![]() There are so many versions of Travacalm, it needs special mention. Non-sedating antihistamines such as Fexofenadine (e.g.Telfast), and Azatadine Maleate (e.g.“Zadine”) cannot get into the brain and have no effect on motion sickness.Zofran) is a commonly used drug for drug induced nausea, but is not effective for motion sickness. Other quality trials have shown no benefit. The only trial that showed effectiveness included just 7 subjects. Ginger is touted as a “traditional” anti motion sickness plant extract.Caffeine has a proven weak anti motion sickness effect.Hyoscine has a second scientific name Scopolamine.In high doses Hyoscine can, in some people, cause hallucinations, so it is recommended to try on dry land before using at sea. “Kwells,” “Travacalm HO”),Ĭommon side effects of these drugs include sedation, dry mouth and blurred vision. Taking it the night before diving can give protection the following day, even after the sedation has passed.Īnti Muscarinic drugs that have scientifically proven benefit are “Avomine”) is an antihistamine that has an anti motion sickness effect that lasts much longer then the sedation. Dimenhydrinate (which is found in Travacalm “original”).I have listed the generic (scientific) name and at least one brand name.Īnti-histamines that have scientifically proven benefit are The two main groups of anti- seasickness drugs are anti-histamines and anti muscarinic drugs. This explains the high incidence of people anecdotally claiming a certain drug or device works for them even though scientific studies show that it has no effect, and provides a great topic for a heated debate! The belief that they have been given something useful is sufficient to improve their motion sickness. Some studies show up to 20% of subjects cure their motion sickness even when they have been given a pill with no active ingredients. There is considerable variability in effectiveness, and side effects, so experimentation is necessary to find what works for you.Īdditionally there is a large placebo effect. Brand marketing is very confusing, so evidence based useful medications requires burrowing under the brand name and looking for the generic (scientific) name of the active ingredients. There are an enormous variety of medications claiming to help with seasickness, many of which are unproven. Moving to the back of the boat or lying down can sometimes decrease motion sickness dramatically. Minimize vertical acceleration, by changing posture or position in the boat in order to minimize vertical acceleration and deceleration.Close your eyes to remove the visual and motion discrepancy.Look out to the horizon to help the brain make sense of the perceived movement.Here are some evidence based (as against anecdotal) tips, and medication advice to minimize seasickness. This in part explains why the unusual movements on a boat induces nausea and vomiting. ![]() In the brain the vomiting centre and balance centre are adjacent. The word nausea is derived from the Greek word for “ship.” Such motion is rarely encountered in everyday life, so such movement is confusing to the brain. Motion sickness is almost exclusively caused by vertical movement, particularly negative acceleration such as what you feel when a lift starts down or going over a speed bump. Motion sickness occurs when we detect motion that is unusual or where the input from the above receptors does not agree. Motion detection relies on integration of touch and pressure, what our eyes perceive, and signals from the balance organ in our middle ear. This constitutes general advice only and does not replace individual medical or pharmacist advice. ![]() Ben Wishaw is a platinum diver and owner of Twin Waters Pharmacy and Ken Wishaw is a platinum diver and retired medical specialist. ![]()
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