Motion Sickness
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
Motion sickness happens when the motion you see is different from the motion you feel. Your eyes, muscles, joints, and inner ears sense motion and send signals to your brain. When these signals are different, motion sickness occurs.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Medicines:
- Medicines can help prevent or treat motion sickness.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Prevent motion sickness:
- Know where to sit when you travel. You may have fewer symptoms if you are the driver when you travel by car. If you are a passenger, try to sit in the front seat. Sit in the middle of a plane or boat. Do not face backward.
- Increase fresh air around your face. Avoid smoke, fumes, and odors.
- Recline slightly and fix your eyes on still, distant objects. Keep your head still and rest it against a head rest.
- Do not read or play video games while you travel.
- Do not have alcohol or caffeine , and do not eat a large meal before you travel.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- You have a headache and a dry, sticky mouth.
- You are not urinating as much as usual.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Return to the emergency department if:
- You are confused and have fast, shallow breathing.
- You feel like you are going to faint.
- You have severe anxiety or panic.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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