Science Questions

Should you take sedatives at altitude?

When you climb mountains and you suffer the effects of stress, would it be a good idea to take a sedative? Ken, Torrington

Ben -   No.  Your heart rate will go up for a reason to make sure that you're pumping enough oxygen around.  If you take something like a sedative, that will reduce your heart rate then you're not going to have enough oxygen in your tissues.

Kat -   I think it would also maybe mean that you sort of notice less things that you should notice that you might need to take into account and might need to, “Oh, I need to seek some medical help.”

Ben -   And need to descend.  Yes, of course.

October 2009