Diving while on anti-depressant meds

[jpcpat]

I started Lexapro in January. Changed my life. My doctor cleared me to dive on it, too. The med itself has not been studied in divers so the risks, if any, are unknown. Sometimes the underlying condition is a reason to stay on shore, sometimes not.

Ultimately the decision is yours. Weigh the risks.

 

[divemistress]

Ultimately the decision is yours. Weigh the risks.

While the decision is basically all yours, the risks -- should something go wrong -- are not. Keep that in mind when you make your decision.

Good luck,

DM

 

[mudchick]

This has been a good thread, and very encouraging. My doc is clueless about diving and drugs that may/may not affect it.

Is anyone aware of an interaction problem with anti-depressant fluoxetine (prozac) and scopalomine patch or pills (Scopace)?

 

[DocVikingo]

When a diver takes risks by engaging in scuba with a medical disorder or drugs that are potentially dangerous, there are important considerations beyond how they might affect that person alone.

A few that immediately pop to mind are the possible risks and inconveniences to dive buddies, DMs and other staff, other divers who are along the trip, and the person's friends and family.

Regards.

DocVikingo

 

[H2Andy]

what is this "potential danger" you speak of?

vague fears are not potential dangers. should anyone on any medication
stop diving, since it's a potential danger?

(by that definition, should men in their 40's stop diving, since they
are in potential danger of a heart attack?)

heck, anyone who goes diving is in potential danger of drowning...

yes, i'm belaboring the point... but vague fears and uninformed
warnings are pretty useless to people dealing with these issues.

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what medication are you taking? what are its dangers, if any,
in the diving environment?

what are your behavioral issues? what are their dangers,
if any, in the diving environment?

talk about it with your doctor; call DAN and see if they can help.