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Are there any over-the-counter treatments for motion sickness?

Motion sickness is a feeling of nausea that occurs with movement. Over-the-counter drugs that help prevent and treat it include diphenhydramine (brand name Benadryl), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), cyclizine (Marezine), and meclizine (Bonine). All of these drugs prevent and relieve motion sickness in about 50 percent of people who use them.

Adults can use any of these products. Children age two years and older can take diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and dimenhydrinate (>Dramamine). Children age six years and older can take cyclizine (>Marezine). For children over age 12 years, meclizine (>Bonine) is available. For the best results, you should take these drugs about one hour before traveling and repeat as needed according to the product instructions. Drowsiness is the most commonly reported side effect of these products.

Sources:
Swartzberg, J.E., S. Margen. The UC Berkeley Wellness Self-Care Handbook. Rebus, Inc., 1998.
Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, 2000.
Applied Therapeutics: The Clinical Use of Drugs. Applied Therapeutics, 1995.
Micromedex Healthcare Series. Micromedex, Inc., 2001.

This answer prepared 7/24/01.