Motion Sickness
Over the counter relief medications
Do you get nauseated when you ride a vehicle?
Motion sickness medications are primarily antihistamines that block the signals between the inner ear and the brain that trigger nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. When motion—like driving, flying, or being on a boat—confuses the balance centers in the inner ear, the brain receives mixed messages, leading to motion sickness.
These medications calm that response, but each one varies slightly in how quickly it starts working, how long it lasts, and how much drowsiness it causes. Some options are better for long trips, while others work well for short rides or sudden symptoms.
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Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine® Original)
Works within 30–60 minutes, making it a good option when you can plan ahead before travel. Its effects last 4–6 hours, so it may need to be repeated on longer trips. It causes moderate to strong drowsiness, and some people may also experience blurred vision, so it’s best for daytime trips, or only if you don’t need to stay fully alert.
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Meclizine (Bonine)® Less Drowsy)
Meclizine takes about 1 hour to start working but provides long-lasting protection—up to 24 hours. It causes less drowsiness than dimenhydrinate, making it more practical for daytime travel or long boat rides. Its long duration also makes it useful for vertigo or balance-related nausea.​
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Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®)​​
Diphenhydramine has a quick onset, usually within 20–30 minutes, which makes it effective for last-minute or unexpected motion sickness. Its duration is shorter, around 4–6 hours, but its very strong sedating effects often limit it to nighttime use or situations where sleeping during travel is acceptable
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Choose dimenhydrinate for shorter trips when you need quick relief.
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Use meclizine for longer travel days or when you want less drowsiness.
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Reserve diphenhydramine for bedtime travel since it causes significant sedation.
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Take doses 30–60 minutes before travel for best results.​
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