldn't you have a more generalized and efficient nitrogen gas absorption.

Conversely, as you ascend would you not off-gas the nitrogen more efficiently?

Seems that it would be bad if the viagra wore off while you were at depth (if such a thing could happen) since tissues that were thoroughly saturated with nitrogen due to the initial good blood supply could not get rid of the nitrogen very well due to blood flow returning to normal.

But I ain't no dive physiologist.

 

[fisherdvm]

Gee, I would first ask, why are you using viagra? If it is for peripheral vascular disease, your friend might not have any business diving.

If it is for recreational purpose, perhaps he/she could dive. I believe viagra is relatively short acting... As long as you don't take it within 6 or 7 hours of a dive, it might not cause side effect.

Check with the doctor first... I am not a urologist.

 

[jkdiver]

i know that triptone and nitrox dont mix.
i was at 80 feet on 2 triptone and 32% O2 and i tell ya i was wacked and on the si i had the worst headaeche ever. wont do that again.
id rather puke on the rough seas!

 

[Tigerman]

I would say call a dive doc.. The increased blood flow part could be beneficial, the fact that your heart rate (is likely to?) rise could be bad, the chemicals in the viagra i wouldnt know which they are, so they could be poisonous in combination with breathing gases while under pressure.. Dont know how long the effects stay from viagra either, which would be another reason to talk to a professional. Does the viagra packaging come with that red triangle warning symbol on them? If they do, its probably not a great idea to go diving shortly after taking them. Youre not supposed to drive after taking any medication with the warning symbol on them and diving wouldnt be a better idea?

Entertaining post tho..

"Is that your backup torch?"