Options like dimenhydrinate (50 mg every 4–6 hours) or meclizine (25–50 mg once daily), taken before travel, suppress nausea signals. For longer-lasting relief, prescription scopolamine transdermal patches applied behind the ear 4 hours before travel provide up to 3 days of protection and are considered highly effective.
January 10, 2025

Motion Sickness Prevention

Evidence-Based Over-the-Counter Guide

William Shen

William Shen

Co-founder & CPO

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Motion sickness occurs due to conflicting sensory signals sent to the brain during motion. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and sweating.

Over-the-counter recommendations:

  • Dimenhydrinate: Suppresses nauseous signals. Oral dose of 50 mg every 4–6 hours, starting 30–60 minutes before travel. May cause drowsiness. Dramamine Original Tablets (FDA M009).

  • Meclizine: Suppresses nauseous signals. Oral dose of 25–50 mg once daily, starting 1 hour before travel. Dramamine Less Drowsy Tablets (FDA M009).

Prescription medications:

  • Scopolamine transdermal patch: Applied behind the ear 4 hours before travel, effective for up to 3 days. Considered the most effective agent.

Citation:

Sutton, M., Mounsey, A. L., & Russell, R. G. (2012). Treatment of motion sickness.

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