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Date: Mon, 08 May 2000 07:50:48 -0400
From: wendell grogan <wgrogan@dc*.ne*>
Organization: @Home Network
To: hlthcom@ix*.ne*.co*
CC: Aqua Tech Dive Center <scuba@di*.co*>,
     cave dive , techdiver@aq*.co*, quest@gu*.co*
Subject: Re: question regarding Hyperoxic Seizures
Barbara, 
I'm a Neurologist, not a psychiatrist, but I think I can address some of
the questions.
MAOI's are very touchy medications.  As you point out, they are
generally only used now as a last resort.  That said, they are very
effective for many people, allowing them to get back to a normal life.
The best rule for persons taking those medications is to not take
anything without clearing it with their psychiatrist.  I agree that
herbal/natural remedies definitely fall into this category.  They are
especially dangerous because how they work and what side effects they
have are generally not well worked out.  They are usually harmless in
terms of side effects, but when you're dealing with MAOI's its hazardous
to not know exactly what you're dealing with.
Now, back to what people are actually interested in... getting wet and
deep.

Hypertensive crisis does sometimes cause seizures, however, if you
follow the simple rule of don't dive if you feel lousy, its very
unlikely that you're going to get in the water with severe
hypertension.  This is not the sort of insidious high blood pressure
that is only found at your yearly diving physical.  It is a sudden
severe event, usually accompanied by headache, confusion, difficulty
thinking clearly, and just feeling bad.
Dr. Brian is right, but MAOI's are just too dangerous to take for the
purpose of diving with a high O2.

Wendell Grogan
MD, etc.
Sorry for using up all the bandwidth

-- 
"There are two kinds of people, those who do the work
        and those who take the credit. Try to be in the
        first group; there is less competition there."
                   (Indira Gandhi)

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