## Is Amlodipine Besylate Safe for Scuba Diving?
Amlodipine besylate is a calcium channel blocker medication used to treat high blood pressure and angina. It is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in scuba diving. However, some divers may choose to take amlodipine besylate to prevent decompression sickness (DCS), a serious condition that can occur when divers ascend from depth too quickly.
### How does amlodipine besylate work?
Amlodipine besylate works by blocking calcium channels in the heart and blood vessels. This causes the blood vessels to relax and widen, which lowers blood pressure and reduces the heart’s workload. Amlodipine besylate also reduces the heart rate.
### What are the risks of taking amlodipine besylate for scuba diving?
There are several potential risks associated with taking amlodipine besylate for scuba diving, including:
* **Increased risk of DCS:** Amlodipine besylate can increase the risk of DCS by reducing the amount of nitrogen that is released from the body during ascent. This is because amlodipine besylate relaxes the blood vessels, which can make it more difficult for nitrogen to escape from the tissues.
* **Dizziness and hypotension:** Amlodipine besylate can cause dizziness and hypotension, especially when taken at high doses. This can make it difficult to perform the skills required for scuba diving, such as buoyancy control and mask clearing.
* **Other side effects:** Amlodipine besylate can also cause other side effects, such as headache, fatigue, nausea, and constipation. These side effects can make it difficult to enjoy scuba diving.
### Should I take amlodipine besylate for scuba diving?
The decision of whether or not to take amlodipine besylate for scuba diving is a personal one. There are no definitive studies that prove that amlodipine besylate is safe or effective for this purpose. However, some divers may choose to take amlodipine besylate to reduce their risk of DCS. If you are considering taking amlodipine besylate for scuba diving, it is important to talk to your doctor first.
### Alternatives to amlodipine besylate for scuba diving
There are several other medications that are approved by the FDA for use in scuba diving to prevent DCS. These medications include:
* **Acetazolamide:** Acetazolamide is a diuretic that helps to increase the amount of nitrogen that is released from the body during ascent. This can reduce the risk of DCS.
* **Nifedipine:** Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker that is similar to amlodipine besylate. However, nifedipine is approved by the FDA for use in scuba diving to prevent DCS.
* **Nitrox:** Nitrox is a breathing gas that contains a higher percentage of oxygen than air. This can help to reduce the risk of DCS by reducing the amount of nitrogen that is absorbed into the body.
### Conclusion
Amlodipine besylate is not approved by the FDA for use in scuba diving. However, some divers may choose to take amlodipine besylate to reduce their risk of DCS. There are several potential risks associated with taking amlodipine besylate for scuba diving, including increased risk of DCS, dizziness, and hypotension. If you are considering taking amlodipine besylate for scuba diving, it is important to talk to your doctor first. There are several other medications that are approved by the FDA for use in scuba diving to prevent DCS.
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