What is motion sickness?
Travel sickness happens when your body gets confused while traveling. Your brain then receives different signals: your eyes see something different from what your balance organ senses. This causes symptoms such as:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Cold sweats
- Breaking up
Travel sickness often occurs in the car, bus, boat or plane. Children between the ages of 2 and 10 are more likely to suffer from it. Some people remain susceptible to it even as adults.
How can you prevent motion sickness?
With a few simple tips, you can often reduce motion sickness:
- Eat something light before departure, preferring no fatty or heavy food.
- Look at the horizon or ahead, not at your phone or book.
- Make sure you have fresh air. For example, open a window.
- Sit in a quiet place, such as in the front of the car or in the middle of a boat.
- Choke on gum or listen to music to be distracting.
Do these tips not work enough? Then you can opt for medication or a natural remedy such as ginger.
What medications help with motion sickness?
There are several medications that work well for motion sickness. Below are the options we can discuss:
Primatour contains two substances: cinnarizine and chlorocyclizine. It helps against nausea and dizziness. You take it 30 minutes before departure. It works 6 to 8 hours.
Primatour can make you drowsy. Therefore do not drive a car.
Suitable for: adults and children over 2 years of age (pay attention to the dosage).
Do not use during pregnancy or lactation.
This is a known active substance against motion sickness. You can use it alone or in combination with other substances. Works after 30 minutes and up to 8 hours.
Side effects: drowsiness, dry mouth. Note: this type of medication has a slight to moderate negative impact on driving ability. The influence on road safety can be compared to a blood alcohol level of 0.5 to 0.8 g/l (0.5-0.8‰)!
Meclozine works a little longer (up to 12 hours) and often produces less drowsiness than cinnarizine. Do not drive for the first few days! Use daily.
Suitable for: adults and children 6 years of age and older.
Cyclizine may be used during pregnancy (only on doctor's or pharmacist's advice).
Cyclizine also works against nausea. It is used somewhat less frequently.
Please note that it may make you drowsy. Do not use in children under 6 years.
This is a patch that you stick behind your ear. It works up to 3 days.
Suitable for: adults 18 years and older.
Note: this patch may cause drowsiness, dry mouth and confusion. Not suitable for driving.
Does ginger help with motion sickness?
Yes, ginger can help with motion sickness. Scientific research shows that ginger calms the stomach and can reduce nausea. It is a natural remedy and usually does not cause drowsiness.
You can take ginger in different forms:
- Ginger capsules
- Ginger tea
- Ginger candies or cookies
Ginger works best if you take it before travel. So start taking it on time.
Please note that ginger is safe, but may affect other medications, such as blood thinners. Are you on medication or pregnant? If so, consult with us first!
Sources: Healthline, PubMed, Ubie Health, The National Thrombosis Service, Orthomolecular Education Foundation.
What does the pharmacy do for you?
At the pharmacy we are happy to help you prevent symptoms of motion sickness. We:
- Advise which drug is best for your situation
- Tell you how to use the drug safely
- Explain what the side effects are
- Check to see if the drug goes with other medications
- Give advice in case of pregnancy or children
Doubting between medicine and ginger? Let us know, we are happy to advise.
Please feel free to visit us or contact us.
