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Motion Sickness Relief

Motion sickness can quickly ruin a trip, causing nausea, vomiting and an upset stomach. Over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs and natural remedies may be effective in easing the symptoms of motion sickness, although not everyone finds relief from the same remedy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anyone can be affected by motion sickness, but it is most likely to strike children ages 2 to 12 and women.

  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms of motion sickness include cold sweats, increased saliva, dizziness, fatigue, headache and nausea. If you can't stop the motion that is the culprit, symptoms can worsen and you may begin to vomit.

    Over-the-Counter Medications

    • Products containing dimenhydrinate, such as Dramamine, may help prevent and reduce the symptoms of motion sickness, although the product can cause drowsiness. Bonine and Dramamine Less Drowsy Formula contain meclizine, which is less likely to cause sleepiness. An antihistamine containing diphenhydramine, such as Benadryl, may also be helpful in reducing and preventing symptoms. Optimally, you should begin taking these medications 24 hours before you need them and take additional doses as directed.

    Prescription Medications

    • Phenergan, used to prevent nausea and vomiting, may be prescribed if you have a severe case of motion sickness that doesn't respond to over-the-counter medication. Scopolamine, prescribed in pill or patch form, is also used to treat extreme cases of motion sickness. The scopolamine patch is placed behind your ear, allowing the medication to gradually enter your bloodstream over the course of three days. After the three days are up, the patch is removed and replaced with a new patch if you are continuing your trip. If you use a patch, you may notice that your mouth is drier than usual. The patch is not safe for people who have glaucoma.

    Ginger and Peppermint

    • Ginger, available in chewable tablets, capsules and candy, may help settle your stomach. Ginger ale or ginger snaps may be somewhat less effective, as these products contain a smaller amount of ginger. Peppermint candy and gum may also soothe your stomach and reduce the churning.

    Wrist Bands

    • These bands contain small plastic knobs that press against an acupressure point in your wrist. The continual pressure helps reduce nausea in some people. The bands are found at many drugstores and are sold under such brand names as Sea Band, Travel-Eze and Bio Bands. The Relief Band, a battery-operated band that works by stimulating the nerves in the acupressure point, may also provide some relief, although it is a more expensive alternative than the acupressure wrist bands.

    Prevention

    • You can reduce the chance that you will develop motion sickness by taking some precautions. Eat lightly before you travel and avoid heavy, acidic or greasy foods. Smoking can make motion sickness worse, as can riding in a car with people who are smoking. If you are traveling by car, keep your head firmly against the headrest to reduce the sensation of movement. When you are a passenger, it is best to sit in the front seat, looking straight ahead. Keep the air vents blowing in your direction or the window open, as fresh air can help reduce some of the queasiness you may experience. If you are prone to motion sickness, you may notice that reading in a vehicle is never a good idea and can exacerbate symptoms.

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