Prscription drugs and diving (Tegretol)

[Vettster]

Hi all,
Was just prescribed Tegretol by my local doc.
Since he said this was to aleviate stress, am concerned on the affect this will have on my diving.
Can anyone fill me in?


Thanks again, ScubaBoard,
Dive Safe,
Vettster

 

[Dr Deco]

Dear Vettster:

One will need to wait until the physicians on the board can comment. This medicine will not affect your decompression physiology (i.e., gas exchange and nuclei fornmation), however.

Dr Deco

 

[scubadoc]

Hello Vettster:

Here are the approved indications for tegretol:
EPILEPSY, PSYCHOMOTOR
EPILEPSY, TONIC-CLONIC
EPILEPSY,SEIZURES
MIXED EPILEPSY
TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA
(Uses not currently included in the labeling approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.)
ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL PSYCHOSIS
BIPOLAR DISORDER, NOS
DIABETES INSIPIDUS
OTHER NEUROGENIC PAIN
PSYCHOTIC DISORDER,PSYCHOSIS

As you can see, stress is not listed in these indications. In addition, there are significant side effects from this medication that would be adverse to diving. These include:
BLURRED VISION
DOUBLE VISION
NYSTAGMUS
CLUMSINESS
CONFUSION, DRUG INDUCED
DIZZINESS
DROWSINESS
LIGHTHEADEDNESS

You didn't mention whether or not you have seizures; if this is the case, then you should not dive for that reason.

 

[Vettster]

Gents, oops, er I mean Docs,

No, no seizures. It was prescribed for a facial muscle tick.
Whenever I am prescribed anything, i always check the drug out on the internet.
This stuff looks pretty serious so I thought I'd ask you all.
Sometimes there is a bit of confusion with the doctors here (Mexico).
I will have another visit with my local Doctor.

Thanks ScubaDocs,
Dive Safe,
Vettster