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Fight Off Nausea With the Best Sea Sickness Medicines

best sea sickness medicine

Our content is meticulously curated through independent research, testing, reviews, and AI-driven recommendations, all designed to present you with the finest product choices. When you make a purchase through our links, it could result in us earning a commission.

If you're going on a cruise, seasickness can be a major problem. There are many preventative measures you can take to mitigate this issue including wearing an eye patch to reduce visual stimulus, staying hydrated, and using ginger supplements, but sometimes these aren't enough. If you want to enjoy your trip to the fullest, you need sea sickness medication. These medicines help reduce the symptoms of nausea and vomiting while calming your stomach, making it easier for your body to cope with any movement that may occur while sailing at sea. We’ve compiled a list of some of the great sea sickness medicines of 2024 that can help with your next trip at sea.

Our Top Picks

  • Best Overall: Dramamine Sea Sickness Medicine Shop Now ➔
  • Amazing Flavor: Bonine Sea Sickness Medicine Shop Now ➔
  • Great Value: Rugby Sea Sickness Medicine Shop Now ➔
  • Most Versatile: Sea-Band Sea Sickness Medicine Shop Now ➔
  • Budget-Friendly: Equate Sea Sickness Medicine Shop Now ➔
  • 1 Types of Sea Sickness Medicines
  • 2 Prescription medicines
  • 3 Over-the-counter medicines 
  • 4 Homeopathic sea sickness medicines
  • 5 Tips for Using Sea Sickness Medicines Effectively 
  • 6 Avoid looking in the opposite direction
  • 7 Look outside the window
  • 8 Switch places
  • 9 Get some fresh air
  • 10 Distract yourself
  • 11 Pick your seat carefully
  • 12 Eat healthy food before traveling

Can I use an over-the-counter antihistamine?

Can i use any motion sickness medicines to keep sea sickness at bay, do sea sickness medicines actually work, related reviews, finest sea sickness medicine of 2024 reviewed in detail, best overall.

Two packs of motion sickness medicine

Dramamine Sea Sickness Medicine

Dramamine Sea Sickness Medicine is the number one doctor-recommended medicine that combines the clinically-tested ginger dosage with non-drowsy active ingredients to soothe an upset stomach quickly, so you can enjoy your cruise without any worries. Infused with natural ginger, this sea sickness medicine helps prevent nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness. 

Free from artificial colors and flavors, it’s safe for children and is non-addictive, making it a good option for long-term use. This sea sickness medicine comes in tablet form, so you can just swallow it with some water. With its safe formula and amazing results, this sea sickness medicine has earned the top spot on our list. 

  • Provides fast relief without any side effects
  • Made with natural ginger 
  • Contain 36 capsules per pack
  • Some may not like the ginger taste

Amazing Flavor

A sea sickness medicine pack

Bonine Sea Sickness Medicine

Don’t let motion sickness ruin your trip! Instead, consider taking Bonine Sea Sickness Medicine. Formulated with meclizine hydrochloride, a safe and effective antihistamine, this medicine mitigates the effects of vomiting, nausea, and vertigo. Because it causes minimal drowsiness, you can even use it before road trips or flights. 

This sea sickness medicine works within an hour and offers motion sickness relief for up to 24 hours so you can keep your wits about you even if the waves start to get rough. Suitable for both kids and adults, this sea sickness medicine won’t make you drowsy or cause headaches. It comes in chewable tablets and has a fruity flavor, so it’s easy for anyone to take.

  • Offers up to 24 hours of relief
  • Safe for kids 12 years and older
  • Comes in a fruity raspberry flavor
  • Might cause dry mouth

Great Value

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Rugby Sea Sickness Medicine

The Rugby Sea Sickness Medicine is the perfect addition to your travel first aid kit — whether you’re on the water, flying, or driving cross-country. Featuring 25 mg of meclizine HCL, this sea sickness medicine blocks the action of acetylcholine in the brain, preventing nausea, vomiting, and dizziness while calming the stomach. 

Available in a package of three containers with 100 tablets each, this sea sickness medicine is enough to get you through your next cruise or long plane ride without feeling sick to your stomach. If you’re taking other medication that includes meclizine as one of its ingredients then make sure this sea sickness medicine doesn’t conflict with your current regimen.

  • Comes in a pack of three
  • Available at an affordable price
  • Chewable tablets are easy to take
  • Might be a bit bitter

Most Versatile

image

Sea-Band Sea Sickness Medicine

If you’re looking for a way to combat seasickness, Sea-Band Sea Sickness is your best bet. Made with natural ginger, this sea sickness medicine helps with morning sickness, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and post-operative nausea, so you can get through these difficult moments of life with ease. 

Formulated with non-drowsy ingredients, it won’t cause side effects and can be used before you even feel sick, making it a great preemptive measure! Available in a pack of 24 gummies, this sea sickness medicine comes in convenient packaging, making it easy to carry with you on your next adventure.

  • Works immediately for seasickness
  • Provides migraine and anxiety relief
  • Soothing ginger flavor
  • Might wear off quickly

Budget-Friendly

image

Equate Sea Sickness Medicine

When you’re out on the water, or just traveling by car, train, or plane, it can be hard to keep yourself from feeling sick. But with the Equate Sea Sickness Medicine, you’ll be able to stay upright and alert through it all. Available in a bottle of 100 tablets, each pill contains 50 mg of dimenhydrinate, which works by blocking histamine receptors in your body, helping to relieve nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness.

These tablets are safe and effective, and they come at a price that’s hard to beat. You must follow the directions on the package closely when taking this medication and do not exceed the recommended dosage or use more than one dose at a time without first consulting your doctor.

  • Convenient and easy to use
  • Safe, fast-acting formula
  • Available over the counter
  • Great for short trips
  • Might be hard to swallow

Buying Guide to Finding Sea Sickness Medicine

While there are prescription medicines that can treat motion sickness, mild to severe episodes can be treated with over-the-counter medicines. But how do you choose the right sea sickness medicine when there are so many options available? We’ve put together this detailed buying guide to simplify your choice so you can pick the perfect sea sickness medicine for your needs.

Types of Sea Sickness Medicines

Prescription medicines.

For many people, prescription scopolamine transdermal strips or pills can effectively treat seasickness. While scopolamine minimizes nausea and headaches, it might not be an ideal choice for those with glaucoma, urinary tract problems, gastrointestinal system issues, or breathing problems. 

Over-the-counter medicines 

Many people find that they can control or completely eliminate the unpleasantness of sea sickness by taking over-the-counter antihistamines, which you can purchase without a doctor’s consultation or prescription. You shouldn’t take any strong antihistamine before driving because it may cause sleepiness, sore throat, trouble urinating, and impaired vision. Even though these side effects are often mild, they can put your life in danger if you’re driving on your own.

We recommend taking an antihistamine roughly half an hour before boarding a plane or heading out on a cruise if you’re prone to seasickness. The efficacy of the antihistamine is significantly decreased if you wait until you feel nauseous before taking it.

Homeopathic sea sickness medicines

The idea behind homeopathic remedies is that even small doses of medicine might actually help cure the symptoms. Although homeopathy is not well supported by science, many individuals report feeling better after using them. Numerous homeopathic remedies for motion sickness often contain nux vomica, an extract from the nux vomica tree’s nuts. If you’re allergic to nuts, these might not be the ideal choice for you.

Tips for Using Sea Sickness Medicines Effectively 

Avoid looking in the opposite direction.

While many people benefit from sea sickness medicines, the greatest therapy is to prevent sea sickness in the first place. Always look the same way you’re moving and avoid sitting on backward-facing seats on boats, trains, or buses. 

Look outside the window

For many individuals, looking at a novel, tablet, smartphone, or other stationary objects inside a moving vessel — such as a boat or bus — makes them feel sick. Instead, you should look at the surrounding beauty or turn your eyes to the sky to avoid motion sickness. 

Switch places

While some people feel better standing up, others feel better lying down. If you’re unsure which position suits you best, you should try switching positions whenever you can to see if one feels better than another.

Get some fresh air

If you’re traveling on a cruise that offers open-air seating, try to sit there. You can also try moving onto the boat’s deck since fresh air helps prevent sea sickness.

Distract yourself

Try to talk to someone, listen to music, enjoy the view, or meditate to distract yourself from feeling sick.

Pick your seat carefully

Sit in the most stable position possible in your means of transportation if you usually feel sea sick. We recommend avoiding sitting on the lower decks of a cruise ship. You should also avoid the stern of a smaller boat, which may be more stable than the front, but has a pungent fuel smell that may make you feel uncomfortable.

Eat healthy food before traveling

Avoid fatty, acidic, or heavy foods before your travel, and limit your alcohol consumption. Drink water or fizzy beverages to stay hydrated while traveling, which may help control or mitigate your feelings of sea sickness.

People Also Asked

Absolutely, but be sure to choose the medicine wisely. While the majority of healthy people may use over-the-counter antihistamines without any issues, those who have hypertension, thyroid issues, glaucoma, bladder infections, an enlarged prostate, or renal illness should consult a doctor first. 

Traveling on the water may cause more turbulence than traveling on the road or in the air, so it’s best to consult with your pharmacist and choose an over-the-counter medicine that’s known for controlling or treating sea sickness specifically.

Sadly, there is no proven method of treating sea sickness that always works. Although most individuals feel better after using these medicines, some patients get little benefit from them. Numerous research supports the fact that antihistamines provide relief to many people.

Article Contributors

Sail magazine review team.

SAIL Magazine Review Team reports on best-selling products in sailing and boating. The SAIL Magazine editorial staff is not involved in the creation of this content. SAIL Magazine is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The SAIL Review Team is composed of authors, editors, and sailors. Artificial Intelligence (large language models) may have been used in the research and creation of the content.

To ensure questions about product testing or a specific article are addressed, please contact [email protected]

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Best Motion Sickness Pills and Remedies

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Best Motion Sickness Pills and Remedies Rankings

Please consult your doctor or pharmacist for specific guidance on health products that may be appropriate for you. While U.S. News lists the results of the pharmacist survey, U.S. News does not recommend or endorse any health products listed here. Please see Disclaimer and a Note About Your Health . Read about the pharmacist survey here .

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OTC Motion Sickness Treatments

Many over-the-counter treatments help alleviate the dizziness and nausea that come with motion sickness. These products contain various ingredients to relieve symptoms or prevent them from developing. Ingredients may include:

Meclizine, an antihistamine, limits the nausea and vomiting associated with various conditions, including motion sickness. When histamine binds to specific receptors in the body, nausea and vomiting may result. Taking an antihistamine like meclizine helps by blocking access to these receptors, preventing the histamine-induced vomiting response.

The following OTC motion sickness products contain meclizine as their primary ingredient:

  • Dramamine Less Drowsy. Dramamine Less Drowsy contains meclizine to prevent motion sickness symptoms. Dramamine Less Drowsy comes as a pill or a chewable tablet. For optimal effectiveness,  take the product about an hour before travel that may cause motion sickness.
  • Bonine. Similar to Dramamine Less Drowsy, this product contains meclizine. You’ll need to take a dose of this chewable tablet an hour before an anticipated bout of motion sickness.

Other OTC antihistamines help prevent motion sickness, with “prevent” being the key word. These medications are not as effective for relieving symptoms of motion sickness if you take a dose after you’re already feeling sick. So, I always remind patients that timing is key.

Dimenhydrinate

Dimenhydrinate, the ingredient in products like Dramamine Original, is similar to the antihistamine diphenhydramine. In fact, your body converts dimenhydrinate into diphenhydramine after you take it. Common side effects include sleepiness, dry mouth, fatigue and blurred vision. Older adults should avoid dimenhydrinate due to the risk of drowsiness and increased risk of falling. You’ll need to take dimenhydrinate at least 30 minutes before travel for it to work effectively to prevent or minimize queasy symptoms. It won’t work so well once symptoms have set in.

Many motion sickness remedies contain ginger, a natural plant-based remedy. While it’s unclear exactly how ginger helps reduce or prevent nausea and vomiting, ginger has been used for centuries to ease nausea and vomiting.

Many products on drugstore and grocery store shelves contain ginger. Products from pharmacists' top-rated brands include:

  • Dramamine Non-Drowsy. These come as a capsule, which you can either swallow whole or open and mix into a drink or food. Aim to take it 30 minutes before embarking.
  • Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Ginger Gum. You can chew this gum before and during travel to limit nausea. 

Glucose, fructose and phosphoric acid

Motion sickness remedies like Emetrol blend of ingredients like glucose and fructose. These simple sugars reduce contractions in the stomach, which can relieve nausea and vomiting. Emetrol comes in liquid form or chewable tablets.

Herbal drops

Brands such as Motioneaze and ProVent offer topical products you apply to your skin, usually with a your finger or roll-on applicator. These contain a blend of herbal oils, a relatively safe option to reduce dizziness and nausea associated with travel-related sickness.

Motion Sickness Symptoms

Common symptoms of motion sickness include nausea, dizziness and vomiting.

Treating Kids with Motion Sickness

Motion sickness is a common issue for children, so parents should be prepared and know how to manage it. Fortunately, many over-the-counter products are safe for children. For best results, plan ahead and follow the product’s instructions for giving the medication, typically 30 to 60 minutes before travel.

Dramamine Original can be given to children ages 2 and older. Emetrol can also be used for children as young as 2. With either option, make sure to follow the labeled dosing instructions.

Meclizine products like Bonine and Dramamine Less Drowsy are safe options for older kids age 12 and up.

Note that some products associated with drowsiness in adults may have an opposite effect, such as hyperactivity or anxiety, in children. As a result, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend giving a trial dose before travel to see how your child responds, potentially avoiding a hyperactivity reaction in the midst of traveling.

Side Effects of OTC Motion Sickness Pills and Remedies

If you select a motion sickness medication that contains an antihistamine, typically mild and fleeting side effects might include:

  • Drowsiness.
  • Urination difficulties. 

Antihistamines may be more likely to cause bothersome or severe side effects in older adults, so talk to a health care provider before using a product if you are over 65 years old. Generally, most people tolerate other OTC motion sickness remedies well, with little to no side effects. This is particularly true of homeopathic products such as Sea-Bands, topical herbal oil and Emetrol, which are not typically associated with severe side effects. However, minor side effects may occur, depending on the product’s ingredients.

Products with ginger generally have few side effects. You may experience a temporary burning sensation in the mouth or throat, abdominal pain or diarrhea, particularly if you take ginger in large amounts.

If side effects seem severe or last more than 24 hours, seek the care of a medication professional.

Precautions for OTC Motion Sickness Pills and Remedies

Not everyone should use motion sickness remedies. An allergic reaction to an ingredient is rare but possible with any product. Avoid products containing any ingredient you may be allergic to.

Additionally, some people should avoid antihistamines if they have certain medical conditions.

If you have a history of glaucoma, difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate or long-term breathing problems such as chronic bronchitis, you should avoid using antihistamines. The side effects of antihistamines may worsen the symptoms of these health conditions.

Emetrol contains fructose as one of the two active ingredients. Fructose is unsafe for those with hereditary fructose intolerance, a condition where the body cannot break down fructose. If you have diabetes or another glucose intolerance, you should avoid sugar-based products.

People with diabetes, gallstones, heart disease or bleeding problems may be at increased risk of complications when using ginger.

If you have any concerns, check with a pharmacist or health care professional to determine which motion sickness remedies are safe.

Motion Sickness Home Remedies

Various non-drug strategies can help ease or prevent the miserable symptoms of motion sickness. The CDC offers the following tips:

  • Sit in the front seat of a car or close to the front of a bus.
  • Choose a window seat on a plane or train. This helps your eyes and inner ears get on the same page, enabling you to see the direction you’re moving, matching what your inner ear perceives. 
  • Lying down or sleeping when you’re a passenger can limit dizziness, nausea and vomiting. 

Another drug-free option is acupressure, a centuries-old do-it-yourself technique for nausea relief, which involves applying pressure at specific points to limit nausea. Try applying pressure to the trigger point on the inside of your wrist before and during travel. You might also try bracelet-like products that use light pressure to help prevent seasickness or other types of motion sickness.

What Is Motion Sickness? 

Motion sickness can result from confused messaging between the senses during travel or motion. For example, the inner ear, responsible for balance and movement monitoring, may sense motion that contradicts what your eyes see. Motion sickness can also occur because of vection, when the eyes catch movement, but your inner ear doesn’t sense motion. The confused perception can, unfortunately, result in symptoms of dizziness, nausea and vomiting.

Certain modes of transportation cause motion sickness more commonly than others. Seasickness is the most common type of motion sickness. It affects about 25% of people on large ships and up to 60% of passengers aboard smaller boats. In contrast, about 4% of people experience car sickness when driving or riding in vehicles.

Some people are more prone to having motion sickness than others, including:

  • Children between ages 2 and 12.
  • Pregnant women, especially those who have a history of motion sickness.
  • People with certain underlying conditions, such as migraines or vertigo. 
  • People with a family history of motion sickness. Studies investigating motion sickness have found that if other members of your family struggle with motion sickness, you may also be more likely to.

When to See a Doctor About Motion Sickness

If you’ve tried all the tips and over-the-counter motion sickness medications aren’t working, you’re not alone. For some people, OTC options aren’t strong enough. A health care provider can decide whether a prescription is necessary.

One popular prescription option is Transderm Scop, a medicated patch you place behind your ear. Applying the patch behind your ear approximately four hours before traveling is essential for best results.

If over-the-counter remedies aren’t helping, or if you experience symptoms of motion sickness (nausea, vomiting and dizziness) even when you’re not exposed to motion, see a health care provider. It’s also important to seek medical attention if vomiting doesn’t go away, as this can quickly lead to dehydration, especially in children. A health care professional can help identify other factors causing your symptoms and recommend ways to manage them.

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Drugs & Treatments

What Are the Top Questions to Ask Pharmacists About OTC Medications?

Shopping for over-the-counter medications can be confusing, but your local pharmacist can help. Here are the top questions they wish consumers would ask them about OTC medications.

Paul Wynn July 20, 2023

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Why Trust U.S. News?

Harris Poll, our partner for this year's Best OTC Medicine & Health Products, randomly assigned 352 pharmacists to rank their top three picks in each of the 99 over-the-counter product groups. In the end, nearly 740 individual products were included in the comprehensive survey. The brands included in the survey were selected based on the average monthly user search volume in the last year. Brands that had less than 1,000 monthly searches, on average, were excluded.

Each top-ranked brand scored five points, each second-place product was awarded three points and third-place winners racked up one point each time a pharmacist voted for them. All unranked brands were given 0 points. The results were then rescaled so that the winner in each category scored 100 points, while the other brands were scored along this 100-point scale. Brands with differing ranks are sometimes awarded identical scores, but this is solely due to rounding of the scores to the nearest whole number. Category winners and brands that were statistically tied with the category winner were given an award as long as their nominal score was not below another brand that did not earn an award. The type of award given was based on their index score. All brands with an index score above 85 were given the top award while all those under 85 were given a secondary award.

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Disclaimer and a note about your health ».

Medications for Motion Sickness

Other names: Sea Sickness

A disturbance of the inner ear that is caused by repeated motion

Drugs used to treat Motion Sickness

The following list of medications are in some way related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the Benadryl hat man?
  • How long does Benadryl take to work?
  • Does Benadryl make you sleepy?
  • Does Benadryl help with or cause anxiety?
  • Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride vs Citrate: What's the difference?
  • Does Ginger interact with any drugs?
  • Can you take Benadryl while pregnant?

View more FAQ

Alternative treatments for Motion Sickness

The following products are considered to be alternative treatments or natural remedies for Motion Sickness. Their efficacy may not have been scientifically tested to the same degree as the drugs listed in the table above. However there may be historical, cultural or anecdotal evidence linking their use to the treatment of Motion Sickness.

  • Dramamine Non Drowsy

Learn more about Motion Sickness

Care guides.

  • Motion Sickness

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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The Best Motion Sickness Remedies for Every Type of Travel

We've collected the best ways to prevent and cure motion sickness.

Alesandra Dubin is an LA-based lifestyle writer and editor. As a veteran digital journalist, she's covered travel, food, parenting, and more for over 15 years. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy, and countless other online and print outlets. An avid traveler, she often trots the globe with her husband and their twins. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter at @alicedubin. Alesandra holds a master's degree in journalism with an emphasis on cultural reporting and criticism from NYU, and a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley.

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Nothing ruins an adventure faster than a bout of motion sickness. If you’re prone to the notoriously unpleasant malady, the best course of action is preparedness: Identify a chosen remedy, administer it ahead of time for prevention, and carry it with you for relief. 

When searching for the best motion sickness remedies of all types, we consulted several medical professionals across the country, including naturopathic and western medicine practitioners. Our best overall pick is the tried-and-true over-the-counter pill Bonine. We also recommend natural remedies including tea, candy, and essential oil, plus acupressure bracelets and patches.

Best Overall

Bonine motion sickness relief chewable tablets.

This widely accessible over-the-counter drug can be highly effective, especially when taken preventatively.

Side effects can include drowsiness.

This dependable remedy is available without a prescription and can be very effective against nausea, according to Dr. Frank Contacessa, internist at MDVIP in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. “They can help with nausea; the most common side effect is drowsiness,” he advises.

And he issues this pro tip: “It is best to try to take something before the motion sickness happens; it’s much harder to treat once the nausea sets in,” Contacessa says. So start your Bonine regimine even before you board.

The Details: Adults and children 12 years of age and over, take one to two tablets once daily or as directed by a doctor. Dosage should be taken one hour before travel starts.

Benadryl Allergy Liquid Gels

Benadryl doubles as a sleep aid, which can make it useful for long flights or rides in which some shut-eye is desired in addition to motion sickness prevention.

“As some people will have a paradoxical reaction to Benadryl, make sure you try it out at home before taking it on the plane,” explains Dr. Gene Delaune, senior medical consultant for Allianz Travel Insurance .

Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine known by the brand name Benadryl, helps with nausea, Delaune explains, adding, “It can also make you sleepy, so on longer flights , taking 50 milligrams of Benadryl will help with the nausea and getting sleep.” This version comes in 25 milligram liquid-gel caps.

Dr. Tiffany Otto Knipe is a pediatrician from WMP Boutique Pediatric Care in New York City. For children, she suggests a small dose of Benadryl (diphenhydramine) “as a last resort,” given 30 to 60 minutes prior to travel. And she notes the sleepy side effect isn’t always desirable. The potential for drowsiness “means that when you get to your destination your child might be too tired to enjoy it,” she says.

The Details: For adults (and kids 12 and up), take one to two capsules every four to six hours. For children aged 6 to under 12, take one capsule every four to six hours.

Best Bracelet

Sea band acupressure wristband.

This is a reusable, doctor-recommended solution with no drugs or side effects.

The product comes in various colors, but you can’t select your preferred choice (they ship at random).

Sea Bands are a non-pharmaceutical motion sickness remedy in the form of acupressure wristbands. “They seem to work reasonably well, with no side effects at all,” Contacessa says. A plastic knob sewn into the inside of this knitted elastic wristband exerts pressure and stimulates the P6 acupressure point to relieve nausea and vomiting. The bands are all-natural and reusable, which means it's a travel product that can save you money .

The Details: Locate the acupressure point inside your wrists, and apply wristbands to both wrists, preventatively or as a treatment.

Best Ginger-based

Prince of peace ginger chews.

These drug-free ginger candies help ease nausea and double as a tasty, vegan, and natural snack.

The effect is subtle and gentle, not radically transformative in acute situations.

Sweet and spicy, these natural ginger candies can help ease nausea and stomach discomfort, with an appealing taste and no drugs or additives. These chewy candies are individually wrapped and safe for adults and kids (age 6 and up, according to the product packaging). They’re also vegan and gluten-free. Dr. Clement Lee is a naturopathic doctor, medical expert with Flowly, and founder of Optimal Health & Wellness in Pasadena, California. He recommends this brand, which he says it tastes good and “can be quite helpful.” 

The Details: Unwrap and chew as desired to manage nausea.

Best for Kids

Dramamine motion sickness relief.

This formulation of Dramamine is labeled for kids as young as 2 years old; the compact and convenient travel case is a bonus.

Drowsiness can be a side effect, and that can potentially knock kids out of the adventure even as it reduces their motion sickness.

Motion sickness is widespread among kids . The condition is “most common in children ages two to nine years and then tends to improve over time,” Knipe explains. Most children “outgrow it.”

Billed as the only medicated motion sickness relief product formulated just for children ages 2 to 12, this version of Dramamine comes in a chewable tablet with a grape flavor. The active ingredient is dimenhydrinate. Eight 25-milligram tablets come within a compact plastic travel case, so it’s easy to stash them in a pocket and have them at the ready.

The Details: For children 6 to under 12 years, give one to two chewable tablets every six to eight hours. For children 2 to under 6 years, give half to one chewable tablet every six to eight hours. To prevent motion sickness, give the first dose 30 minutes to one hour before starting activity.

Traditional Medicinals Organic Ginger Tea

This ginger-chamomile tea is an all-natural, caffeine-free stomach-settling solution and a pleasant ritual, too.

You’ll need a solution to brew (or at least carry) tea, so it’s not ideal for every on-the-go circumstance.

Lee explains that natural agents that can be helpful as anti-nausea tools “come with minimal side effects and can be quite effective for certain people.” Tea is among the forms these natural agents may take. This customer-favorite version uses high-quality herbs from ethical trading partnerships and has a mildly spicy flavor with floral and honey notes. It’s non-GMO, organic, kosher, and caffeine-free. 

The Details: Brew and drink as needed to settle the stomach and calm the body.

Best Essential Oil

Upnature essential oil roll-on.

This all-natural method also works for stress and headaches.

The drug-free remedy produces subtle results and may be more useful as a treatment than a prevention.

“Aromatherapy with essential oil rollers or necklaces, particularly with peppermint and lemon notes, can help alleviate motion sickness,” explains registered nurse and paramedic Krista Elkins of HealthCanal. To that end, this peppermint essential oil comes with a roller-ball applicator so it goes on neatly, even in rocky conditions.

The Details: Place on your neck or behind your ears to breathe in the aromatherapeutic oil. Use as often as needed.

Best for Cruises

Scopolamine patch.

This medicated anti-nausea patch is highly effective for many users.

You will need a prescription; these aren’t available over the counter. And you might experience side effects.

“Scopolamine patches are familiar to cruise-goers —you can see them behind the ear on a lot of passengers,” Contacessa explains. “It works well, with the most common side effects being dry mouth and dizziness. This is only available by prescription, so you have to ask your doctor to prescribe it. 

The Details: Apply patch four hours before triggering event. Apply to an area behind the ear that is clean, dry, hairless, and free from cuts or irritation. Use only one patch at a time; if you need to use a second patch after you remove the first, place it behind the other ear.

Best for Flying

Dramamine motion sickness chewables.

It works for up to 24 hours.

They may take up to one hour to take effect.

When flying, the last thing you want to worry about is motion sickness medication wearing off. These chewable Dramamine tablets last for up to 24 hours, so you shouldn't have to worry about re-dosing. They also make users less drowsy than other options — perfect for when you want to stay alert during your travels. Dramamine helps prevent nausea, dizziness, and vomiting, and these chewables are suitable for anyone over the age of 12.

The Details: Adults and children 12 years and older should take one or two tablets once per day.

Tips for Buying Motion Sickness Remedies

Use motion sickness products in conjunction with behavioral remedies.

Motion sickness remedies are most effective when used in combination with strategic behavioral adaptations. For instance, when in motion, try to focus your vision into the distance. “Pick a spot on the horizon, and try to keep focusing on that spot,” Contacessa advises. 

Further, don’t eat big meals before a potentially triggering journey. And remember to stay well hydrated. “Stick to water and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you,” Delaune advises.

Avoid looking down, reading, or doing activities on a screen, as these can exacerbate motion sickness. And if possible, try to close your eyes and even sleep. With eyes closed, you are “not taking in the visual information that can contribute to the problem,” Knipe says.

Sit strategically

To minimize motion sickness, face your body in the direction you’re moving during travel. In cars, sit in the front seat if possible. And you might volunteer to be the driver instead of a passenger. “Driving can reduce motion sickness because having control of a moving car can realign your senses and prepare you for the twists and turns,” Elkins says.

Knipe advises, “Select seats where motion is the least.” On ships, try to get a cabin in the center of the ship on a middle deck, which experiences the least motion as the ship rolls in the sea. In a plane, a seat over the front edge of the wing is recommended. If traveling by train or bus, pick a forward facing seat.

When the body, eyes, and inner ear send conflicting signals to the brain — such as on a choppy boat or turbulent flight — the uncomfortable feeling of motion sickness can result.

“Motion sickness is a syndrome that occurs when the brain receives conflicting signals from the motion-sensing parts of the body: the inner ears, the eyes, and nerves in the extremities,” Knipe explains. “When the signals received [from] sensory cues are inconsistent [it]... then triggers a response” that can make you feel sick.

Motion sickness can begin with a generally dizzy or queasy feeling, escalate to cold sweat, and more extreme nausea, and cause vomiting. Other symptoms may include fatigue or loss of appetite, or tearfulness and irritability among kids too young to verbalize the discomfort. “It is the result of the brain getting confused by what your eyes are seeing compared to what your inner ears are sensing,” Dr. Contacessa explains.

Motion sickness can last for up to four hours or so after the motion stops. “The length of time [of] the symptoms can vary,” Lee explains. “Some people may only have symptoms part of the time while traveling, some may have it the entire length of motion.”

Light and bland foods help with motion sickness, so you may want to bring some plain crackers, cereal, or even bread with you when traveling to avoid feeling nauseated. Ginger ale is also a go-to remedy as the ginger and carbonation will both settle the stomach. While it may feel counterintuitive, it's better not to have an empty stomach when you're feeling motion sick, so be sure to have a light (non greasy) meal before your travels.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Alesandra Dubin is a career travel and lifestyle writer and a frequent traveler. She’s also prone to motion sickness and swears by Bonine since it saved her on an all-day dive outing on a rainy winter day. For this article, she spoke to Dr. Frank Contacessa , internist at MDVIP in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Dr. Tiffany Otto Knipe , a pediatrician from WMP Boutique Pediatric Care in New York City, Dr. Clement Lee , a naturopathic doctor, medical expert with Flowly , and founder of Optimal Health & Wellness in Pasadena, California, and registered nurse and paramedic Krista Elkins of HealthCanal.

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travel sickness medication otc

  • Meclizine (Oral Route)

Description and Brand Names

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex ®

US Brand Name

  • Dramamine II
  • Motion Sickness Relief
  • Simply Motion
  • Travel Sickness

Descriptions

Meclizine is used to prevent and control nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. It is also used for vertigo (dizziness or lightheadedness) caused by ear problems.

Meclizine is an antihistamine. It works to block the signals to the brain that cause nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

  • Tablet, Chewable

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Antiemetic Medicines: OTC Relief for Nausea and Vomiting

Last Updated August 2022 | This article was created by familydoctor.org editorial staff and reviewed by Leisa Bailey, MD

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Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are medicines you can buy without a prescription from your doctor. Medicines that treat nausea and vomiting are called antiemetics. Several OTC medicines are used as antiemetics. These include:

  • Bismuth subsalicylate (2 brand names: Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol). This medicine may help treat some types of nausea and vomiting, such as from gastroenteritis (stomach flu). They are also used for upset stomachs and as an antidiarrheal (medicine to treat diarrhea).
  • Antihistamines . Certain types may help prevent nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness. These include dimenhydrinate (brand name: Dramamine) and meclizine hydrochloride (brand name: Dramamine Less Drowsy).

Doctors Notes banner

Stomach viruses are easy to catch and can make you feel miserable. For mild cases, I recommend simple home treatment.  Read More

by Dr. Shilpa Mehta

Path to improved health

How do antiemetic medicines work.

Bismuth subsalicylate works by protecting the stomach lining.

Antihistamines appear to dull the inner ear’s ability to sense motion. They block messages to the part of the brain that controls nausea and vomiting. This is why they work best if you take them before you start feeling motion sickness.

How do I safely take OTC antiemetic medicines?

Before you take an OTC antiemetic medicine, read the directions on the drug facts label. This will tell you how much medicine to take and how often to take it. If you have any questions, call your family doctor. Keep a record of which OTC medicines you’re using and when you take them. If you need to go to the doctor, take this list with you.

If you are pregnant, do not take any OTC antiemetic medicines without first contacting your doctor.

Follow these tips to make sure you are taking the right amount of medicine:

  • Take only the amount recommended on the medicine’s label. Don’t assume that more medicine will work better or quicker. Taking more than the recommended amount can be dangerous.
  • If you’re taking a prescription medicine, ask your doctor if it’s okay to also take an OTC antiemetic medicine.
  • Don’t use more than 1 kind of OTC antiemetic medicine at a time unless your doctor says it’s okay. They may have similar active ingredients. These could add up to be too much medicine.

How can I safely store OTC antiemetic medicines?

Store all medicines up and away, out of reach and sight of young children. Keep medicines in a cool, dry place. This will help prevent them from becoming less effective. Don’t store medicines in bathrooms or bathroom cabinets. These locations are often hot and humid.

Things to consider

Healthy adults usually don’t experience side effects from antiemetic medicines. Side effects can be a concern for older adults or people who have health problems.

The most common side effects of bismuth subsalicylate are:

  • Darkened stools or tongue
  • Constipation
  • Ringing sound in the ears (tinnitus)

These are short-term side effects.

Antihistamines may make you feel sleepy. This can affect your ability to drive or operate machines. It may be hard for you to think clearly. Alcohol can increase the drowsiness caused by antihistamines. They may also cause your mouth and eyes to feel dry.

Who shouldn’t take OTC antiemetic medicines?

Some people are allergic to aspirin or other salicylate medicines. They shouldn’t take bismuth subsalicylate. Don’t give bismuth subsalicylate to children 12 years of age or younger. Don’t give it to children or teenagers who may have the flu or chickenpox. This increases their risk for Reye syndrome. This is a serious illness that can lead to death.

Before taking an antihistamine, talk to your doctor if you have any of the following problems:

  • Trouble urinating (from an enlarged prostate gland)
  • Breathing problems, such as asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis
  • Thyroid disease
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure

Can OTC antiemetic medicines cause problems with any other medicines I take?

Bismuth subsalicylate may affect how well some medicines work. It also may cause side effects if combined with other medicines. Ask your doctor before taking bismuth subsalicylate if you also take:

  • Blood-thinning medicines
  • Medicines for gout
  • Medicines for arthritis
  • Medicines for diabetes

Ask your doctor before taking bismuth subsalicylate if you take pain relievers or cold medicines. These medicines may contain aspirin, which is a salicylate. You may get too much salicylate if you take more than 1 of these medicines at a time.

Talk to your doctor before taking an antihistamine if you take sleeping pills, sedatives, or muscle relaxants. Many OTC cold and allergy medicines contain antihistamines. If you use more than 1 of these medicines, you may get more antihistamine than you intend.

Some prescription medicines have side effects similar to the side effects of antihistamines. These could include dry mouth and drowsiness. Talk with your doctor before taking these medicines at the same time.

Questions to ask your doctor

  • What kind of antiemetic medicine is best for me?
  • How does the medicine help my nausea?
  • How often can I take it?
  • Is there a limit on how many days I can take it?
  • What kinds of side effects should I look for?

Last Updated: August 10, 2022

This article was contributed by familydoctor.org editorial staff.

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Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians

This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

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Must-Pack Medications for Travel

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Ed Hewitt started traveling with his family at the age of 10 and has since visited dozens of countries on six continents. He wrote for IndependentTraveler.com for more than 20 years, producing hundreds of columns on travel and offering his expertise on radio and television. He is now a regular contributor to SmarterTravel.

An avid surfer and rower, Ed has written about and photographed rowing competitions around the world, including the last five Olympic Games.

He's passing his love of travel on to the next generation; his 10-year-old son has flown some 200,000 miles already.

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Whether it’s a sleeping pill to get you through that long-haul flight to Australia or a motion sickness patch for your round-the-Horn South America cruise, travel medications are part of any savvy globetrotter’s bag of tricks. You’ll want to bring any prescriptions that you take regularly, of course, but a good selection of over-the-counter remedies and/or herbal supplements can make the difference between a great trip and one disrupted by jet lag, traveler’s tummy, or other common travel maladies.

Remember, however, that every drug has potential side effects. Taking any medication—even if it’s available over the counter—can have serious repercussions, particularly for children, pregnant women, or individuals with allergies, medication conflicts, and other contraindications. Consult your doctor before starting any new course of medication.

The following is a roundup of the most common maladies, along with suggested travel medications for each. We’ve also included a collection of tips and resources for keeping yourself healthy on the road.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious and potentially fatal condition in which blood clots develop in the leg. Despite its long-time nickname, “economy-class syndrome,” it’s common on long-haul flights in any class of service in which movement is restricted. (Recent research suggests that travelers who prefer the window seat may be more susceptible, since they’re less likely to get out of their seat.) The best strategy to prevent it is to stand up, stretch, and walk around the plane as often as possible.

Those who have a history of certain medical conditions (such as previous blood clots, active cancer, or estrogen use, including birth control pills) may be at greater risk for economy-class syndrome; these folks might want to consider using aspirin , whose blood-thinning capacities make it a good antidote. Be sure to consult your doctor.

travel sickness medication otc

Motion Sickness

Motion sickness is a complex condition, more a jumbling of the senses than a medical condition as we usually think of it. Motion sickness is caused by irregular and abnormal motion that disturbs the organs of balance located in the inner ear, as well as discordant signals from your eyes and balance mechanisms. As these get more out of concert, nausea, dizziness, headaches, and cold perspiration set in.

Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) and Bonine (meclizine) are two of the most common motion sickness remedies.

Other options include motion sickness patches , which you stick behind your ear to reduce the nerve activity in the inner ear; and wrist bands , which work by stimulating acupressure points on the wrists that are believed to control motion sickness.

I haven’t tried this, but ginger apparently has motion sickness applications. Look for capsules at your herbal store, generally in doses of 500 to 700 milligrams. Ginger also affects blood clotting, so travelers using blood thinners or those who suffer from hemophilia should avoid taking ginger without consulting a doctor.

Sleeping Medications

Sleeping on a plane is a true challenge—cabin noise rivals that of concerts, seats are cramped and hard, and there are constant interruptions. Many travelers turn to medications to help them sleep away hours spent in flight. With any sleep aid , it’s a good idea to try it out at home before you leave to see how your body will react.

Prescription Drugs

Many travelers swear by Ambien (zolpidem), which has considerable sleep-inducing power but doesn’t leave you feeling groggy upon arrival. It is also considered to be less addictive than benzodiazepine drugs (such as Valium and Xanax, two other common options). I tested Ambien for the first time on a 10-hour flight and packed in seven hours of sleep that felt very natural, not the groggy, heavy-lidded sleep that occurs with something like Dramamine, the only other drug I’ve ever taken in flight.

Over-the-Counter Options

Bonine (meclizine) and Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) are motion sickness medications that also double admirably as sleep aids.

Antihistamines like Sominex and Benadryl contain diphenhydramine HCl, which can cause drowsiness.

Melatonin is not a sleeping pill per se, but a hormone that occurs naturally in the body, and is secreted as light fades at the end of the day. Rather than acting like a sedative, putting us under and keeping us there, it acts more like a sleep trigger, controlling when we go to sleep and when we wake up. Melatonin effectively acts as your body’s time clock.

According to proponents, a well-timed dose of melatonin can put you under, and if your sleep habits are strong, you should stay asleep. Melatonin can also help considerably in conquering jet lag.

Note that melatonin is not presently regulated by the FDA, and its effectiveness has not been clinically proven. Appropriate dosage is not entirely clear, and purity can vary among products.

The aforementioned melatonin has also gained popularity as a cure for jet lag. Another remedy that got a lot of buzz a few years back is Co-E1 NADH (previously known as Enada NADH), an over-the-counter vitamin B supplement. Co-E1 NADH has been credited with everything from curing jet lag to increasing memory and test scores. On an edition of “20/20,” one testing subject said, “I feel great. I feel wonderful. I feel alert.” (At least she didn’t start singing “I feel pretty…”)

For more suggested remedies, see our article on jet lag .

Sinus and Ear Infections

Sinus and ear infections are a common side effect of air travel, particularly if you already have a cold or allergies. It may be useful to use a decongestant or nasal spray before takeoff to prevent respiratory infections and to minimize the discomfort of flying with a cold or allergies.

People who always seem to get sick following a flight might want to try Airborne , which was developed by a teacher who wanted to up her resistance to germs in the classroom. Let a tablet dissolve in water and drink before getting on the plane; it’ll give you a jolt of vitamin C, zinc, echinacea and other ingredients to boost the immune system.

Traveler’s Tummy

Perhaps the most common travel malady is traveler’s tummy, also known as traveler’s diarrhea (TD). It’s useful to have your remedy of choice (such as Imodium or Pepto Bismol ) on hand just in case. For more information, see Traveler’s Diarrhea: How to Protect Yourself .

Other Common Maladies

Bring your painkiller of choice to prevent a headache or sore back from ruining your afternoon at the Louvre. Common choices include acetaminophen , aspirin, and ibuprofen .

Likewise, if you’re prone to allergies, bring along your most effective remedy in case your new environment triggers a sneezing fit. Over-the-counter options include Claritin (loratadine), Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Benedryl (diphenhydramine HCI).

Tips and Resources for Travel Medications

Label all drugs. Your best bet is to leave all drugs in their original containers to avoid confusion. This also helps prevent losing pills, or having them spill out of your bag or pocket where children or animals might find them.

Know generic names. Brand names may vary internationally, so you’ll want to know the generic names of all your medications. See our guide to finding health care abroad for more information.

Read the label. Most drugs are labeled with all risks, contraindications and side effects. Read the label carefully on all drugs.

Think ahead. Do you have to drive a car away from the airport? Do you have a tight connection? If so, consider avoiding sedatives. Think ahead to the next stage of your trip when taking any drug that might affect your alertness or motor skills. What’s your ultimate destination? Your medication may need to be stored in a particular temperature range, or its effectiveness may be compromised by extreme heat.

Consult your doctor. I know, we’ve already said this—but you can’t be too careful.

Bring your own. When in doubt, pack your own. Birth control pills, skin care products and brand-name medications can be difficult to find in some destinations. Additionally, standards of quality and safety vary internationally. Be sure to bring enough medication for your entire trip—and a few days extra, just in case.

Get immunized. See our guide to travel immunizations .

Which travel medications do you bring on every trip?

More from SmarterTravel:

  • Avoiding the Airplane Cold: Don’t Get Sick After Flying
  • Fighting Jet Lag: Tips from Our Readers
  • Travel Insurance Coverage: 17 Things Your Policy Won’t Cover

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Sarah Schlichter contributed to this story.

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Traveling Abroad with Medicine

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Many international travelers carry medicines with them to treat acute or chronic health problems. However, each country has its own laws related to medicines. Medicines that are commonly prescribed or available over the counter in the United States might be unlicensed or considered controlled substances in other countries. While rules vary by country, there can be serious consequences if you violate the laws at your destination. The consequences may include:

  • Authorities taking away your medicine
  • Penalties, including jail or prison time

Before Travel

Check with your destination’s  embassy and embassies of countries that you have layovers in to make sure your medicines are permitted.

  • Many countries allow a 30-day supply of certain medicines, but also require the traveler to carry a prescription or a medical certificate from their health care provider.
  • If your medicine is not allowed at your destination, talk with your health care provider about alternatives and have them write a letter describing your condition and the treatment plan.
  • You may also want to check the  International Narcotics Control Board  website that provides general information about narcotics and controlled substances, for countries that have information available, for travelers.

Check CDC’s destination pages for travel health information . Check CDC’s webpage for your destination to see what vaccines or medicines you may need and what diseases or health risks are a concern at your destination.

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider or a travel health specialist  that takes place at least one month before you leave. They can help you get destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and information. Discussing your health concerns, itinerary, and planned activities with your provider allows them to give more specific advice and recommendations.

  • If you plan to be gone for more than 30 days, talk to your health care provider about how you can get enough medicine for your trip. Some insurance companies will only pay for a 30-day supply at a time.
  • If you are a traveling to a different time zone, ask your health care provider about any changes to taking your medicine. Medicines should be taken according to the time since your last dose, not the local time of day.
  • Find out how to safely store your medicine while traveling and check whether it needs refrigeration. Keep in mind that extreme temperatures can reduce the effectiveness of many medicines.

Prepare a  travel health kit   with items you may need, especially those items that may be difficult to find at your destination. Include your prescription and over-the-counter medicines in your travel health kit and take enough to last your entire trip, plus extra in case of travel delays. Pack medications in a carry on in case your luggage is lost or delayed.

  • Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Ensure that they are clearly labeled with your full name, health care provider’s name, generic and brand name, and exact dosage.
  • Bring copies of all written prescriptions, including the generic names for medicines. Leave a copy of your prescriptions at home with a friend or relative in case you lose your copy or need an emergency refill.
  • Ask your prescribing health care provider for a note if you use controlled substances, or injectable medicines, such as EpiPens and insulin.

Buying Medicine Abroad

Counterfeit drugs  are common in some countries, so only use medicine you bring from home and make sure to pack enough for the duration of your trip, plus extra in case of travel delays. If you must buy drugs during your trip in an emergency, see CDC’s Counterfeit Drugs page.

More Information

  • CDC Yellow Book: Avoiding Poorly Regulated Medicines
  • Travel Smartly with Prescription Medications (US Department of State)
  • Traveling with Prescription Medications (US Food and Drug Administration)

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Motion Sickness Travel Sickness

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Motion sickness (travel sickness) is common, especially in children. It is caused by repeated unusual movements during travelling, which send strong (sometimes confusing) signals to the balance and position sensors in the brain.

Motion Sickness

Travel sickness, in this article, what causes motion sickness, how long does motion sickness last, motion sickness symptoms, how to stop motion sickness, natural treatments for motion sickness, motion sickness medicines, what can a doctor prescribe for motion sickness.

  • What should I do if I'm actually sick?

What is mal de debarquement syndrome?

Motion sickness is a normal response to repeated movements, such as going over bumps or around in a circle, send lots of messages to your brain. If you are inside a vehicle, particularly if you are focused on things that are inside the vehicle with you then the signals that your eyes send to the brain may tell it that your position is not changing, whilst your balance mechanisms say otherwise.

Your balance mechanisms in your inner ears sense different signals to those that your eyes are seeing which then sends your brain mixed, confusing messages. This confusion between messages then causes people to experience motion sickness.

Is motion sickness normal?

Motion sickness is a normal response that anyone can have when experiencing real or perceived motion. Although all people can develop motion sickness if exposed to sufficiently intense motion, some people are rarely affected while other people are more susceptible and have to deal with motion sickness very often.

Triggers for motion sickness

Motion sickness can also be triggered by anxiety or strong smells, such as food or petrol. Sometimes trying to read a book or a map can trigger motion sickness. Both in children and adults, playing computer games can sometimes cause motion sickness to occur.

Motion sickness is more common in children and also in women. Fortunately, many children grow out of having motion sickness. It is not known why some people develop motion sickness more than others. Symptoms can develop in cars, trains, planes and boats and on amusement park rides, etc.

Symptoms typically go when the journey is over; however, not always. In some people they last a few hours, or even days, after the journey ends.

There are various symptoms of motion sickness including::

  • Feeling sick (nausea and vomiting).
  • Sweating and cold sweats.
  • Increase in saliva.
  • Headaches .
  • Feeling cold and going pale.
  • Feeling weak.

Some general tips to avoid motion sickness include the following.

Prepare for your journey

  • Don't eat a heavy meal before travelling. Light, carbohydrate-based food like cereals an hour or two before you travel is best.
  • On long journeys, try breaking the journey to have some fresh air, drink some cold water and, if possible, take a short walk.

For more in-depth advice on travelling generally, see the separate leaflets called Health Advice for Travel Abroad , Travelling to Remote Locations , Ears and Flying (Aeroplane Ear) , Jet Lag and Altitude Sickness .

Plan where you sit

  • Keep motion to a minimum. For example, sit in the front seat of a car, over the wing of a plane, or on deck in the middle of a boat.
  • On a boat, stay on deck and avoid the cafeteria or sitting where your can smell the engines.

Breathe fresh air

  • Breathe fresh air if possible. For example, open a car window.
  • Avoid strong smells, particularly petrol and diesel fumes. This may mean closing the window and turning on the air conditioning, or avoiding the engine area in a boat.

Use your eyes and ears differently

  • Close your eyes (and keep them closed for the whole journey). This reduces 'positional' signals from your eyes to your brain and reduces the confusion.
  • Don't try to read.
  • Try listening to an audio book with your eyes closed. There is some evidence that distracting your brain with audio signals can reduce your sensitivity to the motion signals.
  • Try to sleep - this works mainly because your eyes are closed, but it is possible that your brain is able to ignore some motion signals when you are asleep.
  • Do not read or watch a film.
  • It is advisable not to watch moving objects such as waves or other cars. Don't look at things your brain expects to stay still, like a book inside the car. Instead, look ahead, a little above the horizon, at a fixed place.
  • If you are the driver you are less likely to feel motion sickness. This is probably because you are constantly focused on the road ahead and attuned to the movements that you expect the vehicle to make. If you are not, or can't be, the driver, sitting in the front and watching what the driver is watching can be helpful.

Treat your tummy gently

  • Avoid heavy meals and do not drink alcohol before and during travelling. It may also be worth avoiding spicy or fatty food.
  • Try to 'tame your tummy' with sips of a cold water or a sweet, fizzy drink. Cola or ginger ale are recommended.

Try alternative treatments

  • Sea-Bands® are acupressure bands that you wear on your wrists to put pressure on acupressure points that Chinese medicine suggests affects motion sickness. Some people find that they are effective.
  • Homeopathic medicines seem to help some people, and will not make you drowsy. The usual homeopathic remedy is called 'nux vom'. Follow the instructions on the packet.

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All the techniques above which aim to prevent motion sickness will also help reduce it once it has begun. Other techniques, which are useful on their own to treat motion sickness but can also be used with medicines if required, are:

  • Breathe deeply and slowly and, while focusing on your breathing, listening to music. This has been proved to be effective in clinical trials.
  • Ginger - can improve motion sickness in some people (as a biscuit or sweet, or in a drink).

There are several motion sickness medicines available which can reduce, or prevent, symptoms of motion sickness. You can buy them from pharmacies or, in some cases, get them on prescription. They work by interfering with the nerve signals described above.

Medicines are best taken before the journey. They may still help even if you take them after symptoms have begun, although once you feel sick you won't absorb medicines from the stomach very well. So, at this point, tablets that you put against your gums, or skin patches, are more likely to be effective.

Hyoscine is usually the most effective medicine for motion sickness . It is also known as scopolamine. It works by preventing the confusing nerve messages going to your brain.

There are several brands of medicines which contain hyoscine - they also come in a soluble form for children. You should take a dose 30-60 minutes before a journey; the effect can last up to 72 hours. Hyoscine comes as a patch for people aged 10 years or over. (This is only available on prescription - see below.) Side-effects of hyoscine include dry mouth , drowsiness and blurred vision.

Side-effects of motion sickness medicines

Some medicines used for motion sickness may cause drowsiness. Some people are extremely sensitive to this and may find that they are so drowsy that they can't function properly at all. For others the effects may be milder but can still impair your reactions and alertness. It is therefore advisable not to drive and not to operate heavy machinery if you have taken them. In addition, some medicines may interfere with alcohol or other medication; your doctor or the pharmacist can advise you about this.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines can also be useful , although they are not quite as effective as hyoscine. However, they usually cause fewer side-effects. Several types of antihistamine are sold for motion sickness. All can cause drowsiness, although some are more prone to cause it than others; for example, promethazine , which may be of use for young children on long journeys, particularly tends to cause drowsiness. Older children or adults may prefer one that is less likely to cause drowsiness - for example, cinnarizine or cyclizine.

Remember, if you give children medicines which cause drowsiness they can sometimes be irritable when the medicines wear off.

See the separate article called How to manage motion sickness .

There are a number of anti-sickness medicines which can only be prescribed by your doctor. Not all of them always work well for motion sickness, and finding something that works may be a case of trial and error. All of them work best taken up to an hour before your journey, and work less well if used when you already feel sick. See also the separate leaflet called Nausea (Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment) for more detailed information about these medicines .

Hyoscine patch

Hyoscine, or scopolamine, patches are suitable for adults and for children over 10 years old. The medicine is absorbed through your skin, although this method of medicine delivery is slow so the patch works best if applied well before your journey.

You should stick the patch on to the skin behind the ear 5-6 hours before travelling (often this will mean late on the previous night) and remove it at the end of the journey.

Prochlorperazine

Prochlorperazine is a prescription-only medicine which works by changing the actions of the chemicals that control the tendency to be sick (vomit), in your brain. One form of prochlorperazine is Buccastem®, which is absorbed through your gums and does not need to be swallowed. Buccastem® tastes rather bitter but it can be effective for sickness when you are already feeling sick, as it doesn't have to be absorbed by the stomach.

Metoclopramide

Metoclopramide is a tablet used to speed up the emptying of your tummy. Slow emptying of the tummy is something that happens when you develop nausea and vomiting, so metoclopramide can help prevent this. It prevents nausea and vomiting quite effectively in some people. It can occasionally have unpleasant side-effects, particularly in children (in whom it is not recommended). Metoclopramide is often helpful for those who tend to have gastric reflux, those who have slow tummy emptying because of previous surgery, and those who have type 1 diabetes. Your GP will advise whether metoclopramide is suitable for you.

Domperidone

Domperidone , like metoclopramide, is sometimes used for sickness caused by slow tummy emptying. It is not usually recommended for motion sickness but is occasionally used if other treatments don't help. Domperidone is not a legal medicine in some countries, including the USA.

Ondansetron

Ondansetron is a powerful antisickness medicine which is most commonly used for sickness caused by chemotherapy, and occasionally used for morning sickness in pregnancy. It is not usually effective for motion sickness. This, and its relatively high cost means that it is not prescribed for motion sickness alone. However, for those undergoing chemotherapy, and for those who have morning sickness aggravated by travel, ondansetron may be helpful.

What should I do if I'm actually sick?

If you're actually sick you may find that this relieves your symptoms a little, although not always for very long. If you've been sick:

  • Try a cool flannel on your forehead, try to get fresh air on your face and do your best to find a way to rinse your mouth to get rid of the taste.
  • Don't drink anything for ten to twenty minutes (or it may come straight back), although (very) tiny sips of very cold water, coke or ginger ale may help.
  • After this, go back to taking all the prevention measures above.
  • Once you reach your destination you may continue to feel unwell. Sleep if you can, sip cold iced water, and - when you feel ready - try some small carbohydrate snacks. Avoid watching TV (more moving objects to watch!) until you feel a little better.

The sensation called 'mal de debarquement' (French for sickness on disembarking) refers to the sensation you sometimes get after travel on a boat, train or plane, when you feel for a while as though the ground is rocking beneath your feet. It is probably caused by the overstimulation of the balance organs during your journey. It usually lasts only an hour or two, but in some people it can last for several days, particularly after a long sea journey. It does not usually require any treatment.

Persistent mal de debarquement syndrome is an uncommon condition in which these symptoms may persist for months or years.

Dr Mary Lowth is an author or the original author of this leaflet.

Altitude Sickness

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Further reading and references

Leung AK, Hon KL ; Motion sickness: an overview. Drugs Context. 2019 Dec 138:2019-9-4. doi: 10.7573/dic.2019-9-4. eCollection 2019.

Spinks A, Wasiak J ; Scopolamine (hyoscine) for preventing and treating motion sickness. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011 Jun 15(6):CD002851.

Zhang LL, Wang JQ, Qi RR, et al ; Motion Sickness: Current Knowledge and Recent Advance. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2016 Jan22(1):15-24. doi: 10.1111/cns.12468. Epub 2015 Oct 9.

Lackner JR ; Motion sickness: more than nausea and vomiting. Exp Brain Res. 2014 Aug232(8):2493-510. doi: 10.1007/s00221-014-4008-8. Epub 2014 Jun 25.

Van Ombergen A, Van Rompaey V, Maes LK, et al ; Mal de debarquement syndrome: a systematic review. J Neurol. 2016 May263(5):843-854. doi: 10.1007/s00415-015-7962-6. Epub 2015 Nov 11.

Related Information

  • Hyoscine for travel sickness (Joy Rides, Kwells, Scopoderm)
  • Scopolamine skin patch for nausea (Transderm Scop)
  • Nausea Medicine
  • Cyclizine for sickness (nausea)
  • Promethazine (Avomine, Phenergan, Sominex)

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For about the past 2 years I have suffered from a sudden feeling of visual imbalance or cross-eyed sensation (although not actually cross-eyed)! This in turn causes a type of vertigo involving loss... katewarn39

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions .

10% of travelers have had their medicines confiscated. Here's how you can avoid it.

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It’s always a good idea for passengers to keep medicine in their carry-on bag, but even that doesn’t guarantee they’ll get to their final destination with all their prescriptions.

According to a January survey of 1,245 Americans from BuzzRx , a prescription discounting service, one in 10 Americans have had their medicine confiscated while traveling, either by the Transportation Security Administration or by border officers abroad.

“Before traveling, it’s imperative to research the destination, especially if traveling internationally, about what their medication requirements are,” Ricardo Rodriguez, a member of BuzzRx’s data team, told USA TODAY. 

Rodriguez explained that some U.S. medications are not approved in other countries, which could make traveling with them complicated. “Discussing the issue with your provider will probably be the best thing to do.”

Medicine is almost equally likely to be confiscated on domestic trips, with 41% of respondents saying it has happened to them, as on international trips, with  44% of respondents saying they’d experienced it.

Planes carry medical kits. Here's why you may not rely on them in an emergency.

For domestic trips, the TSA recommends keeping your prescriptions in their original, marked containers. TSA regulations allow travelers to bring more than 3.4 ounces, the usual limit for liquids, if their medicine comes in liquid form.

Data from BuzzRx shows that one in nine travelers have had to cancel their trip after having medicine confiscated at the airport, and one in six have been able to replace their meds but had to pay full price for the prescription.

More than 50% of the respondents to BuzzRx’s survey said having their medicine increased their stress and anxiety around a trip, and 18% said it forced them to cancel some trip activities.

Anxiety medication was the most common type to be confiscated, followed by sleep aids and over-the-counter remedies.

Rodriguez said travelers should reach out to their doctor to see about getting confiscated medicine replaced, or consider seeking help from a consulate or embassy if the issue happens abroad.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected]

Motion sickness

Motion sickness is feeling dizzy, or feeling or being sick when travelling by car, boat, plane or train. You can do things to prevent it or relieve the symptoms.

Check if you have motion sickness

Symptoms of motion sickness may include:

  • feeling sick (nausea)
  • feeling cold and going pale

How to ease motion sickness yourself

Do reduce motion – sit in the front of a car or in the middle of a boat look straight ahead at a fixed point, such as the horizon breathe fresh air if possible – for example, by opening a car window close your eyes and breathe slowly while focusing on your breathing distract children by talking, listening to music or singing songs break up long journeys to get some fresh air, drink water or take a walk try ginger, which you can take as a tablet, biscuit or tea don’t.

do not read, watch films or use electronic devices

do not look at moving objects, such as passing cars or rolling waves

do not eat heavy meals, spicy foods or drink alcohol shortly before or during travel

do not go on fairground rides if they make you feel unwell

A pharmacist can help with motion sickness

You can buy remedies from pharmacies to help prevent motion sickness, including:

  • tablets – dissolvable tablets are available for children
  • patches – can be used by adults and children over 10
  • acupressure bands – these do not work for everyone

A pharmacist will be able to recommend the best treatment for you or your child.

Causes of motion sickness

Motion sickness is caused by repeated movements when travelling, like going over bumps in a car or moving up and down in a boat, plane or train.

The inner ear sends different signals to your brain from those your eyes are seeing. These confusing messages cause you to feel unwell.

Page last reviewed: 19 June 2023 Next review due: 19 June 2026

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  8. Meclizine (Oral Route) Description and Brand Names

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  17. Antiemetic Medicines: OTC Relief for Nausea and Vomiting

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  20. Motion Sickness (Travel Sickness): Prevention and Treatment

    Hyoscine is usually the most effective medicine for motion sickness. It is also known as scopolamine. It works by preventing the confusing nerve messages going to your brain. There are several brands of medicines which contain hyoscine - they also come in a soluble form for children.

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  24. Motion sickness

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