Travel sickness
Medication
More severe motion sickness can be treated with medication. It's usually better to take medication for motion sickness before your journey to prevent symptoms developing.
Hyoscine
Hyoscine , also known as scopolamine, is widely used to treat motion sickness. It's thought to work by blocking some of the nerve signals sent from the vestibular system.
Hyoscine is available over the counter from pharmacists. To be effective, you'll need to take it before travelling. If you're going on a long journey for example, by sea hyoscine patches can be applied to your skin every three days.
Common side effects of hyoscine include drowsiness, blurred vision and dizziness. As hyoscine can cause drowsiness, avoid taking itif you're planning to drive.
Hyoscine should also be used with caution in children, the elderly, and if you have certain conditions such as epilepsy or a history of heart, kidney or liver problems.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are used to treat symptoms of allergies , but can also help to control nausea and vomiting. Theyre less effective at treating motion sickness than hyoscine, but may cause fewer side effects.
Theyre usually taken as tablets one or two hours before your journey. If it's a long journey, you may need to take a dose every eight hours.Like hyoscine, some antihistamines can cause drowsiness. Your pharmacistcan advise you.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Motion sickness is a term that describes an unpleasant combination of symptoms, such as dizziness, nausea and vomiting, that can occur when you're travelling.
When to seek medical advice
It's only necessary to seek medical advice about motion sickness if your symptoms continue after you stop travelling. Your GP will be able to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms, such as a
What causes motion sickness?
Motion sickness is usually associated with travelling in a car, ship, plane or train. However, you can also get it on fairground rides and while watching or playing fast-paced films or computer games.
Treating motion sickness
Mild symptoms of motion sickness can usually be improved using techniques such as fixing your eyes on the horizon or distracting yourself by listening to music. Other self care techniques you could t
Medication
More severe motion sickness can be treated with medication. It's usually better to take medication for motion sickness before your journey to prevent symptoms developing. Hyoscine Hyoscine , also k
Complementary therapies
Several complementary therapies have been suggested for motion sickness, although the evidence for their effectiveness is mixed. Ginger Ginger supplements, or other ginger products including ginger
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