Patient education: Motion sickness (The Basics)

What is motion sickness? — 

This is a condition that causes nausea, dizziness, and other problems. It happens to people when they are on a boat, in a car, on a carnival ride, or playing a virtual reality or video game. It can also happen in other situations when something is moving them or when they are looking at something, like a screen, that is moving but their body is not.

What are the symptoms of motion sickness? — 

The symptoms include:

●Dizziness

●Nausea or vomiting

●Belching

●Making more saliva than usual

●Warmth

●Sweating

What can I do on my own to feel better? — 

You might feel better if you keep your eyes on the outside world while you are in motion. For example:

●If you are in a car, sit in the front and look in the direction you are moving.

●If you are on a boat, stay on the deck and look to the horizon.

This helps make what you see match the movement you are feeling, and so you are less likely to feel sick.

You should also avoid:

●Reading

●Watching a movie

●Looking at things close to you that are inside the vehicle you are riding in

●Seats that face backward

Sometimes, lying on your back can ease motion sickness.

How is motion sickness treated? — 

There are a number of medicines that can help prevent and treat motion sickness. In general, they work best if you take them before symptoms start. Many have the drawback of making you feel sleepy.

Non-prescription (over-the-counter) medicines include:

●Dimenhydrinate (sample brand names: Dramamine, TripTone)

●Meclizine (sample brand names: Antivert, Bonine)

●Diphenhydramine (sample brand name: Benadryl)

The most common prescription medicines include:

●Scopolamine patch (brand names: Scopace, Transderm Scop) – This patch can stay on your skin for 3 days.

●Promethazine (sample brand names: Phenadoz, Promethegan)

Other treatments for motion sickness include ginger (such as ginger candy) and acupressure.

Can motion sickness be prevented? — 

Yes. The same medicines used to treat motion sickness can also prevent it. You can buy some of these medicines without a prescription.

What if I am pregnant? — 

Pregnant people are much more likely than other people to get motion sickness. Luckily, there are medicines that pregnant people can safely take to prevent and treat the condition. Ask your doctor which medicines are safe for you and your baby.

When should I call the doctor? — 

Call your doctor or nurse if you know that you get motion sickness and you need to be on a boat or in a car. They can help you figure out how to manage your motion sickness.

More on this topic

Patient education: Nausea and vomiting in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Nausea and vomiting in babies and children (The Basics)
Patient education: Morning sickness (The Basics)

Patient education: Nausea and vomiting in infants and children (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (Beyond the Basics)