Motion sickness

[ScubaBrianScubaTeam]

Hello everyone! I have been diving for just about a year. I really enjoy it. What I don't enjoy is the sea sickness that I get when I go out on a dive boat. I was hoping to hear from some other divers what medicine they use. First time on my OW dives I tried a prescription patch from my Dr. It worked until the second dive. Last time I went out on the boat I tried Bonine. It also worked for the first 2 hours and then....you know It takes the fun out of the whole day, but I really love going out on the boats. Any replies would be appreciated!

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Brian,

This may prove informative:

Tame the Technicolor Yodel: Managing Mal de Mer
http://www.awoosh.com/DocVikingo/Sea_sickness_remedies.htm

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[The Chairman]

I used to suffer from this a lot, but seemed to have out grown it!

FWIW, I am not a medical doctor (I heal sick networks) but I am an instructor. When I was affected by this malady, I found TripTone to be the most effective OTC drug with very little drowsiness noted, but your experience may be different. I also

• Ate light before the trip (no greasy foods).
• NEVER wore a hat.
• Looked at the horizon when I felt queasy.
• Had someone poor cold water down the back of my wetsuit (heat exacerbates the situation).

 

[ScubaBrianScubaTeam]

How does someone take the powdered ginger root? Mix it with water? I have tried the Transderm patch, and the Bonine, both to no avail. I guess my next trial will be the Triptone. Although I thought the Bonine was going to work for me last time but about 2 hours in it was over. Do you think the prescription strength would be better for me? I think it was Antivert? Thanks again!

 

[DocVikingo]

I guess my next trial will be the Triptone.

Read my article again for why that may not be such a good idea.

How does someone take the powdered ginger root?

You can purchase pre-packaged capsules (e.g., Amazon.com: Ginger Root 100 caps: Health & Personal Care). Or but it bulk (e.g., Ginger Root Powder - 1 oz - ZIN: 511790) and pack your own. Gelatin capsules are easy enough to find.

Although I thought the Bonine was going to work for me last time but about 2 hours in it was over. Do you think the prescription strength would be better for me? I think it was Antivert?

Both Bonine and Antivert contain meclizine as the active ingredient. The former is OTC, the later is prescription only.

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[djtimmy77]

I'll generally take original formula dramamine if it is going to be rough. One the night before and another the morning of. Taking one the night before really helps cut the drowsy factor in my experience.

I've tried the new version of it and it didn't really help me, and ginger had no noticeable effect (even having some every day for a week prior)

 

[Jax]

Listen up -- I am not medical in any way, and what I am about to tell you pertains only to me. However, you might discuss this with your doctor.

I get sick a lot. I cannot go on a boat unmedicated without chumming constantly.

OTC was not effective. I talked to my doc - military -- not influenced by drug companies and the latest schit on the market.

He gave me several regimines to try, on both Dramamine and Meclizine, up to and including double-dose, half the interval of the OTC instructions. He also made sure I was well informed of any affects from reaction or over-dosing. As an informed patient, I could experiment within the boundaries set.

Dramamine never worked for me.

Meclizine, started 24 hours in advance, at double dose (50 mg, I think) and four hour intervals. Then, double dose three times a day, assuming I would be on the boat every day.

Do NOT try exceeding ANY OTC instruction without the advice and consent of your doctor!



Ps. I still spew on rough seas. It's the price I pay. Learn to do so with class.

 

[idocsteve]

• NEVER wore a hat.

What does wearing a hat have to do with being seasick?

To prevent or reduce seasickness I have found it best to eat lightly, avoid coffee and citrus juices, and to drink plenty of water.

Once feeling seasick, I have found the best two things for me are:

- cold water from the onboard shower down the back of my neck really reduces the pangs of gut wrenching stomach cramps and can prevent a full fledged retching over the side

- get back in the water as soon as possible if you can manage it no matter how sick you feel

- don't suppress the urge to blow chunks off the side, the relief is almost instantaneous. While blowing chunks, keep your chin UP to avoid vomit in your nostrils which really burns.

 

[Ron Parker]

My Dive Buds have found that ginger root works, taken the night before, and in the AM with breakfast. Over time, with more dives under your belt, the motion sickness may discipate, and you may be rewarded with your sea legs. We've all been there.

 

[The Chairman]

The hat gives you a false moving horizon, especially in rough seas. This amplifies the problem for me and even now wearing a hat (to reduce sun exposure) can produce queasiness. Removing the hat stops the feeling almost immediately. Mal de Mar reacts differently with different peeps. I had to experiment to find the best solution, and then I just stopped getting so sick. That was wonderful!