| Hi everybody! I'm taking time
out from my soul searching to post up some info for you. Our Fearless Leader
Christy Cakes asked me to offer up my humble expert opinion about motion
sickness and how to deal with it. So, now that I've done the required procrastination,
here's the much anticipated post.
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First, because it's tradition for us medical
people, we'll start with some pathophysiology:
Motion sickness occurs when the brain receives conflicting information from the senses. The inner ear detects that the body is moving, but the eyes don't see the motion. The brain can't resolve the conflicting information, and starts freaking out. This causes a wide variety of symptoms, primarily nausea. Fortunately, the human body is very adaptable, and most people will generally adjust to the sensory input conflict. This is why motion sickness is most common in children under the age of 12; their brain has not had enough life experience to help it figure out why it is getting mixed signals. |
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| Before taking Anything: | If you have any of the following
conditions, do not take anything without first seeing your doctor. 1) Any breathing disorder, including asthma, chronic bronchitis or emphysema. 2) Glaucoma. 3) An enlarged prostate gland. 4) If you are taking any medication that has a sedative or tranquilizing effect, or are taking an antihistamine. If you are not sure, feel free to e-mail me about any specific drug or drugs, and I'll tell you if it could be a problem. 5) Children under 6 should see their pediatrician. 6) If you have a rare medical condition. As with medications, feel free to e-mail me if you are uncertain that your condition might affect your ability to take medications. Any e-mail will be kept confidential. If you do not have any of the above conditions, read on. |
| Symptoms: | Motion sickness generally manifests as nausea, but symptoms may include a general unwell feeling, restlessness, feeling flushed, cold sweats, headache, pallor, persistent yawning, drowsiness, belching or gas, excessive salivation, and in severe cases, vomiting. |
| Scopolamine patches: | The scopolamine patch (Transderm-scop) is a small circular patch that is applied behind your ear. Each patch delivers a continuous stream of medication for three days. The patch is the ideal option for those of you who get severely motion sick with even a slight bit of motion. It is only available by prescription, so go see your doctor or nurse practitioner. The downside to the patch is it causes far more drowsiness than the other medications. Other side effects include dry mouth, fatigue, vision disturbances, and dizziness. Alcohol may worsen the drowsiness and dizziness. Care must be taken not to touch your eyes with your fingers after applying the patch without first washing your hands thoroughly. I would recommend the patch for people who get severely sick with a minimal amount of motion. Apply the first patch about 4 hours before you get on the plane to Florida, and have someone else drive you to the airport. The patch is only available by prescription, so see your doctor or nurse practitioner. The patch is contraindicated in children under 12. |
| Meclizine: | Meclizine is available over the
counter in low doses, and by prescription at high doses. Prescription strength meclizine (Antivert) is a good choice for people who are ok with some motion, but are bothered by rougher seas, airplane turbulence, or drivers from Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York City, or Massachusetts. It may be taken routinely or as needed. Prescription strength meclizine, taken routinely, would be an alternative for those with severe motion sickness who don't want to use the patch. Meclizine may also cause dry mouth, fatigue, and drowsiness, but not as frequently as the scopolamine patch. Alcohol may intensify the fatigue and drowsiness. The over the counter strength is an option for those who experience motion sickness only rarely or under the worst of conditions, used on an as needed basis. Over the counter meclizine can cause the same side effects as the prescription strength, but at a much lower frequency; in fact it is the least sedating of the drugs for motion sickness. Most products for motion sickness labeled as "less drowsy" formulations contain meclizine. Meclizine is contraindicated for children under the age of 12. |
| Dimenhydrinate: | The best-known treatment for motion sickness, dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) is available over the counter. Dimenhydrinate is arguably more effective than over the counter meclizine, but also has a higher occurance of side effects, particularly drowsiness and fatigue. It can also cause dry mouth. If you think you will only need something for occasional use, Dramamine is a good choice. Dramamine is contraindicated in children under the age of 6. |
| Other tips: | What? You thought it was going to be only about the drugs? There are a few other things you can do to prevent motion sickness, or help relieve it should you experience it. |
| Prevention: | 1) Avoid spicy foods, and any foods you know
tend to upset your stomach. 2) Strong odors may also increase the feeling of motion sickness. 3) Anxiety about the possibility of being motion sick will make it worse. If you feel tense or nervous, try to relax. |
| If you do get motion sick, besides drugs there are a few things you can do. | 1) Breath. Your brain is confused
by conflicting signals, depriving it of oxygen is going to make it worse.
Make yourself take several deep breaths and try to relax. 2) Go outside. Besides the fresh air, going out side can help resolve the signal conflict in your head. Motion sickness inside the ship is caused because your ear senses that you are moving, but your eyes can't tell that you are moving because the inside of the ship is moving in synch with you. When you get outside, look at the horizon and the water, so that your eyes see that you are in fact moving. If you can't get outside, try to look out a window, which will have the same effect. 3) Get centered. Head for the middle of the ship. The center of the ship moves far less than the bow or the stern. If you are not moving as much, your brain will be less confused. 4) Brace yourself. Brace your head while lying down, either on the headboard or with a few well-placed pillows. |
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That's all, folks.
If you have any questions, feel free to email me
JOSH THORPE |
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