diving and medications

Last edited 09/2020

There are several sources of information on drugs and medical conditions that may affect a person’s ability to dive.

• Professional divers are required by law to undergo a medical assessment by a clinician trained in diving medicine and approved by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
• Recreational divers undergoing training run by organisations such as the Sub Aqua Club are also required to disclose certain medical conditions and undergo a medical examination if necessary.
• Medical fitness to dive when using medication depends upon the type of , underlying pathology, effects of medication on fitness to dive and the consequences of its abrupt cessation during diving activities.
• The underlying condition for which medication is being taken may be the most important consideration.
• Certain drugs e.g. sedatives, anticoagulants, antidepressants, may not be compatible with diving or can restrict the type of diving the person can do.
• Consideration should be given to the potential for unexpected side effects as a result of interaction with increased partial pressures of nitrogen. This may increase the drowsiness caused by many sedating medications
• most medications have not been tested in divers while diving or in a controlled hyperbaric environment. There may be an interaction between some medications and high partial pressures of nitrogen, producing unexpected side effects such as anxiety or panic
• increased partial pressures of nitrogen cause drowsiness and can be expected to enhance the drowsiness caused by many medicines
• certain medicines e.g. sedatives, anticoagulants, some antidepressants, may not be compatible with diving or can restrict the type of diving the person can do (2,3). Further guidance is provided by UKDMC (2)
• length of time individual has been on the medication (e.g. adaptation to side-effects) and the consequences of treatment cessation are also important considerations - for most prescription medications, 30 days is recommended to determine the appropriate dosage and to reveal any side effects the diver is likely to experience

Reference:

• NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service (March 2020). Medicine use in diving: what information is available?
• The UK Diving Medical Committee. Accessed via http://ukdmc.org/ on 25/9/2020