Avoiding air travel sickness without Dramamine/Dimenhydrinate or other drugs
My wife is very prone to motion sickness, especially on air flights. In the past we've handled this with Dramamine (Dimenhydrinate), which helped quite a bit.
Unfortunately, my wife's reaction to the Dramamine was invariably to fall into a deep, groggy sleep for the duration of the flight. This is her reaction to most antihistamines.
We're planning on taking a trip to Europe next year, and I'm concerned about the idea of essentially drugging her into unconsciousness for the duration of an extended overseas flight.
Is there any other recourse to prevent motion sickness that would be effective for a long haul (7+ hours) flight?
Best Answer
I know that you said you were looking for other ways besides pharmaceuticals, but I have a few recommendations as an ER nurse. Antivert (meclizine) is a drug that we commonly prescribe for motion sickness. That drug helps with the dizziness. Also, we give zofran (Ondansetron) can be taken for the nausea. Zofran is an oral dissolving tablet that, in my opinion, is the best drug for nausea and vomiting. Both of these drugs can be taken together and are non drowsy. I have taken them myself and have been able to drive and function as normal.
Have a fun time in Europe!
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What can I take instead of Dramamine?
What other medication options are there? Bonine (meclizine) is another option. In comparison to Dramamine, Bonine touts \u201cless drowsy\u201d formulations. This is mainly because Bonine is taken once a day and Dramamine is taken every four to six hours as needed.How do I stop travel sickness without tablets?
Tips for immediate reliefWhat drug is most likely prescribed to prevent motion sickness?
Scopolamine is most commonly used as a transdermal patch that is applied behind the ear for up to 72 hours, at which point it can be replaced. Transdermal scopolamine is the most effective pharmaceutical for the prevention and treatment of motion sickness.How do you get rid of motion sickness on a plane?
If you get motion sick or are afraid you might while flying, these tips can help.Dr. Oz's 3 Tips For Preventing Motion Sickness While Traveling In a Car
More answers regarding avoiding air travel sickness without Dramamine/Dimenhydrinate or other drugs
Answer 2
I take the "natural" version of Gravol which is derived from ginger. Straight ginger should do it as well. It's been pretty effective and is non-drowsy, although I've never taken it on a flight over 5 hours.
Answer 3
Try melatonin - it's sold in the vitamins/minerals area of pretty much any grocery or drug store.
This doesn't actually help with motion sickness, it just helps you sleep, but for a flight to Europe that is what you want - and most importantly, if she's asleep then she can't be nauseous.
I know you said the dromamine does this, but the problem is she feels groggy afterward. Unlike dromamine, melatonin is a substance that the body produces naturally (at night time) to make you sleepy, so it doesn't have the typical grogginess side effects of actual drugs or sleeping pills. Have her try taking one at home at night and see how she feels the next morning - if she's not groggy, it will be perfect. I always take melatonin on long overseas flights to make sure that I arrive at my destination well-rested and ready to do stuff! :)
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