Oxycontin and diving?

[minnesota01r6]

I might be more scared to dive with him if he wasn't on the medication if he has been taking it for a year. I had a friend that was in a motorcycle accident - took oxycontin for a month. It is highly addictive and he had withdrawal symptoms when his perscription ran out.

I don't know that I would dive with him on or off the medication until I was sure he could be a safe buddy. If he had medical clearance to dive and I was sure his mental faculties were there, then I guess I would dive with him.

Also, I wonder what effect him taking this drug would have on him getting narc'd. Much like mixing drugs with alcohol, I would be afraid of the synergistic effect the drug would have on narcosis.

EDIT: DocVikingo answered a lot of what I had to say before I said it.

 

[Christi]

Thank you Doc...I was actually getting ready to e-mail you with this as well...

Dr. P here was unavailable, but I did just get ahold of him. His repsonse mirrors yours and will not clear him to dive.

Hi Christi,

OxyContin is oxycodone HCl, a compound which comes in immediate and controlled-release formulations, indeed is a Schedule II narcotic. While quite effective at controlling moderate to severe pain, taken over a sufficient period it will, like all opioid analgesics (compounds chemically related to morphine), result in tolerance and dependence. Sadly, it has been subject to much abuse and the manufacturer has gone so far as to stop shipping the highest dose tablets (160mg) and to post various warnings, as have governmental agencies like the FDA and DEA.

This medication certainly can have side effects of concern to divers, including nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, dizziness, headache, weakness, anxiety, euphoria and confusion. Not only could any of these adversely safe scuba, but some could be mistaken for the signs/symptoms of DCI and vice-versa.

While not all side effects are likely to appear in every user, and often moderate with continuing time on the drug and alterations in dosing, there is no guarantee that they will dissipate altogether.

Drugs of this class are especially worrisome when used in combination with other products that effect the CNS such as alcohol, antidepressants, antihistamines, other pain relievers, tranquilizers, seizure medicines and muscle relaxants. Dangerous dizziness or drowsiness well could result by combining OxyContin with these types of drugs, as could respiratory depression, possibly fatal.

The OxyContin controlled-release formulation is intended to provide relief over a 12 hour span, although traces can be detected in the urine for 1-3 days after the last dose.

The effects of depth on OxyContin's activity per se is unknown, but it would not be unreasonable to suspect that the effects of nitrogen narcosis on mentation and behavior could be additive with those of the drug.

Noted diving medicine authority Ern Campbell, MD lists among obvious reasons why a person should not be allowed to dive disorders/medications that may lead to altered consciousness or to erratic and irresponsible behavior.

Given the above, the diver on OxyContin will want to be medically cleared to dive.

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[bennedc]

I am a new nurse...

Just a thought, though. No one has addressed WHY you are taking the medication. It is obviously for pain. Another thing to think about...what underlying condition do you have and is that condition suitable for diving? Have you had surgery recently or some type of injury? You don't have to put the answers in your post, but it's just something to think about....other than the side effects of the meds. Is your physical condition itself suitable for diving?

Thanks.

 

[Christi]

I am a new nurse...

Just a thought, though. No one has addressed WHY you are taking the medication. It is obviously for pain. Another thing to think about...what underlying condition do you have and is that condition suitable for diving? Have you had surgery recently or some type of injury? You don't have to put the answers in your post, but it's just something to think about....other than the side effects of the meds. Is your physical condition itself suitable for diving?

Thanks.

Actually, this was all addressed in prior posts in this thread...see posts # 7 & 8

I am not taking this medication.

It is another diver with chronic back, ankle and knee pain from injuries.

 

[bennedc]

Actually, this was all addressed in prior posts in this thread...see posts # 7 & 8

I am not taking this medication.

It is another diver with chronic back, ankle and knee pain from injuries.

Sorry, Must have missed that...

 

[fairybasslet]

I had to get this script filled before my rotator cuff surgery a few years ago and had to go to three different pharmacies before I found one that would fill it. And they all said to me "Don't you know this is a narcotic?" like I was some kind of dope fiend. Geeze.
Since I only took it after my surgery (and there was no way in hell I was doing any diving after that!!!) I would have no idea what effect it would have on me and my ability to function. But to tell you the truth Christi, I am quite shocked this person has been able to get this script refilled for so long. I can understand you're being reluctant to let him dive with you if he is on it.

 

[minnesota01r6]

fairybasslet - sometimes there is no other choice. Chronic pain is chronic pain. If I had a choice between being semi-doped all the time or being in pain all the time, I would choose the dope route.

 

[Christi]

Yep...this is a hard call...but since I have been in contact with the Dr. here and have some solid explanations from DocV and others...I know what I have to tell him. It's not going to be fun breaking this news to him...but his safety is more important.

 

[fairybasslet]

fairybasslet - sometimes there is no other choice. Chronic pain is chronic pain. If I had a choice between being semi-doped all the time or being in pain all the time, I would choose the dope route.

The trouble with a narcotic pain reliever is that you need a higher and higher dose to get the same effect, not to mention the fact that it is addictive. My bil is addicted to fentanyl. Not a pretty sight.
I really don't know what I would do if I were in chronic pain, and I hope I never have to find out. But after seeing what it has done to my bil, I think I would try a whole heap of other stuff before relying on a narcotic.

 

[fairybasslet]

Yep...this is a hard call...but since I have been in contact with the Dr. here and have some solid explanations from DocV and others...I know what I have to tell him. It's not going to be fun breaking this news to him...but his safety is more important.

Good luck sweetie.