motion sickness remedies

[Guest guest]

Sally,

Here's some info on remedies. I have found some relief in eating dried ginger,

drinking coke for my tummy, and the acupressure wristbands. If your doctor will

prescribe it, I think the surest bet is the prescription Scopolamine skin

patches mentioned below. Sitting up front of the vehicle and keeping my gaze out

the window helps, too.

Prevention, Not Cure

Seasickness prevention remedies fall into four general categories: medications,

food and drink prescriptions, wrist bands, and behavior tips:

Medications

* Nonprescription medications include Dramamine and Bonine, both essentially

antihistamines. Their primary side effect is drowsiness, possibly even in their

" non-drowsy " versions. Both must be started 1 to 2 hours before getting on the

boat. These work for many people.

* Prescription Sturgeron is available in the UK and Australia but has not

been approved in the US (yet is available through international web pharmacies).

Sturgeron is claimed by many sailors to be more effective than Dramamine or

Bonine. The pill must be taken well before needed, and side effects also include

drowsiness.

* Prescription Scopolamine skin patches, positioned behind the ear, are

generally considered the most powerful and most effective anti-seasickness

medication. One patch lasts up to 72 hours. Side effects are also more

significant, including vision disturbances that may make it difficult or

impossible to read-a potential problem for anyone who must be able to read a

chart or plotter. Talk to your doctor if you have experienced seasickness in the

past and have found other remedies ineffective.

* While not exactly a medication, Motion Eaze is a blend of natural oils

that is dabbed behind the ear and is claimed by some to work well as an

anti-seasickness remedy.

Note: if you have a health condition or are taking other medications, talk to

your doctor before starting any new medication, to ensure the drugs do not

produce a negative interaction.

Food and Drink

* Ginger in any form has been widely praised as a preventive remedy. Sailors

chew crystalized ginger, nibble on ginger snaps, drink ginger ale or ginger tea,

and swallow ginger capsules. Although medical research does not strongly support

the use of ginger, many swear by its effectiveness.

* Soft drinks such as Coke and Pepsi are also said by some to help prevent

feelings of queasiness and mild seasickness.

* Food and drink to avoid include alcohol, heavy and greasy foods, and

strong spices. Plain crackers may be best if you begin to feel queasy.

Wrist Bands

* Wrist bands, such as Sea Bands, are a wrist band with a small plastic

bubble that puts pressure on a certain point at the wrist, said to be an

acupressure point to prevent seasickness. Some have found these very effective.

* Electric wrist bands, such as the adjustable Relief Band, are similar but

are said to work by providing a small electrical stimulation to the wrist.