Feeling dizzy, nauseous, or worse, vomiting due to motion or travel sickness can effectively ruin an otherwise enjoyable experience on holidays, a fishing trip or road trip.
The general theory behind motion sickness is a mismatch of messages between our body’s balance centre and the brain.
Are there any tricks to help with travel sickness?
There are a few tricks that may help to prevent or reduce the effects of motion sickness such as:
- Looking at a fixed object in the distance. Eg. If on a boat, look at the horizon or a stationary landmark
- Position yourself where you will experience the least motion, such as over the wings in an aeroplane or in the centre of a boat.
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before travelling and during the trip.
- Make sure you have plenty of fresh air. Fumes or smoke can exacerbate symptoms.
- Eat and drink sparingly
- Try relaxation techniques to calm anxiety as this can worsen symptoms.
How can medications help travel sickness?
Medications like scopolamine can either settle the nerves of the body’s balance centre or soothe the brain’s vomiting centre.
As a transdermal gel, scopolamine can be applied to the thin skin on the wrist or behind the ear to enter the bloodstream directly rather than being absorbed via the gastrointestinal system.
It is best used 30 minutes prior to any movement as a preventative and to optimise its effects.
As with all medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other medications and to determine if this medicine is appropriate for you.