## Is Amlodipine Besylate Ok for Scuba Diving?
Amlodipine besylate is a calcium channel blocker medication used to treat high blood pressure and angina. It is not approved for use in scuba diving, and there is no evidence to suggest that it is safe for this purpose.
### Risks of Using Amlodipine Besylate While Scuba Diving
There are several potential risks associated with using amlodipine besylate while scuba diving, including:
Reduced blood pressure: Amlodipine besylate can lower blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. These effects can be dangerous while scuba diving, as they can increase the risk of accidents.
Increased risk of decompression sickness: Amlodipine besylate can increase the risk of decompression sickness, a serious condition that can occur when nitrogen bubbles form in the body’s tissues during ascent from a dive.
Other side effects: Amlodipine besylate can also cause other side effects, such as headache, nausea, and vomiting. These side effects can be distracting and make it difficult to concentrate on scuba diving.
### Alternatives to Amlodipine Besylate for Scuba Diving
If you are taking amlodipine besylate for high blood pressure or angina, you should talk to your doctor about alternative medications that are safe for scuba diving. Some alternatives include:
Nifedipine: Nifedipine is another calcium channel blocker that is not approved for use in scuba diving, but there is some evidence to suggest that it may be safer than amlodipine besylate.
Verapamil: Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker that is approved for use in scuba diving.
Diltiazem: Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that is not approved for use in scuba diving, but there is some evidence to suggest that it may be safer than amlodipine besylate.
### Conclusion
Amlodipine besylate is not approved for use in scuba diving, and there is no evidence to suggest that it is safe for this purpose. There are several potential risks associated with using amlodipine besylate while scuba diving, including reduced blood pressure, increased risk of decompression sickness, and other side effects. If you are taking amlodipine besylate for high blood pressure or angina, you should talk to your doctor about alternative medications that are safe for scuba diving.