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Available over the counter options
|
|
Antihistamines – helps to treat motion sickness
dimenhydrinate -
diphenhydramine
chlorpheniramine
meclizine – less sedating
cyclizine
|
|
Additional drugs
|
|
Anticholinergics – helps to prevent motion sickness
Scopolamine - transdermal patch applied
every 72 hours
Antidopaminergics
Promethazine
Metoclopramide
Sympathomimetics
Pseudoephedrine
|
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Counseling points
|
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·
Antihistamines also have
anticholinergic side effects
o
sedation, blurred vision, mouth dryness
o
confusion and urinary
retention in the elderly
·
Non-sedating antihistamines are not
effective for motion sickness
·
Cognition - best to worst
- meclizine, scopolamine, promethazine, lorazepam
·
Pregnancy - antihistamines
(meclizine, diphenhydramine, and dimenhydrinate),
and prochlorperazine, are category C
·
If traveling – sit in front seat
facing forward, look out the window, and not read a book or watch a movie
·
Avoid rapid changes in position and rapid head
motion
·
Decrease use of products that impair circulation,
e.g., tobacco, alcohol, caffeine, and salt
·
Get enough fluids
·
Treat infections, including ear infections,
colds, flu, sinus congestion, and other respiratory infections
·
Avoid strong odors and spicy or greasy foods
immediately before and during your travel
·
Talk to your doctor about medications
Contraindications
·
Asthma
·
glaucoma
·
urine retention
Call 911 or go
to an emergency room if you experience:
·
Dizziness after a head injury
·
Fever over 101°F, headache, or very stiff neck
·
Convulsions or ongoing vomiting
·
Chest pain
·
Heart palpitations
·
Shortness of breath
·
Weakness
·
Severe headache
·
Inability to move an arm or leg
·
Change in vision or speech
·
Fainting and/or loss of consciousness
|
Emily W. Lankau. Motion Sickness. Available at: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2014/chapter-2-the-pre-travel-consultation/motion-sickness
