Diving and Viagra

[letterboy]

LOL she said take it slow . . . HE HE HE

 

[Fish_Whisperer]

This is excellent advice. In effect whats happening is your accelerating the effects of the medication by accelerating the rate at which it is being absorbed by the body. Very interesting stuff that hyperberic medicine... Other than sea sick stuff or the occaisional OTC Tylenol allergy stuff, I've got a rule that if I can't dive it clean I'm not willing to chance it. I've got to much at stake ya know.

I learned a pretty harsh lesson, while still a new diver, wearing the scopolamine patch and diving. It MIGHT have been a bad tank of air, but regardless, I felt nauseous, had a headache, a slight vertigo, and just felt an all-over feeling of general malaise. I don't know what the potential side effects of Viagra are, or how it would be affected by pressures of depth and time... Since it's not something that your friend absolutely MUST take, couldn't he wait to take it until after the day's dives were finished?

In aviation, we often ground ourselves if we're taking anything stronger than baby aspirin. Diving and flying are similar because they are both hostile environments that require discipline and attention to detail, and others may live or die depending on your actions. Maybe divers, even recreational divers, could take a page from Aviation Safety?

 

[Fish_Whisperer]

Gentlemen,

If you feel a moderator has acted inappropriately, please use the "Report Post" button and refer it to the administration.

Done. Thanks.

-Frank

 

[DocVikingo]

In effect whats (sic) happening is your (sic) accelerating the effects of the medication by accelerating the rate at which it is being absorbed by the body. Very interesting stuff that hyperberic (sic) medicine.

Hi CBulla,

Actually, that rarely is the issue.

Primarily it's the combination of the effects of medication added to the effects of depth/scuba that is at the root of risks to diving, not increased absorption. For example, the alterations in consciousness caused certain pain, decongestant or motion sickness drugs combined with those of nitrogen narcosis. Or the effect of anticoagulant medication upon bleeding within air-containing spaces like the middle ears, sinuses and lungs caused by common equalizing techniques. Or the combined effects of some drugs (e.g., antipsychotics, antidepressants, antimalarials, systemic steroids, certain antibiotics, certain antihistamines) and depth on lowering seizure thresholds.

Medication-ambient pressure interactions can be quite idiosyncratic and complex.

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[DocVikingo]

I don't know what the potential side effects of Viagra are, or how it would be affected by pressures of depth and time.

Hi Fish_Whisperer,

If you have any interest, these are discussed in the article which I posted earlier.

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[Fish_Whisperer]

I just read it. Good article, Doc. Thanks!

 

[CBulla]

Hi CBulla,

Actually, that rarely is the issue.

Primarily it's the combination of the effects of medication added to the effects of depth/scuba that is at the root of risks to diving, not increased absorption. For example, the alterations in consciousness caused certain pain, decongestant or motion sickness drugs combined with those of nitrogen narcosis. Or the effect of anticoagulant medication upon bleeding within air-containing spaces like the middle ears, sinuses and lungs caused by common equalizing techniques. Or the combined effects of some drugs (e.g., antipsychotics, antidepressants, antimalarials, systemic steroids, certain antibiotics, certain antihistamines) and depth on lowering seizure thresholds.

Medication-ambient pressure interactions can be quite idiosyncratic and complex.

Regards,

DocVikingo

Always learning and this morning I learned I had the concept/theory as I understood it wrong or misinterpreted. Still very fascinating and intriguing! Thanks for correcting my paraidigm with this Doc!

FW.. I'm there with you. I'd share a page from the Av Safety course with folks. Hmmm, I wonder if the CAP website has anything available....

I wonder.. is it to late to change or move careers to learn more about this stuff.....

 

[SoCalAngel]

Johnny of many letters... grow up ... at least outside of the SI forum...

Colin, thanks for thinking something I said was good... I guess I was having a good well-behaved moment

Doc... what about muscle spasm controllers and nerve regenerators?? (my meds are tizanidine and gabapentine/neurontin) Any research on those???

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi SoCalAngel,

Side effects of Neurontin (gabapentin) with implications for diving include dizziness, impaired coordination, drowsiness, visual disturbances, nausea/vomiting and tremor.

Side effects of Zanaflex (tizanidine) with implications for diving include dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, clumsiness or unsteadiness, vision problems, nausea and vomiting, nervousness and dry mouth.

There is no scuba-related research of which I'm aware. However, given the possible adverse reactions to these drugs (the side effects are quite similar) one would want an adequate topside trial before considering diving where the effects of nitrogen narcosis could be additive.

This notwithstanding, the condition for which these medications are prescribed probably is of greater concern. One must ask herself, does my condition impose anatomical or physiological impairments or limitations that compromise safety underwater or could be confused with DCI?

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual and should not be construed as such.

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[SoCalAngel]

Thanks Doc...

Been taking those meds for over a year now. No topside side effects such as you stated... been pretty good underwater, too. I have taken it easy getting back into the water... started with shallow dives and have done a few deeper dives, but nothing outside of rec limits... for an OW student! My docs have given me permission to dive... says it ups the endorphines... which helps thehealing process...

Thanks for the advice... and I agree, whenever taking meds, take it slow and be sure you know how your body reacts!