The symptoms of nitrogen narcosis reverse immediately as you ascend, so make your way to shallower water as soon as you feel affected. You can continue the dive once symptoms have disappeared, and your body will suffer no side effects.

When diving at depths where narcosis is a risk, observe the actions of your buddy for signs of impairment. Often divers exhibit signs of impairment without realizing that they are experiencing nitrogen narcosis. If your buddy appears to have difficulty with simple tasks, acts carelessly, or displays signs of panic, you should immediately assist your buddy to shallower water.