Thread: Motion sickness what do most people take...

Hi,

I am going on my first cruise in July. I have been reading and collecting so much info on this message board, but I have a question on Motion Sickness medication. I tried taking NON DROWSY Bonine and I was drowsy for 2 days, this is normal for me to react like that to non drowsy OTC medicines, I really want to be awake for my cruise so what are my other options. I do have an appt with my Dr 2 weeks before I go and I was going to ask for a RX for the Patch. What do most people use for motion sickness, I know I will be sick and I want to be prepared before I even get on the boat. Also, does the Patch cause drowsiness, I know they say you shouldn't drink while using the patch but would 1-2 drinks hurt? I am not a big drinker but I do like the occassional Pina Colada. I know I am the type that would get motion sickness as I got sick on a bus ride going to my resort in Jamaica with all the windy roads and the crazy driving, I also got sick on a glass bottom boat. Any info would be appreciated. THis board is so full of information I am going to be so prepared. I enjoyed reading the list of "must takes" but with the luggage restriction now how are you suppose to take all that stuff and meet the luggage requirements? There are alot on the list I would like to take but I don't think it will all fit in my suitcase and I really would like to wear clothes during my trip so some things I will have to do without. The 2 way radios is a good idea especially if you are going with a group.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Sue

Hey Sue

It's good to be prepared! About that "list"......you pick and choose what would be appropriate for you on this particular cruise. Some of those suggestions would be good for Alaska and some for a warmer climate.......and some are not necessarary at all for the average cruiser. It is a great list to look at to remind you of those things you really don't want to leave behind, such as documents.

Yes, the patch could cause you to be drowsey. It is a narcotic--- they contain scopolamine which causes the following side effects:
dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, blurry vision, disorientation,confusion. If you have side effects take off the patch and they will diminsh within hours. Alcohol should not be used while wearing the patch because it can interact with the narcotic and increase the potency. Your doctor would the be best person to give you all the details on how the patch might effect you.

Ginger has been used as well as the sea bands on the wrist. Results vary person to person. Some folks are very sensitive to all types motion while others are sensitive to certain kinds of motion...like the up and down or side to side motion of a ship. Good luck on finding the right remedy for you!

Have a great cruise!

I am the world's worst seasick person. I can get sick in 1 foot seas (seriously) so I always were the scopolamine patch while sailing. I'm not a big drinking but like to have maybe one drink per day and doing so while wearing the patch has not been a problem. Thankfully, I've never been sick on a cruise and I've been in very rough seas (during hurricane season....skirting a hurricane). That said, my husband just takes Bonine and has never had a problem.

Have a fabulous cruise!!

I use Bonine. I also have vertigo, and mecliuzine, which is Bonine works for me, 1 pill a day, starting the day before the cruise. Drinking does make you feel themeds more, so if you have to d rink do it in the evening when you can go to bed and sleep it off!

We use Bonine also, my daughter used the patch once and had all the symptoms listed above!! Now she only uses bonine, she drinks and it hasn't bothered her yet!!

My wife and daughter have used the Sea Bands with great success.
They have even been effective in making them feel better after they have felt ill.

We have been in some very rough seas and so far neither of us has ever gotten sick and we don't take anything either.

One thing to keep in mind -- always eat bread or crackers -- keep something light in your stomach. Do not eat greasy food. Some people also eat green apples.

I use Ginger Tablets (starting 2 days before I board) and Zantac 150. Strange an anti acid/heartburn med but hey it works.

My mom has "turned green" on cruises. She uses the patch and gets loopy & drowsy everytime. She rarely drinks an adult beverage too.

Have you ever seen that show Myth Busters? They did a show on motion sickness and it was very interesting. They designed a chair to cause a person to get seasick. The two guys they used for the experiment got seasick at the drop of the hat. They tried all the usual items from the over-the-counter drugs to prescription pills, the wristband, a placebo, and even shock therapy. Nothing worked for their human guinea pigs except for ginger pills.

At least this is a very inexpensive alternative that seems to work for alot of people.

Of course, as with just about everything, what works for one may not work for you and vice versa. I've heard some people say the wristbands work for them, while others have said they are totally worthless.

The trick is to find what works best for you.

Most of all, make sure your cabin is as low as possible on the ship and as close to the middle as possible; this will definitely help.

Pete

Thanks for all the great tips on motion sickness. I think I might get the wristbands and some ginger tablets, I will also talk with my doc about the patch but if she says it may cause drowsiness I will probably stay away from it. I did see the wristbands at Walmart and I wasn't sure if they would work, but I realize what works for one person might not always work for another. I will remember to keep something in my stomach at all times, I am sure that won't be hard as I always gain 10 pounds on vacations anyways. Thanks again for all the tips.
Sue