Motion sickness is a common condition that can cause symptoms ranging from mild nausea to dizziness, sweating, and vomiting. If you are experiencing motion sickness, there are several things you can do to help relieve your symptoms:
Immediate relief:
- Look out to the horizon: Changing positions or distracting yourself when you first notice motion sickness may help ease your symptoms before they become severe. Looking out to the horizon can help.
- Control your head movements: If you’re in a car, leaning your head against your headrest may help by lessening your head movements.
- Get some air: You may find that opening a window or going outdoors may help with motion sickness. If the weather or your mode of travel doesn’t permit, turn the air vents toward you or consider using a fan to blow air on your face.
- Nibble on crackers: Eating dry crackers and carbonated sodas (such as ginger ale) may help some people avoid nausea.
Long-term solutions:
- Antihistamines: Antihistamines are the most commonly used medications for motion sickness, and they’re available in any drug store and in many supermarkets. Cyclizine (Marezine) and dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) are two major ones. Meclizine (Bonine) is another option.
- Scopolamine: Scopolamine is a prescription medication that comes in patch form to put behind your ear 6 to 8 hours before travel. If the patch is left in place, effects last up to 3 days.
- Promethazine: Promethazine is another medication that can be taken 2 hours before travel. The effects last 6 to 12 hours.
- Herbs: Some herbs, such as ginger and peppermint, may provide some relief for motion sickness.
- Diet and drink: Drinking plenty of water and avoiding spicy, greasy, or fatty meals may help reduce symptoms.
Its important to note that before starting any new medication or supplement, you should check with a doctor. Some may interact with your current medication or underlying conditions.
