Motion Sickness Treatments and Medications

Motion sickness is an illness that occurs while traveling by car, plane, train, or boat. Common motion sickness symptoms include nausea, dizziness, cold sweats, and vomiting. A disturbance of the inner ear and the conflict between perceived and real motion cause the discomfort. Fortunately, there are medications specifically designed to help prevent that feeling of unease that comes with motion sickness.  

How is motion sickness diagnosed?

Many people learn to adjust to motion sickness and treat it themselves with home remedies. Others may be interested in seeing a healthcare provider for a diagnosis and prescribed treatment method. 

If you regularly experience nausea while traveling, your primary care provider (PCP) can help you identify if what you’re experiencing is a case of motion sickness. Then, they can create a treatment plan with you. For more specialized treatment, your healthcare provider may refer you to an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist or ENT).

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and search for the causes of the ill-feeling you experience while traveling. They may ask you about which travel methods typically cause you to experience motion sickness and how severe the symptoms are. It is uncommon to need laboratory tests or imaging for a motion sickness diagnosis. 

Motion sickness treatment options

After receiving a diagnosis for motion sickness, your healthcare provider will discuss all of your treatment options with you, taking into account your medical history and other medical conditions you have. There are both over-the-counter and prescription medications that may help with motion sickness symptoms. Keep in mind there is no cure for motion sickness, but these treatment options can help reduce or prevent your symptoms.

Types of motion sickness medicine

Antihistamines and anticholinergic drugs are the most common types of medications used for symptomatic treatment. Taking anti-nausea (antiemetic) medication before traveling can also help reduce your risk of feeling sick. 

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are the most common type of medication for motion sickness. Common antihistamines include: 

• Dramamine (dimenhydrinate)

• Antivert, Bonine, Dramamine Less Drowsy (meclizine)

• Promethegan (promethazine)

• Benadryl (diphenhydramine)

These come in the forms of oral pills, liquids, or rectal suppositories. The potential adverse effects of antihistamines include drowsiness, dry mouth, and blurred vision, but many find relief with these medications.

Both prescription and over-the-counter antihistamines are available to treat motion sickness. The sedating effects of antihistamines are part of what makes them an effective treatment method. Non-drowsy antihistamines, such as Allegra (fexofenadine) or Zyrtec (cetirizine), may not be as effective at reducing your symptoms.

Anticholinergics

Anticholinergics work by blocking a chemical messenger called acetylcholine. The most common anticholinergic used for motion sickness treatment is the scopolamine patch. Scopolamine is a patch that you place behind your ear at least four hours before traveling and can leave on for up to three days. The transdermal system reduces nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms of motion sickness. Common side effects of scopolamine include dry mouth, drowsiness, and blurred vision. 

Over-the-counter motion sickness medicine

You can find motion sickness medicine over the counter. There are various antihistamines available for motion sickness. However, it’s important to check the ingredients, because there are various formulations, and some may cause more drowsiness than others. For example, Dramamine contains the active ingredient dimenhydrinate, but Dramamine Less Drowsy contains the active ingredient meclizine. Your pharmacist can help you pick an OTC product that is suitable for your needs.

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Best medications for motion sickness