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Motion Sickness Treatments and Medications
Key takeaways
The most common treatments for motion sickness are antihistamines and anticholinergics.
Over-the-counter medicine for motion sickness includes antihistamines such as meclizine and diphenhydramine.
Natural remedies for motion sickness may include drinking carbonated beverages, sucking on ginger candy, and wearing acupressure wristbands.
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:
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
| Drug name | See SingleCare price |
|---|---|
| Dramamine | Get free coupon |
| Meclizine | Get free coupon |
| Bonine | Get free coupon |
| Promethegan | Get free coupon |
| Promethazine | Get free coupon |
| Transderm Scop | Get free coupon |
| Scopolamine | Get free coupon |
| Ondansetron | Get free coupon |
| Zofran | Get free coupon |
This is not an exhaustive list of motion sickness medications. Always ask your healthcare provider for the best treatment for motion sickness based on your health condition and medical history.
Common side effects of motion sickness medicine
“With any medication taken, there is always a risk of potential side effects,” says Kristamarie Collman, MD, board-certified Family Medicine physician in Charlottesville, VA. “Although typically well-tolerated, possible side effects for both scopolamine and antihistamines may include sleepiness, dry mouth, blurry vision, or even skin irritation from the patch,” says Dr. Collman. It is important to note that this is not an extensive list of all possible adverse reactions to motion sickness medicines. Speak with a healthcare professional for a complete list of potential side effects and drug interactions.
Home remedies for motion sickness
For those in search of natural alternatives to medications, there are many options people find useful in soothing their symptoms. These alternative treatments include home remedies, natural approaches, and lifestyle adjustments you can try before traveling. Some of the best motion sickness remedies include:
Drinking carbonated beverages like ginger ale
Sucking on hard ginger candies
Drinking chamomile tea
Wearing acupressure wristbands
Riding in the front seat of the car to soothe car sickness
Getting adequate rest before travel
Hydrating before travel by drinking plenty of water (and avoiding alcohol and caffeine)
Additionally, there are some helpful techniques people use to cope with the condition and avoid feeling sick while traveling. “Most people who are prone to motion sickness can take preventative measures by not reading or staring at a screen when in motion, or trying to choose a seat where the motion is the least. It may also be helpful to sit near an area with ventilation for access to fresh air,” Dr. Collman says.
Expert takeaway
"Motion sickness, or even anticipating motion sickness, can ruin a vacation. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about ways to prevent and manage symptoms," says Karen Berger, Pharm.D., member of the SingleCare Medical Review Board.
FAQs about motion sickness
Can motion sickness be cured?
Motion sickness cannot be cured, but you can treat your condition with medications and remedies to prevent and alleviate symptoms of motion sickness.
What is the best pill for motion sickness?
Dramamine is a well-known and effective antihistamine in pill form that can treat motion sickness. It comes in several forms, including a non-drowsy formulation (meclizine). You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist which medicine is best for you.
What's the best non-drowsy motion sickness medicine?
Dramamine is available in a less-drowsy form, which contains the ingredient meclizine. However, meclizine may still cause mild drowsiness in some people.
What are the side effects of motion sickness pills?
The main side effects of motion sickness pills that people report are dry mouth, drowsiness, and blurred vision.
Where can I get motion sickness pills?
Motion sickness pills are available over the counter and by prescription. Consult your healthcare provider for more information and medical advice.
Sources
Motion sickness, MedlinePlus (2024)
Motion sickness, Cleveland Clinic (2024)
Motion sickness, Merck Manual (2025)
Motion sickness, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022)
Remedies for motion sickness: What works?, Harvard Health (2026)
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