Motion Sickness
(Travel Sickness · Seasickness)
In this condition factsheet:
Diagnosing Motion Sickness
A diagnosis of motion sickness is made by observing the symptoms and signs and determining that they occur only while you are "in motion."
Treating and Preventing Motion Sickness
There are several medications available to manage motion sickness. These medications are available in various forms, including oral tablets, rectal suppositories, and transdermal patches.
Dimenhydrinate* is an antihistamine available in pharmacies without a prescription. It works best when taken 30 minutes to an hour before a journey. The medication scopolamine is long-acting and works best for longer journeys. Scopolamine is a patch that should be applied 12 hours before travelling.
Since antihistamine medications that are used for motion sickness tend to cause drowsiness, it is best not to drive a vehicle, operate machinery, or do anything that requires full concentration when taking them. It is important not to take antihistamine medications with alcohol, sleeping medications, or tranquilizers, unless instructed to do so by your doctor. A few people may experience side effects such as blurred vision, headache, or stomach ache from taking antihistamines. A small number of people may have trouble urinating and may have palpitations (abnormal heartbeat). If this occurs, contact your doctor.
There is an increased chance of side effects when combining antihistamines with other medications or alcohol in seniors. If your child suffers from motion sickness, check with your health care provider before giving them an antihistamine. In general, motion sickness medications should not be given to babies or very young children. Sometimes when children take these medications, they can become very excited instead of drowsy.
Ask your doctor for advice before taking motion sickness medications, especially if you're feeling constipated, are pregnant, have a history of heart rhythm problems, or have a stomach ulcer, narrow angle glaucoma, or an enlarged prostate.
A non-medicinal way to reduce motion sickness is to sit where there is the least motion. For example, sitting over the wings in airplanes or in the front seat of a car (except children) or in the central location of a boat can help. A semi-reclined position with the head braced is best. It may be helpful to be in a well-ventilated area.
People who suffer from motion sickness should avoid the following before or during travel:
- alcohol
- dairy products
- foods high in salt, protein, or calories
- large meals
- smoking
- unpleasant odours
If you read or look at nearby objects, or look at things going by such as the scenery in your trip, motion sickness could get worse. It is better to focus on objects on the horizon.
Other treatments such as ginger, wristbands and acupressure may be helpful, but there is little information available about their effectiveness.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Motion-Sickness
References
