20 replies to this topic

[Diverbrian]

Nitrox is taught in my LDS' Open Water course. Our last two dives in Open Water are done on EAN36.

I love the shorter surface intervals (important if we are concerned about squeezing a dive in with weather blowing in) and the fact that I have less nitrogen in my system if diving with air divers. It's a win-win situation for me no matter how I choose to use it.

As far as Sudafed... I use Claratin.

[DandyDon]

As far as Sudafed... I use Claratin.

Perhaps we shoudl expand on the differendes and similarities...?


SUDAFED in its original form ( PSE - pseudoephedrine ) is a Decongestant that works directly on the nasal and ear areas - "by contricting blood vessels," but being chemically similar to Speed, some people find it increases their heart rate significantly, making them feel edgy, etc. OTC, but take with caution.


CLARITIN contains an Antihistamine ( loratadine ) — "a type of medicine that blocks the action of histamine, a natural substance in your body that is released by your immune system during an allergic reaction. " This is a more indirect approach that many are happy with.


CLARITIN D contain both the Decongestant and the Antihistimin ( loratadine and pseudoephedrine ) and while I prefer a generic form of this comfination for the 1 - 2 punch on a day to day regime, I don't use it the day of Nx diving until finished. I have seen divers say they were taking Claritin, when they were taking this combination of Sudafed & Claritin, that is PSE & loratadine.


SUDAFED PLUS is another combination of Decongestant and Antihistimine. Thsi one is known to cause drowsiness, and possibly not a good idea when narcosis is a risk. "This preparation contains two active ingredients, pseudoephedrine and triprolidine. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. It works by stimulating receptors (alpha-receptors) in certain areas of the body, particularly in the lining of the nose and sinuses. Alpha-receptors are present on the muscles in the walls of blood vessels. When these receptors are stimulated by pseudoephedrine, the muscle contracts causing the blood vessel to narrow. This results in less fluid travelling through the vessels. Decreasing the amount of fluid flowing through the vessels in the lining of the nose and sinuses results in decreased amounts of fluid pushed out into these linings. This reduces the production of mucus, thereby relieving the symptoms of nasal congestion in conditions such as allergies and colds. Triprolidine is a sedating anti-histamine. It acts by blocking the action of histamine which is a chemical released when an allergic response occurs. Histamine is the chemical in the body that causes the symptoms of an allergic reaction. These can include inflammation of the skin, airways or tissues, rashes, itching of the skin, eyes or nose, nasal congestion and narrowing of the airways. By blocking the actions of histamine, triprolidine helps prevent and relieve the typical symptoms of an allergic reaction such as nasal congestion. Triprolidine is more likely to cause drowsiness than the newer group of non-sedating anti-histamines. Therefore, the combination of pseudoephedrine and triprolidine helps treat and prevent nasal/sinus congestion and itchy watery eyes."


MECLIZINE ( Brand Names - Antivert, Bonine ) is an Antihistimine commonly taken to prevent seasickness.

[jextract]

Great info, Don! Thanks!!

[Narwhal]

A disclaimer to start:
THIS IS MY PERSONAL OPINION AND IS SUPORTED BY ONLY ANECDOTAL EVIDENCE.
On the subject of "feeling less tired" with Nitrox. I have read the one double blind study and I can't dispute it but I don't feel it offers conclusive evidence on the sample taken. I believe I feel less tired when diving with Nitrox--whether this is placebo or not. I know after three tank-boat dives in Cozumel on air I am whipped. I am thirsty, want a bite to eat, and am headed for the room to lay down for a spell. A night dive? Gee I don't know--wake me up about 7:00 and I'll see how I feel. After three tank boat dives on EAN36, that's ok--I'll just swim alongside the boat on the way back in, I am going to run down, kill and eat the first small animal I see, and is Carlos and Charlies open yet.

I know increased oxygen in your body makes a difference in endurance and the way you feel. That's why they have oxygen on the sidelines for athletes at all major sporting events and why oxygen bars are so popular in countries that allow them. As a hyperbaric chamber tech I have the luxury of doing a "dry dive" when I feel like it. I did 100% oxygen at 1.75ATA for an hour yesterday and boy, I felt better when I got out of the chamber. It's also great for hangovers. I'd love to see some more scientific studies on the subject, but I'm convinced and--as I stated at the beginning this is testimonial only--I can't see how it can help from making you feel better and aid the mitochondria peddle their little Krebs cycles arround your cells more rapidly. Just my OPINION
Jim

[chinacat46]

Well I've said this be4 in other posts and it's definitely true. Diving Nitrox will make you lighter. Just look in your wallet at the end of the trip and I can guarantee it will be lighter.

[peterbj7]

I taught someone PADI nitrox recently and didn't mention anything about the possibility of reduced fatigue. On the (2+ hour) drive home after the two dives he remarked that he felt wide awake and ready to do some work when he got home, instead of just crashing as he usually did. I'm personally convinced that it produces less fatigue, probably because of fewer micro-bubbles.