Motions sickness
- Thread starter justleesa
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Then I would suggest that you read the following in its entirety. It's an updated version of a piece from my Jan/Feb '00 "Ask RSD" column in "Rodale's Scuba Diving":
"Sea sickness, which shows wide variation in susceptibility among individuals, is not yet fully understood. It is believed to occur when portions of the brain tasked with maintaining balance receive input from the eyes, inner ear, muscles and joints that is inconsistent and unexpected over an extended period of time.
Prevention is a first step. Avoid fatigue and get adequate rest. Eat modestly, avoiding greasy, fatty, acidic and spicy foods. Don't skip breakfast, but stick to bland foods like toast, rolls and cereal. Go easy on tea and coffee, and very, very easy on alcoholic beverages. When on the boat, don't get overheated--stay under a sunshade, don't put on your protective suit until necessary, and get in the water as soon as possible. Search out a spot low and in the center where motion is minimized, face forward, focus your eyes on a fixed object on the horizon or elsewhere, avoid unnecessary neck movements and stay out of exhaust fumes. Do not go below, read anything or look through binoculars. If you must vomit, do so freely, but not anywhere on the boat, and especially not in the marine toilet.
There are plenty of medications available, and you may wish to discuss this with your physician. Among those reported to be the most effective are meclizine and scopolamine. Prescription strength meclizine commonly comes as Antivert. Scopolamine can be delivered through a transdermal patch, Transderm Scop, orally, and as a gel. The gel reportedly works faster, but not as long as the patch. Scopolamine is okayed by DAN with a trial run topside. Occasionally Phenergan is recommended. It can cause very serious drowsiness, however, and is sometimes prescribed in combination with a stimulant to counteract this. The above drugs are prescription only and have reported side effects, most commonly dryness of the mouth and drowsiness. They may also cause blurred vision, dizziness and even confusion in some users, and it is recommended to carefully discuss their use with your physician, give them a trial run prior to use in conjunction with diving, and take them only according to instructions.
Over the counter (OTC) drugs include Bonine (meclizine), Dramamine (dimenhydrinate; not recommended due to demonstrated adverse effects on alertness & performance both topside & at increased atmospheres of pressure), Dramamine II (meclizine; advertised as a "less drowsy" formula. As this implies, be aware that some individuals still do experience some degree of drowsiness) and Triptone (Same active ingredient as original Dramamine, so draw your own conclusions) . A British drug, Stugeron (cinnarizine), has been mentioned by several sources as an effective treatment (Have seen a recent research piece suggesting impairment at higher doses), but it is not yet available in the US. Those diving in such places as Mexico & the British Virgin Islands can find it. Many report these OTC medications most effective if taken at bedtime the night prior to diving, with a second dose about an hour before diving, although recommended dosage amounts should of course not be exceeded. These medications often cause significant dryness of the mouth. Stay very well hydrated.
Considering more "natural" remedies, ginger is frequently mentioned, which can be taken in powdered, crystallized or root form (recommended preparations), or as ginger snaps, ginger ale, or tea. Just make sure they contain actual ginger and not just artificial flavoring. As heartburn with the use of ginger has been reported, also pack an antacid. Others swear by wrist straps, such as 'Sea Bands,' usually wooden or plastic balls on elastic bands which are placed so as to exert pressure on an acupressure point on the inside of the wrist. There are also 'artificial-horizon' glasses. Even aromatherapy has been tried, with a combination of mandarin, peppermint, spearmint and lavender oil being recommended.
In the final analysis, you will need to discover what works best for you with the least risk, side effect, cost and inconvenience. If you take any medications, you should understand their adverse effects and carefully follow directions for use. And remember, there is one safe, sure cure: 'Sleep under a tree all day.' "
This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.
Best regards,
DocVikingo
"Sea sickness, which shows wide variation in susceptibility among individuals, is not yet fully understood. It is believed to occur when portions of the brain tasked with maintaining balance receive input from the eyes, inner ear, muscles and joints that is inconsistent and unexpected over an extended period of time.
Prevention is a first step. Avoid fatigue and get adequate rest. Eat modestly, avoiding greasy, fatty, acidic and spicy foods. Don't skip breakfast, but stick to bland foods like toast, rolls and cereal. Go easy on tea and coffee, and very, very easy on alcoholic beverages. When on the boat, don't get overheated--stay under a sunshade, don't put on your protective suit until necessary, and get in the water as soon as possible. Search out a spot low and in the center where motion is minimized, face forward, focus your eyes on a fixed object on the horizon or elsewhere, avoid unnecessary neck movements and stay out of exhaust fumes. Do not go below, read anything or look through binoculars. If you must vomit, do so freely, but not anywhere on the boat, and especially not in the marine toilet.
There are plenty of medications available, and you may wish to discuss this with your physician. Among those reported to be the most effective are meclizine and scopolamine. Prescription strength meclizine commonly comes as Antivert. Scopolamine can be delivered through a transdermal patch, Transderm Scop, orally, and as a gel. The gel reportedly works faster, but not as long as the patch. Scopolamine is okayed by DAN with a trial run topside. Occasionally Phenergan is recommended. It can cause very serious drowsiness, however, and is sometimes prescribed in combination with a stimulant to counteract this. The above drugs are prescription only and have reported side effects, most commonly dryness of the mouth and drowsiness. They may also cause blurred vision, dizziness and even confusion in some users, and it is recommended to carefully discuss their use with your physician, give them a trial run prior to use in conjunction with diving, and take them only according to instructions.
Over the counter (OTC) drugs include Bonine (meclizine), Dramamine (dimenhydrinate; not recommended due to demonstrated adverse effects on alertness & performance both topside & at increased atmospheres of pressure), Dramamine II (meclizine; advertised as a "less drowsy" formula. As this implies, be aware that some individuals still do experience some degree of drowsiness) and Triptone (Same active ingredient as original Dramamine, so draw your own conclusions) . A British drug, Stugeron (cinnarizine), has been mentioned by several sources as an effective treatment (Have seen a recent research piece suggesting impairment at higher doses), but it is not yet available in the US. Those diving in such places as Mexico & the British Virgin Islands can find it. Many report these OTC medications most effective if taken at bedtime the night prior to diving, with a second dose about an hour before diving, although recommended dosage amounts should of course not be exceeded. These medications often cause significant dryness of the mouth. Stay very well hydrated.
Considering more "natural" remedies, ginger is frequently mentioned, which can be taken in powdered, crystallized or root form (recommended preparations), or as ginger snaps, ginger ale, or tea. Just make sure they contain actual ginger and not just artificial flavoring. As heartburn with the use of ginger has been reported, also pack an antacid. Others swear by wrist straps, such as 'Sea Bands,' usually wooden or plastic balls on elastic bands which are placed so as to exert pressure on an acupressure point on the inside of the wrist. There are also 'artificial-horizon' glasses. Even aromatherapy has been tried, with a combination of mandarin, peppermint, spearmint and lavender oil being recommended.
In the final analysis, you will need to discover what works best for you with the least risk, side effect, cost and inconvenience. If you take any medications, you should understand their adverse effects and carefully follow directions for use. And remember, there is one safe, sure cure: 'Sleep under a tree all day.' "
This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.
Best regards,
DocVikingo
crpntr133
lost, even with a compass
Just got back from a cruise and for the first time in my life I was sea sick. The onboard doc told me that it could be temporary since I had never been sick before, it was. He also suggested to eat ginger the same forms that Doc Vikingo suggested, sour apple (granny smith) and crackers. The crackers were more to keep something down there so you don't have dry heaves. After the first night I was ok without the meds.
Mug Shoemaker
Guest
Hi guys, I just came back from diving and I noticed everytime I finish a dive trip, I suffer like 2 or 3 days of ringing in my ear and like I have partial deafness, and slighlty disorientated and like a seasick feeling. Is this normal?
Nice Post DocVikingo
Hey Justleesa
Since childhood, I have had terrible cara nd seasickness as well. Grwon out of the worst of it, but the seasickness remains. I spend summers with family that have a boat, so we spend lots of time out on the ocean. For the first week or two every year, I'm dying unless I take meds. After that, I tend to get my sealegs and dial down the meds.
After trying many, I take Bonine as mentined in Doc's post. For me, it offers the best reliefe and the least drowsiness.
JAG
Hey Justleesa
Since childhood, I have had terrible cara nd seasickness as well. Grwon out of the worst of it, but the seasickness remains. I spend summers with family that have a boat, so we spend lots of time out on the ocean. For the first week or two every year, I'm dying unless I take meds. After that, I tend to get my sealegs and dial down the meds.
After trying many, I take Bonine as mentined in Doc's post. For me, it offers the best reliefe and the least drowsiness.
JAG
Ginger pills work for me. Discovered this last year when getting thrown around by 30kph winds on the barrier reef as the crew had a load of them onboard. I always bring them now just in case I or someone else needs them
I've also been told that putting cotton wool in one ear can help as it sorts out some of the balance problems. I haven't had a chance to try that yet (thankfully!) but the instructor that told me was admant it worked for her but it had to be only one ear. Might be worth a try but remember to take it out before you dive.
Good luck in finding something that works for you, you have my sympathies, motion sickness is no fun
I've also been told that putting cotton wool in one ear can help as it sorts out some of the balance problems. I haven't had a chance to try that yet (thankfully!) but the instructor that told me was admant it worked for her but it had to be only one ear. Might be worth a try but remember to take it out before you dive.
Good luck in finding something that works for you, you have my sympathies, motion sickness is no fun
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Ginger is effective for some persons, but not all. Given that it doesn't have the drawbacks of certain other motion sickness medications e.g., drowsiness, decreased alertness, dry mouth, it is surely worth a try.
Cotton wool in one ear? Never underestimate the power of placebo, but there is no apparent physical basis for this one.
Best regards.
DocVikingo
Cotton wool in one ear? Never underestimate the power of placebo, but there is no apparent physical basis for this one.
Best regards.
DocVikingo
OP
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Thanks for the input everybody!
OrangeBloke:
Funny you mention it. My Grandparents had a boat and every Summer and every weekend we'd go out to the cottage and I would spend lots of my time on the boat. Never had a second of trouble. When I was a teen and driving with friends of my parents in the back I was reading a magazine when the guy said "You shouldn't read while in the car, you'll get sick!" and since then I can't read when driving or sit in the back seat anymore....a mind over matter thing I guess and I'm loosing!
OrangeBloke:
Funny you mention it. My Grandparents had a boat and every Summer and every weekend we'd go out to the cottage and I would spend lots of my time on the boat. Never had a second of trouble. When I was a teen and driving with friends of my parents in the back I was reading a magazine when the guy said "You shouldn't read while in the car, you'll get sick!" and since then I can't read when driving or sit in the back seat anymore....a mind over matter thing I guess and I'm loosing!
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