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.