Motion Sickness
Symptoms
- Drowsiness
- Cold sweats
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pallor and fainting
- Motion sickness affects many people, particularly children
- Women are more commonly affected than men
Prevention
- Lying horizontally
- Keeping the head fixed with the eyes on the horizon
- Avoid reading while travelling
- Try distraction (e.g. games, toys, music)
- Avoid a stuffy or smoky atmosphere and the smell of food
Medication
An anti-emetic may help. Some anti-emetics are available "over the counter". A doctor's advice should be sought if the problem is severe.
| Drug Name | Adult Dose | Duration of Action |
|
Hyoscine patches may be useful for long journeys (e.g. at sea) in those over 10 years of age. they are normally applied to the skin every 3 days.
|
| Cyclizine (Valoid) |
50mg |
4 to 6 hrs |
| Hyoscine tablets (Scopolamine) |
0.3 - 0.6mg |
4 to 6 hrs |
| Promethazine (Avomine) |
25mg |
24 to 30 hrs |
| Meclizine (Sealegs) |
25mg |
6 to 12 hrs |
| Cinnarizine (Stugeron) |
30mg |
6 to 8 hrs |
| |