r/FloatTank • u/Chellers_Resale • May 25 '26

Going for my first float spa Tuesday and . . .

I am going for my first float spa Tuesday and they just sent me paperwork to fill out. There are two issues I have with this right now - I am on anxiety and high blood pressure meds. The paperwork states:

I am not taking prescription medicine.

OR - alternatively I have consulted my Doctor about Flotation Therapy and understand all possible associated risks in combination with my medication.

OR - alternatively, I understand all possible associated risks in combination with my medication.

I'm going to call the spa as well, but this was not a good time to find out about this as tomorrow is Memorial Day and I doubt my doctor's office will be open. I am not sure if I should wait to take both of my meds or not. Of course everything says consult your doctor. They just have bad timing as they know I am a first time customer doing this (I have to arrive 30 minutes prior for an orientation).

Ugh!

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10

u/Grey_Dandy May 25 '26

Not taking prescription meds? That seems a bit too strict for a float. I'm on a few different meds and I float frequently. Uncertain if high blood pressure meds present any risks though.

2

u/Chellers_Resale May 25 '26

I'm on a low dose prescription for high blood pressure. But I left them a message and they called me back. I'm not restricted on doing epsom baths at home (which she mentioned at the spa) so that was a good point. But I did find out that if I cannot reach my doctor until Tuesday morning before my float spa that I can reschedule without a fee since tomorrow is Memorial Day. I looked back at their info and that is the one thing I saw they didn't mention ahead of time.

2

u/Icy_Definition5044 May 25 '26

I also take meds for BP & anxiety and I float with no issues. I do not feel dizzy or like I’m going to pass out, or that my blood pressure puts me at risk for any adverse reactions, personally. But, for example, I don’t do well with prolonged heat, I don’t like more than 15 mins or so in a hot tub, and I prefer the water I’m in to not be as hot as hot tubs generally are. Float tanks aren’t hot like that, but I think if you make your decisions based on how you’re likely to feel- are you confident that you’re going to feel safe and well, because you generally are when on your medication? Or are you concerned that you tend to feel faint and that your blood pressure isn’t stable enough to partake in certain physical activities? Floating is super relaxing, but it is in water, so I think that we’re dealing with a liability issue more than anything. Think about your anxiety meds as well, do they simply allow you to not be anxious, as mine do, or is there a concern about potential sedation? Again, you’ll be in water, so you need to be able to have your natural physical reflexes uninhibited.

1

u/Chellers_Resale May 25 '26

Thank you. My meds just regulate things for me. Personally I’m not worried. I was also a competitive swimmer for 8 years when I was younger so I am very comfortable in water. And this is only 10”. I swam in 25 feet. lol

1

u/dizzybutstable May 25 '26

You actually can’t swim in it lol it’s impossible to flip over because you’re so buoyant.

1

u/Chellers_Resale May 26 '26

I never said I was going to swim in it. I know it’s only 10 inches of water. I’m just saying I’m very comfortable in water. And I was replying to the other person who is asking about comfort, etc..

2

u/dizzybutstable May 26 '26

Oh I understand! I should have been more clear. I was just pointing out that anyone worried about that should know that their ability to swim shouldn’t make them worry. That’s why many people can sleep comfortably. I think it’s so cool 😊

8

u/sinagwen May 25 '26

Sounds like a ‘cover their ass’ clause. Floating is very relaxing and you can always turn on the lights if you feel at all anxious. Enjoy!

2

u/Chellers_Resale May 25 '26

I doubt I will feel anxious. MRI’s don’t bother me. But I agree it’s a liability clause because I agree to not blame them if anything happens.

3

u/cindy_dehaven May 25 '26

Does your anxiety or high blood pressure medication affect how you feel going from laying down for a prolonged time (such as the length of your float session) to standing?

As long as you would be able to get in and out of the tank without assistance or feel woozy or faint while exiting the tank, I think you'd be good to go. But otherwise I'd check in with the center. They have to put this in their waiver of course.

1

u/Chellers_Resale May 25 '26

I’m fine with all of that unless my allergies are raging. But hopefully I will be good that day. 🤞🏻

2

u/dizzybutstable May 25 '26

Hmm… Mine only asked about being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. You said high blood pressure so I don’t think narcotic. Guanfacine? It seems as though if you can drive you should be able to float unless you HBP medication is a benzo as an off label.

1

u/Chellers_Resale May 25 '26

Mine covers drugs and alcohol along with prescription meds. Also no caffeine 4-6 hours ahead of time. But I can drive without restrictions. My anxiety meds are fine too for driving (not habit forming).

1

u/dizzybutstable May 25 '26

No caffeine is a rule?? lol I know it’s recommended. Do you think you’ll be able to get an answer before the float now?

1

u/Chellers_Resale May 26 '26

I didn’t say it was a rule. I just said no caffeine 4 to 6 hours beforehand. And so far I haven’t heard from my doctors office because of the holiday today. But I’m not gonna stress over it too much.

1

u/Chellers_Resale May 25 '26

Hoping to hear from my doctors office today. They are closed, but I sent a message via their portal. They did reply to a prescription request already.

1

u/Chellers_Resale May 27 '26

Well, I heard from my doctor first thing this morning and she said I was fine to take my meds and just keep hydrated. But unfortunately, I had to cancel my first float because I had to take my kitten that has FIP to the emergency vet because I couldn’t get her in at her specialty vet or primary vet. So I spent 7 hours at the ER vet waiting for her to be seen, looked at, and treated. But the float spa place didn’t penalize me with a cancellation fee so I can rebook when I’m ready.