Nitrox and medication--bad?

[cra2]

hrmmm,... now I'm freaked. We're boat-diving Nitrox this weekend.
For my motion sickness the doc suggested I start on the SCOP patch the day before the dive, and to take pseudoephedrine the morning of the dive.
We did that fine on air a couple of weeks ago.
Is this dangerous on Ean32???

 

[DocVikingo]

hrmmm,... now I'm freaked. We're boat-diving Nitrox this weekend.
For my motion sickness the doc suggested I start on the SCOP patch the day before the dive, and to take pseudoephedrine the morning of the dive.
We did that fine on air a couple of weeks ago.
Is this dangerous on Ean32???

See DAN's recommendations in post #10 directly above.

The pseudoephedrine would not be prescribed for motion sickness, but rather for its decongestant properties. If you are greatly concerned, you may wish to discuss with your physician alternative approaches to congestion control that do not pose the theoretical hazards of oral pseudoephedrine. There are several.

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.

Best regards.

DocVikingo

 

[cra2]

I think the Sudafed was to "help". I wasn't complaining of congestion, but she prescribed it along with the Scop, saying it might help clear things out, which might help with equalization and prevent any other problems. If I don't NEED to be on the sudafed to dodge the nausea/dizziness I had been experiencing, I won't touch it.

But what about the SCOP patch? (or other anti-seasickness stuff like dramamine)
Anyone know what DAN says about that?

I read the article Doc, and it was useful.
I'm dumping Sudafed - at least for Nitrox dives.
I also did a search on DAN for Nitrox and Scop and got nothing.

 

[rcain1]

I had worries about taking sudafed and asked my DR. He gave me some Clariton. He did some-a-checking! I also used the motion sickness patch instead of a pill.

But I am not a DR.! Check for yourself

 

[GoBlue!]

DAN is one reference http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/articles/article.asp?articleid=51 and concludes...

Interesting article, and I'd encourage those interested in this thread to read the whole article, not just the conclusion that was quoted above. In short, there is only very sketchy, anecdotal evidence associating pseudoephedrine to oxygen toxicity, and the one piece of biological plausibility that's offered is Peter Bennett's 1962 study in rats.

Nonetheless, I think it's safe to suggest that folks don't take Sudafed chronically. I would not, however, hesitate to take a Sudafed prior to a Nitrox dive to relieve a little congestion. If I had more than a little congestion, I wouldn't be diving anyway....

Jim