How to Use Anti-Nausea Medications for Effective Motion Sickness Relief

Travel should be something that you enjoy; taking a road trip with friends or going on vacation with the family. However if you suffer from motion sickness, even a short trip can yield very unpleasant symptoms. Most of us know that the motion-sickness meds out there fall into various categories.
However, the better we understand what those categories are and how they’re best used, the more effective these anti nausea treatments can be. And, as a result, the more pleasant our travel experiences will hopefully be. With that in mind, here is a brief informational guide to learn more:
Different Types of Medications
Commonly used for all kinds of motion sickness, these medications come in several types. They include:
Antihistamines
Options available over the counter, such as dimenhydrinate and meclizine, work by obstructing the histamine receptors in the brain that set off nausea. They are most effective when taken 30 to 60 minutes prior to traveling.
Anticholinergics
Anticholinergics are prescription medications that prevent nausea and vomiting by blocking signals from the inner ear to the brain. An example is scopolamine, which comes as a patch and is applied a few hours before you need it, making it effective for long trips.
Dopamine Antagonists
Medications such as promethazine, used for severe nausea and available by prescription, are considered dopamine antagonists. These effective medications, however, may cause drowsiness.
Serotonin Antagonists
Ondansetron is usually prescribed for nausea caused by chemotherapy or surgery but can be used for motion sickness in some cases.
How to Use These Medications Effectively
Consult a Doctor
If you don’t get relief from over-the-counter anti nausea medications or have underlying health conditions, consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice. They can recommend prescription medications or adjust dosages of what you’ve already tried to help you find relief.
Select the Appropriate Medicine
Your selection should be based on how serious your symptoms are, how long you plan to be traveling, and your personal tolerances. For mild and moderate motion sickness, antihistamines are often all that is needed.
Timing is Key
Nausea treatments work best when taken before they are needed. Antihistamines should be taken at least 30 minutes before you travel, but you should apply a scopolamine patch for 4-6 hours before you travel to get the full effect.
Know the Side Effects
You might feel drowsy, have a dry mouth, or be dizzy. Don’t drink alcohol or take other sedatives while using these drugs. They’ll make the common side effects even more pronounced.
Precautions When Using Medications
Although most nausea medicines are by and large considered safe, certain groups (like pregnant women, children, and older adults) might require special considerations. Pregnant women, for instance, are often given meclizine as it has been shown to be safe for them and the baby.
In any case, if you find yourself in one of these groups, definitely touch base with a health care provider before taking any of these meds.
Alleviating Your Symptoms with Anti Nausea Medications
Medications used to combat nausea can work very well for alleviating the symptoms of motion sickness – when they’re taken in the right way. Once you have found the right kind of motion sickness medication for you, remember to always follow the prescribed dosing instructions and always consult with a doctor for prescription strength treatments.