Motion Sickness (cont.)
What measures can be taken to prevent or minimize motion sickness?
If you know you are prone to motion sickness or if you are suffering
from it, we recommend the following:
- Always ride where your eyes will see the same motion
that your body and inner ears feel.
- In a car, sit in the front seat and look at the
distant scenery.
- On a boat, go up on the deck and watch the motion of
the horizon.
- In an airplane, sit by the window and look outside.
- Also, in a plane, choose a seat over the wings where the motion
is minimized.
- Do not read while traveling if you are subject to
motion sickness, and do not sit in a seat facing backward.
- Do not watch or talk to another traveler who is having
motion sickness.
- Avoid strong odors and spicy or greasy foods that do
not agree with you (immediately before and during your travel). Medical
research has not yet investigated the effectiveness of popular folk remedies
such as "soda crackers and 7 Up" or "cola syrup over ice," or ginger products.
- Take one of the varieties of motion sickness medicines before
your travel begins, as recommended by your physician.
How is motion sickness treated?
Antihistamine medications are commonly used in the prevention and
treatment of motion sickness. These medicines seem to prevent and
treat the nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness
by calming the stimulation
of the inner ear. Examples of antihistamines used for this purpose
include meclizine (Bonine, Antivert, Dramamine). Another class of
medications (belladonna) used to prevent motion sickness is
represented by the scopolamine skin patch (Transderm Scop). This
medicated skin patch is applied behind the ear at
least four hours in advance of the motion activity. The medication is
slowly absorbed directly into the underlying skin.
When used specifically to prevent motion sickness, regardless of the
type of medication, these medicines generally are most effective when
administered well before the motion activity takes place.
Next: When should I see a doctor for motion sickness? »
- diphenhydramine, Benadryl - Explains the medication diphenhydramine (Benadryl), a drug used for the relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of various allergic conditions such as seasonal allergic rhinitis.
- Dizziness - Read about the causes of dizziness including low blood pressure, anemia, dehydration, vertigo, medications, alcohol use, and pregnancy. Diagnosis and treatment information is also included.
- promethazine, Phenergan - Explains the medication promethazine (Phenergan), a drug used to prevent motion sickness, nausea or vomiting, itching associated with allergies or for sedation.
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