Viagra and diving.

[Jim Easley]

Any studies on the effects of viagra on diving.

 

[John Reinertson]

There are no studies.

The common side effects include blue vision briefly after taking it. Since most waters we dive are blue, this shouldn't be a problem.
2nd side effect can be stuffy nose. Believe it or not, the tissues of the nose are erectile tissue and respond to stimuli and nitric oxide with mild congestion.
This could interfere with clearing your ears a bit, but would vary from person to person.

3rd side effect would be potential for excitement should your nitrogen narcosis lead you to hallucinate about mermaids.. Or maybe something other than peeing in your wetsuit... or dificulty concealing level of excitement if you're diving without a wet suit.

I don't even want to speculate about the potential for consequences were one to mix viagra with a nude shark feeding dive.
(OW!)

All joking aside, there is no data, but from the fact that the drug does not impair concentration or exercise tolerance it ought to be relatively safe.


Dive safe,
John Reinertson

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Jim,

A few additions to Dr. Reinertson's humorous but sound advice, allow me to offer the following.

A small percentage of Viagra users complain of heartburn, a problem that can be exacerbated by the prone and sometimes head down positions assumed while diving. If you are prone to acid indigestion or gastroesophageal reflux and use Viagra in close temporal proximity to scuba, you may experience discomfort. If this proves to be a problem, your physician can assist you in control.

Also, Viagra can cause very dangerous alterations in blood pressure in those taking nitroglycerin for angina pectoris(chest pain due to coronary heart disease).

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

 

[Starfish]

I am NOT a medical doctor.
But I have worked with physicians who have looked into the side effects of Viagra.

I would be cautious about using an cold medicine while diving, but especially so when using Viagra. Read the fine print on the patient insert AND ask your physician. As Nitogen containing over-the-counter cold medicines don't mix well with Viagra, just as Nitroglycerin heart meds and other nitrogen containing perscriptions do not get along.

 

[buff]

If you're taking Viagra and diving you might want to watch your air consumpsion more closely-HEHEHEHEH

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi buff,

I know it's probably just my natural density, but I missed your Viagra humor.

Can I have a hint?

Thanks,

DocVikingo