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Travel Clinics of America is your best choice for receiving high-quality pre-travel care, sound travel advice, and peace of mind.

Motion Sickness

Motion sickness, a common issue for travelers, usually causes mild to moderate discomfort but can be incapacitating. It is more common in women and children ages 2-12 years. Symptoms include abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and cold sweats. If you are susceptible to motion sickness, take measures to minimize your symptoms.

 

  • Choose seats with the smoothest ride: front seat of the car, center of the boat, and over wings of the airplane.

 

  • Focus on something distant. Avoid reading or focusing your eyes on anything inside the vehicle.

 

  • Medications that prevent motion sickness can be taken by mouth or applied to the skin. Oral medications should be taken 30-60 minutes before travel.

 

  • Scopolamine patch (Transderm Scop) can be prescribed by a physician and should be applied behind the ear at least 4 hours before departure and changed every 3 days as needed. Dry mouth is the most common side effect.

 

  • Many antihistamines are effective for prevention of motion sickness.

 

  • Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) is available without a prescription and is safe in children over age 2 and in pregnant women.

 

  • Meclizine (Antivert, Dramamine II) is available with and without a prescription. It is taken once daily. It is not recommended for children under 12 and pregnant women.

 

  • Promethazine (Phenergan) is available by prescription. It is not recommended for children or pregnant women.

 

  • Ginger (an herbal supplement) and pressure point bracelets (available in pharmacies) may help some people but have not been proven effective.




Travel Clinics of America is no longer in business and no longer taking any more clients. Please feel free to use any information as a valuable resource.