Diving while on anti-depressant meds

[MarsAg99]

Hi,

I'm currently on a low dosage of Lexapro, an anti-anxiety medication, and have a diving trip scheduled at the end of the month to Cozumel. Has anybody heard of divers having problems with Lexapro if they were on it?

I was PADI-certified about 4 years ago, and went diving in Cancun. I had no problems. I enjoyed the experience. I got on the Lexapro medication about two years ago because I was having panic attacks due to work-related stress and a career change.

Well, I'm getting back into diving again. This diving trip to Cozumel will be the first time I've dived since Cancun and on the medication. I"m taking a PADI Scuba review course before I leave to Cozumel. I'm excited about the trip and I know it will be relaxing. And I'm obviously not scared of the water and love the ocean if I"m diving. So, I HIGHLY HIGHLY doubt I'll have a panic attack or stress out. I've haven't had a panic attack in eons because I"m happier with my new job and I learned how to control my anxiety/stress.

I'm waiting to hear back from my doctor on what she knows about Lexapro and diving. But if anybody has dived while on antidepressants, I'd love to hear your thoughts or if a doctor wants to contribute to this thread, that would be great. Thanks!

 

[Trinigordo]

It is very funny that you should post this. I was just this morning asking about it.

I need to find out if diving while on SSRI's is possible.

 

[MarsAg99]

Yeah, I'm an idiot. It didn't really occur to me to ask my doctor before I booked the trip. I didn't think there'd be any problems, but then I googled 'anti-depressants and scuba diving' and read some doctors advise against it while other doctors are fine. I think it just depends on the patient's history.

 

[Trinigordo]

Yeah, I'm an idiot. It didn't really occur to me to ask my doctor before I booked the trip. I didn't think there'd be any problems, but then I googled 'anti-depressants and scuba diving' and read some doctors advise against it while other doctors are fine. I think it just depends on the patient's history.

Well, I'm sure your doctor will be able to give you a good idea considering your own personal history.

BTW, congrats on the new job and outlook

 

[MarsAg99]

Thanks, Trinigordo. Yeah, life is too short to be stuck in a job that makes you miserable.

 

[Trinigordo]

Thanks, Trinigordo. Yeah, life is too short to be stuck in a job that makes you miserable.

Or a major eyebrow

 

[Em_Dee]

I was on a low dosage of Lexapro myself for a few months almost 2 years ago. I did ask my doctor about it before I went on a dive trip during that time. He said there shouldn't be any problems and he was right.

If anything, the meds (and therapy) helped me to keep emotions and anxieties in check.

However, I am not a doctor, so I am glad you asked your doc for advice.

By the way, after I got back from the trip, I stopped taking Lexapro. I haven't had any problems since.

Personally, I believe diving did more for me than the meds ever did....but maybe that's just me!

Good luck and be sure to post a trip report when you get back!

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi MarsAg99,

You might find this informative:

Lexapro Safety/Anxiety & Diving
http://www.awoosh.com/Doc Vikingo's Resource Page/Anxiety.htm

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[H2Andy]

i'm diagnosed bipolar, and i can dive fine with lithium and celexa

doc told me it was fine; it's never been an issue

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Trinigordo,

You might find this informative:

Depression & Diving: Part II. Making the call on recreational diving.
http://scuba-doc.com/alertdiver2.html

Regards,

DocVikingo