diving when sea sick

[watersprite]

hello divers!

I have a question... It probably has been debated here before.. in that case, I'd love to hear where I can find the answer to this question. If it hasn't been discussed yet, I'd appreciate to hear an answer!

A friend of mine would like to go on a diving vacation but she gets sea sick every time she gets on a boat. Question is: would it be okay to go diving while she has taken medicine preventing her to get sea sick? Could the medicines have any effects on her condition that could be dangerous while scubadiving? or does that depend on certain types of medicines? do you guys also have any suggestions on what medicines are best to use in her situation?

thanks for any feedback!

regards,
watersprite

 

[SueMermaid]

Almost every dive I have is under the influence of seasick meds. Bonine, Dramamine, or Scopolamine.

 

[munkispank]

hi there,

there are many threads on these very issues, search for sea sickness should bring something up.

most seasickness medicines make you drowsy and some make you downright confused- obviously both of these can be problematic when diving. Usually, it is reccommneded to take the medication which you intend to use on the shore to check out the effects before diving. This should give you an idea of the effects and migh thelp make the decidion about whether to dive or not- if in any doubt- don't go. If your friend decides to dive with mild side-effects, it might be an idea to try 'easy' dives first and to make sure they are monitored closely by their buddy.

Many people - myself included- get vey sick, and take medication and dive safely. I have had times when some medication I have taken has made me feel very 'spaced out' and really not safe to dive.

List of possible meds and the side effects I experienced (max dose BTW)
Bonnine- drowsy, dry throat,
Dramamine non-drowsy- drowsy, but not as bad, dry throat, woosy
Triptone- less drowsy, very dry throat, very woosy with full dose
Transderm scop patch- little drowsy, little woosy, dry throat, sick, very sick when back on shore with patch removed
Frech tablets with caffeeine, no drowsy- very spaced out
numerous ones from other countries- same as above
Miracel Japanese (Semper AD)- fantastic- but you have to get to Tokyo

Herbal ginger capsules ( and tea, and ginger ale)- helped a little, but not enough
magnetic wrist bands- sick

The absolute best I found, with no drowsiness, little dry mouth, and so far noo sicness, are a British brand called
Sturgeron, contains a medication called cinazarrine, you might be able to find them in Amsterdam, or something similar. These are used by the British Navy and have been the best thing for me all round.

Good luck to your friend

 

[Mark Goodchild]

I agree with the above.

I get as sick as a dog if I don't use medication.

So I use Sturgeron with no ill affects so far. Now I always take them. Last trip to the Red Sea was great. Big swell at Elphinstone and I did not feel a thing!!

On my next trip I'm on a 5 day liveaboard. Does any one know if you can take the medication 5 days straight? Or will I get some sea legs at some point?

Cheers!

 

[munkispank]

hey Mark,
don't know about the offical word on taking Sturgeron 5 days in a row, but I have done it with no ill effects. Allegedly you will get sea legs after a couple of days, but that is usually a couple of days without meds, so its up to you if you want to risk it. You might find that you could decrease the dose after the forst couple of days- maybe just take one, then half? Might be worth a try.

 

[watersprite]

I sent my friend the URL to this thread so she can read along! I think she'll be very happy with this information, especially on tips on what to use, side effects of pills, etc.

I think she IS going to have a very good time, she's going to dive in the Philippines!! Yes, I'm kind of jealous indeed!

cheers!

 

[baitedstorm]

I think the first step for your friend would be to try the various different meds on land first and see what her reaction is. The dry throat thing I found to be the worse side effect. I usually take some hard candy to suck on and tons of water to drink.

 

[spectrum]

My body seems to be influenced quite easilly by motion mediacations. Even a "Less Drowsy Dramamine will leave me feeling a little dopey for 24 hours. What I have learned (while flying) is that I can be perfectly comfortable flying cross country on 1/4 of a tablet and the lingering feeling is also much less.

I applied this to skindiving last summer with good results. Remember to take the pill early.

Also lots of threads here to search on What to eat and not eat. What to look at and not look at and some natural remedies that may work in conjunction.

It's just something a lot of us have to eal with, I get woosy watching a merry-go-round!

Pete

hello divers!

I have a question... It probably has been debated here before.. in that case, I'd love to hear where I can find the answer to this question. If it hasn't been discussed yet, I'd appreciate to hear an answer!

A friend of mine would like to go on a diving vacation but she gets sea sick every time she gets on a boat. Question is: would it be okay to go diving while she has taken medicine preventing her to get sea sick? Could the medicines have any effects on her condition that could be dangerous while scubadiving? or does that depend on certain types of medicines? do you guys also have any suggestions on what medicines are best to use in her situation?

thanks for any feedback!

regards,
watersprite

 

[skeet]

Sturgeron- Can you get it in the states?