Carsickness, a common discomfort during travel, often leads individuals to seek relief. Dramamine, an over-the-counter medication, is a frequent choice for managing these symptoms.
Understanding Carsickness
Carsickness, a form of motion sickness, arises from a sensory conflict within the brain. This occurs when the signals from your eyes, inner ears (vestibular system), and other sensory inputs, such as those from your muscles and joints (proprioception), do not align. For instance, while riding in a car, your inner ear may detect motion, but your eyes, if focused on a fixed object inside the vehicle, may perceive stillness. This mismatch confuses the brain, leading to symptoms.
Common symptoms of carsickness include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, cold sweats, stomach awareness, and a general feeling of unease. These symptoms are the body’s response to conflicting sensory information.
How Dramamine Works
Dramamine’s effectiveness against carsickness stems from its active ingredient, dimenhydrinate. This antihistamine primarily blocks histamine H1 receptors in the brain, especially those in the vestibular system that govern balance. By inhibiting these receptors, the medication reduces motion signals sent from the inner ear to the brain.
Dimenhydrinate also affects muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the central nervous system. Acetylcholine is another neurotransmitter involved in transmitting motion signals. By dampening both histamine and acetylcholine, dimenhydrinate suppresses the brain’s perception of motion, reducing nausea and vomiting. For best results, take the medication 30 to 60 minutes before travel.
Using Dramamine Effectively and Safely
The typical dosage of Dramamine (dimenhydrinate 50 mg tablets) is:
Adults and children 12 years and older: One to two tablets every four to six hours, not exceeding 400 mg in 24 hours.
Children 6 to under 12 years: One-half to one tablet every six to eight hours, maximum 150 mg in 24 hours.
Children 2 to under 6 years: Half a tablet every six to eight hours, maximum 75 mg in 24 hours.
Take the first dose 30 to 60 minutes before travel. Dramamine comes in tablets, chewable tablets, and liquid forms. Drowsiness is a common side effect, so be aware of how it affects you before driving or operating machinery.
Potential Side Effects and Important Precautions
Dramamine can cause side effects. Common effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation. Some individuals, particularly children, might experience nervousness, restlessness, or trouble sleeping. Serious side effects that warrant immediate medical attention include breathing problems, a racing heart, allergic reactions such as hives or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Sudden eye pain or changes in vision, such as blurry vision or seeing halos around lights, should also be reported to a healthcare provider.
Several precautions are important when using Dramamine. It should not be used in children under two years of age without consulting a doctor. Alcohol consumption should be avoided while taking Dramamine, as it can intensify drowsiness. Individuals with certain health conditions, such as glaucoma, prostate enlargement, heart disease, or breathing problems like emphysema or chronic bronchitis, should consult a healthcare provider before using this medication. Dramamine can interact with other medications that cause drowsiness, including sedatives, tranquilizers, and certain pain medications, potentially leading to increased sedation.
Alternative Strategies for Carsickness Relief
Behavioral strategies can help manage carsickness. Focusing on the distant horizon can help synchronize visual input with the inner ear’s motion perception, reducing sensory conflict. Sitting in the front seat of a car or near a window, where the motion is more apparent and predictable, can also be beneficial. Ensuring adequate fresh air by opening a window may also alleviate symptoms for some individuals.
Avoiding activities that require close visual focus, such as reading or using electronic devices, can prevent exacerbating the sensory mismatch. Frequent stops during long journeys can provide breaks from continuous motion. Other non-pharmacological approaches include consuming light, bland meals before travel and staying well-hydrated. Some people find relief from ginger, which has been studied for its potential to reduce nausea and vomiting, possibly by affecting stomach movements. Acupressure wristbands, which apply pressure to a specific point on the wrist, are another option some individuals use, though their effectiveness can vary.