Experiences with

Motion sickness

Check if you have motion sickness

Symptoms of motion sickness may include:

  • dizziness
  • feeling sick (nausea)
  • being sick
  • headache
  • feeling cold and going pale
  • sweating

How to ease motion sickness yourself

  • reduce motion – sit in the front of a car or in the middle of a boat

  • look straight ahead at a fixed point, such as the horizon

  • breathe fresh air if possible – for example, by opening a car window

  • close your eyes and breathe slowly while focusing on your breathing

  • distract children by talking, listening to music or singing songs

  • break up long journeys to get some fresh air, drink water or take a walk

  • try ginger, which you can take as a tablet, biscuit or tea

  • do not read, watch films or use electronic devices

  • do not look at moving objects, such as passing cars or rolling waves

  • do not eat heavy meals, spicy foods or drink alcohol shortly before or during travel

  • do not go on fairground rides if they make you feel unwell

A pharmacist can help with motion sickness

You can buy remedies from pharmacies to help prevent motion sickness, including:

  • tablets – dissolvable tablets are available for children
  • patches – can be used by adults and children over 10
  • acupressure bands – these do not work for everyone

A pharmacist will be able to recommend the best treatment for you or your child.

Causes of motion sickness

Motion sickness is caused by repeated movements when travelling, like going over bumps in a car or moving up and down in a boat, plane or train.

The inner ear sends different signals to your brain from those your eyes are seeing. These confusing messages cause you to feel unwell.

SymptomsSelf-careMedical treatmentsCauses

The main symptoms of motion sickness are feeling dizzy, or feeling or being sick. You may also have a headache, feel cold or sweat.

You can try to ease motion sickness by avoiding things that make it worse, including reading. Fresh air and breaking up long journeys can also help.

A pharmacist may recommend tablets, patches or acupressure bands to help with motion sickness.

Repeated movements when travelling can cause motion sickness, such as travelling by car, boat, plane or train.

Related links

Motion sickness

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201 public posts

Treadmill dizziness / motion sickness?

I suspect it’s a kind of motion sickness. Any advice welcome! thanks.
-Alchemist- profile image
-Alchemist-
in Couch to 5K

Motion Sickness

I'm trying to be prepared for anything so I asked my doctor about medications for motion sickness. He said I would not be able to use the patch that is worn behind the ear because it can cause irregular heartbeats so he suggested dramamine.
JudyMarieC profile image

Scopolamine

I have developed adult onset motion sickness. I vomit every time I get into the car. No matter how long or how short the trip. I now have in my possession oral scopolamine (works faster than the patches). I searched the archives and could find no mention of this drug.
Whippetmama profile image
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Nausea: is this gastroparesis, meds or something else?

However after 9 months of doing pretty well I've developed almost constant nausea (lots of burping, sort of motion sickness and that lump in your throat when you feel like you might be sick) for the past 5 weeks. I'm wondering if anyone else has this and how they have dealt with it?
Jefferami profile image

can’t pull it together

I do have all of the motion sickness medicines and remedies (Dramamine, patches, bands). I also have some Zofran for nausea. I am so exhausted from all this anxiety and I just want to dleeep. I’ve been struggling to eat and all I’ve had today is a muffin.
Daisy425 profile image

KWELLS - ok with other meds?

Am I ok to take Kwells for motion sickness? Only to take 1 or max 2 during the day, and only talking one day every 6-8 weeks. Kwells has always worked in the past whilst other (different chemical make-up) don't. Sea-bands don't help either.
guinness1759 profile image

~Am I really?

I feel like I am on a continuous boat journey with motion sickness. what can i do. my writing is terrible and my typing is getting worse and worse. Do I really have PSP?
rocklady73 profile image

overwhelmed

I’m scared about norovirus and motion sickness
Daisy425 profile image

Fibromyalgia Difficulty Breathing

I was having trouble breathing and feeling motion sickness in the pool. I did feel some pain go away after an hour at least. When I got out my body was so heavy I nearly buckled. I recently lost 30 pounds. Actually, it's taken me a couple years. I think I've lost more.
Tjoceans profile image

update/limited wifi

I took my motion sickness medicine. If you know me my biggest fear is throwing up. I actually threw up. It was a tough day. Today it is WAY more calm. I feel the boat moving still but I honestly think it’s in my head from yesterday. Despite all of this I have been eating and keeping busy.
Daisy425 profile image

Over reactive 1st Obin Treatment.

First dose of 100 mcg July 8th and 900 mcg July 9th. After treatment never came back to feeling 90-100%. This past Tuesday returned for round 2. Never made it out of blood draw room due to high heart rate. Got admitted and higher than normal heart rate 120-130. Blood pressure dropped 89/40. Extreme
DAmen profile image
DAmen
in CLL Support

MY REMEDIES FOR MY RLS

I haven't been on this site very often in the past few months... work, life and other things going on but mostly because I finally settled in and started 100 mg of Gabapentin at night and this has helped tremendously. I know 300 mg is the start dosage but 100 mg takes care of 90% of my night symptoms
Reb0013 profile image

Vestibular Migraine/ PPPD Or Something Else

I have no tinnitus, no spinning, no nausea, no history of motion sickness. I do have occasional hyperacusis in right ear only. My issue is the balance, sitting or laying down I'm fine, the issue only presents on walking or moving about.
Sparklingsunshine profile image

Can change in my levothyroxin tablet product or dose cause me dizziness,internal heat, feeling sick and missing my steps on the stairs.

I immediately started having motion sickness in the car with the new product. Later, each time I wake up in the morning and stands up to walk, I feel terribly dizzy, feel sick, feel hot inside and would want to faint unless I lay on the floor or lay back on bed for another 1hour.
Tosinfatbee profile image

Advice Please

Now I feel that I’ve constant motion sickness, does anyone else have the same problem? Any tips on how to manage gratefully received.
Lilielost profile image
Lilielost
in Ataxia UK

OTC pain meds

Dr has me on a combination of Tylenol and Motrin for a broken bone. Worried about side effects on the kidneys.
MinivanMom profile image

Prevention of Motion Sickness

What medications can someone with RLS take to prevent motion sickness?
Jumpinglegs profile image

Kwells / Hyoscine Hydrobromide contraindication

Does anyone happen to know why those with thyroid problems or heart conditions and those over 60, (I have all three) should speak to their doctor before taking these for motion sickness. A pharmacist who was aware of my medical conditions suggested Kwells for me. Only just read the pil in full.
Aurealis profile image
Aurealis
in Thyroid UK

Major GCA Headache with 1/2mg taper

Hello, diagnosed late July 2022. I'm on TCZ (Actemra) and Prednisone. I've been tapering from 55mg August 2022 to 9mg currently. I was trying to go down 1mg per month, but when tapering just a half mg from 9 to 8.5mg, I got horrible unbearable headaches. Is it possible that I have to stay at 9mg longterm
potterylady profile image
potterylady
in PMRGCAuk

Not Tolerating Xtandi

I started Xtandi 11/30/22 on top of Orgovix when PSA was 29 . Late January23 PSA was down to 4.1 and i was tolerating it well i thought. I dont want to let the beast loose but dont want to kill myself either. Recently 4/7/23 had an issue with my neck and shoulder causing so much pain I could not turn
rick8637 profile image
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