Diving and Medication
Most people think divers don't have a problem with sea-sickness. Not so. Divers are as prone to heaving up over the side as anybody else! And this means they might take tablets to reduce their nausea. The problem then is that some tablets cause drowsiness which in its turn predisposes the diver to something called nitrogen narcosis.
You need to begin taking a test dose of your recommended sea sickness tables when you are not driving or diving. If you become drowsy, that particular type is not for you, try another type. Keep going until you find one which doesn't make you drowsy. If you can't find an over the counter remedy, see your GP as there are two or three prescription medications that are better than average at keeping you sharp.
Once you find the right treatment, ensure your initial dives while taking it are shallow. Depth should be only gradually increased over subsequent dives.
Another thing to note is that the effects of the treatment may multiply with prolonged use. This means if you become drowsy, you should not dive that day or take a dose on the next day. Remember also that if you drink with anti-nausea medication, or have a large weight gain or weight loss, the effects may change.
At the start of a new diving season, retest yourself with your treatment to ensure that your chosen medication still suits you - drug companies often change the content of treatments and you need to check this is not going to affect your diving.
You Might Be Interested in
SNE001 Seiko Water Sports Watch |
Click here to see our full range of divers watches
Additional Reading
Air Saving ... Archaeology ... Bridges ... Buying Fins ... Cliff Divers ... Cold ... Competitive Diving ... Cousteau ... Decompression ... Dive Equipment ... Diving Ear Problems ... Diving Medication ... Fin Saftey ... Mestre ... Perl Divers ... Photography ... Scuba ... Top 5 World Wide Dives ... Top 5 European Dives ... Top 5 UK Dives ... Torch ... Torch Saftey ... Underwater Danger ... Watch ... Wetsuit
Related Links
Seiko Watches, Seiko Divers Watches, Casio Watches, International Diving Association, PADI