Motion Sickness

What medications are there for motion sickness?

There are many treatments available for motion sickness. Frequently prescribed motion sickness medications include scopolamine hydrobromide, commonly known as scopolamine, which is available as oral pills or skin patches. An over-the-counter motion sickness medication is dimenhydrinate marketed under various names.

Studies have shown that this ingredient makes it easier for you to tolerate motion.^[1] It works as a blocker, by preventing the brain from receiving signals from specific areas of the body, such as the inner ear, which causes the feelings of nausea and other symptoms of motion sickness.

In other treatments such as Cinnarizine, Phenargen and Stegeron, the active ingredients Cinnarizine and Promethazine can help reduce feelings of nausea. They work by blocking signals from reaching the area of the brain that causes nausea and vomiting. But they can have some side effects, such as drowsiness, fatigue and dizziness.

Is there a ‘best’ treatment for motion sickness?

There isn’t a ‘best’ treatment as such. It depends on you and your body.

There are a range of treatments with different active ingredients and many of these also come in different forms. They may also be especially useful when a longer treatment time is required, such as a coach trip or cruise.

Some people might find treatments that contain antihistamines work well in some ways, but the side effects are unpleasant. In which case, you may be better suited to alternative medication for motion sickness.

Does motion sickness always need medical treatment?

With young children, the effects of motion sickness often fade over time. Even with adults, there are many factors which can increase or decrease the overall effects of motion sickness. Sometimes, changing your environment or behavior can help to lessen symptoms, or even stop them altogether.

If you suffer with motion sickness, you should avoid eating heavy meals, drinking caffeine or alcohol, foods high in histamine content (for example cheese, tuna or salami) or a large volume of liquid, before traveling. Wherever possible, you should avoid a stuffy atmosphere whilst traveling.

Something as simple as opening a window on a car journey can help to ease symptoms. And if you’re a smoker, you should avoid smoking immediately before and during your journey.

You should take regular rest breaks if you can, and stay well hydrated during your journey. It’s also important to sleep if you’re taking a longer break. When traveling, always try to reduce movement to as little as possible, which can help to ease nausea.

Another important factor is reducing or getting rid of any unnecessary visual input, which will reduce visual sensory conflict and may delay the onset of motion sickness or limit the severity of your symptoms. You should also avoid reading or using a screen during your journey.

You might find that you benefit from sitting in the front seat of a car rather than in the back, and by focusing on a fixed spot. Driving a vehicle rather than sitting in one as a passenger can help with motion sickness too.

Sunglasses can help reduce visual input, which can also be beneficial. If the above measures don’t work, you might find it helpful to close your eyes and lie horizontally if it’s practical. If  symptoms of motion sickness persist, though, you should talk to a physician to discuss treatment options.