Motion Sickness

Many people suffer from motion sickness when traveling by car, train, airplanes and boats. It can begin with a queasy feeling and cold sweats and can escalate to nausea, dizziness and vomiting.

Where you sit can make a difference for example; the front seat of a car, near the front of a train, upper deck on a boat or over the wing seats in a plane can help.

Some common known motion sickness medications include:

• Scopolamine (Transderm Scop) -- most commonly prescribed medication for motion sickness and must be taken before symptoms start.
• Promethazine (Phenergan) -- take 2 hours before travel. The effects last 6 - 8 hours. Side effects may include drowsiness and dry mouth.
• Cyclizine (Marezine) -- most effective when taken at least 30 minutes before travel. It is not recommended for children younger than 6, and side effects are similar to scopolamine.
• Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) -- take every 4 - 8 hours. Side effects are similar to scopolamine.
• Meclizine (Bonine) -- most effective when taken 1 hour before travel. It is not recommended for children under 12, and side effects may include drowsiness and dry mouth.