BSAC Diving Information - Sea Sickness Medication
The problem with sea-sickness medication is that some of these tablets may make you drowsy and may therefore predispose you to nitrogen narcosis.
It is strongly advisable to find the medication which best suits your body. First you should purchase a type recommended by your local pharmacist (eg. Stugeron), and take a test dose at a time when you are not driving or diving. If you become drowsy, you will know the medication does not suit you, and then you must try another type. This procedure should be repeated until you find one which does not make you drowsy. It is important to note that the one that suits you best may not suit your buddy at all. This is nothing to worry about and is due to differing body metabolism.
Your initial dives on this medication should be shallow and depth should be gradually increased over subsequent dives in order to minimise the possibility of adverse affects on a deep dive. Beware of the possible additive affects of this medication with prolonged use. If any drowsiness is experienced, you should not take a dose on that day.
At the start of a new diving season, prior to diving, it is advisable to retest yourself in this way to ensure that your chosen medication still suits you.
Dr Sandra Domizio
UK Sport Diver Medical Committee
Page last modified: 2nd Nov 2006 - 09:57:36