Ibuprofen/Muscle Relaxers ?

[SCgreg]

OK, I'm sure this has been discussed, but I couldn't find specifically what I was looking for with the search feature.

I know I'm not the only diver here with a bad back. My lower back muscles play hell with me after moving tanks around for a few dives.

Is there any OTC medicine (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, etc.) that is safe to use with diving?

Thanks.

 

[TSandM]

Aside from a very minor effect on platelet function, which MIGHT increase bleeding from a significant wound (and unless your buddy is a spearfisherman with really bad aim, that's unlikely to be pertinent in diving), the NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen) are pretty safe drugs in the short term. Muscle relaxants, on the other hand, almost all have some central nervous system action and can produce sedation, and I would not recommend diving while taking them.

 

[Cacia]

yes, Lynne, I noticed the other day there was some confusion in the meds thread confusing anti deppressants with "anti-anxiety" medications and diving while on them. I would not dive on Valium. (I take one for an overnight flight sometimes)

 

[Jcsgt]

I've used Tiger Balm on my back and other sore muscles. I'm not big into taking pills. It seems to work and, besides, it smells good!

 

[plwtwo]

You could check with D.A.N I broke my foot and was on heavy pain meds, called D.A.N. to check and they told me that I could take one kind but not another and to modify the dose...

 

[SCgreg]

Thanks for the advice. I think I'll try taking some generic OTC ibuprofen next time out. See if it helps.

 

[MoonWrasse]

Hmmm, I don't think there's a problem using OTCs such as Advil, however I'm wondering if the fact you're breathing compressed air at depth might modify the toxic dosage for any OTC drug. This might be an issue for someone taking larger dosages, say for a chronic back problem where you're taking 800mg horse pills instead of the standard 200mg (or of course taking many of the smaller pills).