Sea sickness patch

[Guba]

I can only report from my own experience. I used the patch on my first major liveaboard and found, much to my chagrin, that they do absolutely NOTHING for me. After a miserable first night out (well, seas were a bit on the heavy side, granted...), I gave up, took the patch off and popped a couple of Dramamine at about four in the morning. By the 7:00 am call for the first dive, I was nibbling a muffin and having juice. I kept up the prescribed regimen of tablets through the next day and a half, and by the end of the three day trip I didn't require any meds at all. Everyone is different and I know those who swear by the patch, but I've found that I'm simply not one who can do so.

 

[CCTX50]

Has anyone heard of any perscription motion sickness meds? I have heard that if all the above mentioned things do not work that you can seek medical treatment by way of asking your doctor to give you some type of injection. Never followed up on this approach though. If the seas are awake on the day of my dive I can definently feel it in my stomach.

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

Ex-Merchant Marine here; who suffered from seasickness my entire career (I know, I know, don't laugh). Deep sea tugboats in the North Pacific in the winter were the worst; but I digress:

Try Bonine. I find it to be effective, with fewer "side effects" than scopolamine patchs or Dramamine.

Be sure to test how it effects you by trying the medication well before your planned trip... and for me, if I suspect a rough trip, I start the medication 24 hours in advance. I've had no problems when diving with Bonine... I feel "normal"; well as normal as I get anyway

Ginger can also be quite effective.

Best wishes.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Has anyone heard of any perscription motion sickness meds? I have heard that if all the above mentioned things do not work that you can seek medical treatment by way of asking your doctor to give you some type of injection. Never followed up on this approach though.

The only injectable prescription meds for seasickness treatment include promethazine (Phynergan), cyclizine (Marezine, Marzine, Emoquil), and dimenhydrinate (original formula, Dramamine).

Promethazine belongs to the same class of drugs as the anti-psychotics chlorpromazine (Thorazine) and trifluoperazine (Stelazine). Interestingly, promethazine is used only as an anti-histamine, sedative, and antiemetic.

Cyclizine is used as an anti-histamine and post-operative antiemetic. Strangely enough, I unearthed a journal article which describes a population of opioid addicts who were simultaneously taking cyclizine to enhance their opioid high. Weird.

I think I'd try the non-prescription-based treatments first...before finally seeing a physician for a prescription for the scopolamine patch or one of the injectables.

FWIW, I know of some people who request a prescription for meclizine (same as Bonine) so that they can use a $5 co-pay to purchase a big bottle of the stuff. It can save a few bucks over buying Bonine OTC. YMMV.

 

[JanK]

Sooooo, if I wear the patch, chicks will dig me? I'm sensing a logic issue here.

Actually, yes.

It has been proven that bigger pupils trigger a subconscious "liking" reflex. It is the reason for people looking more attractive in dim lighting.

 

[limeyx]

Has anyone heard of any perscription motion sickness meds? I have heard that if all the above mentioned things do not work that you can seek medical treatment by way of asking your doctor to give you some type of injection. Never followed up on this approach though. If the seas are awake on the day of my dive I can definently feel it in my stomach.

I use the pill version of the patch (Scopalomine) and for me it's been a lifesaver.
Very effective with almost no side-effects. Maybe a tiny loss of close vision but no tiredness or drowsiness.

 

[Token]

Try Bonine. I find it to be effective, with fewer "side effects" than scopolamine patchs or Dramamine.

Be sure to test how it effects you by trying the medication well before your planned trip... and for me, if I suspect a rough trip, I start the medication 24 hours in advance. I've had no problems when diving with Bonine... I feel "normal"; well as normal as I get anyway

My wife used Bonine [Bomine?] in Hawaii, and found it quite effective. It's available off the shelf...we found it at Long's Drugs. Not available in Canada, unfortunately...

 

[Code Monkey]

I dive with scopolamine all the time. If it weren't for the patch, I'd never be able to dive.

 

[cpe111]

I have used the patch several times - I normally get seasick in the slightest of swells. With scopolamine I have been on boats in very rough seas and felt perfectly fine. As already mentioned here though, your mileage may vary.

 

[Herk_Man]

Actually, yes.

It has been proven that bigger pupils trigger a subconscious "liking" reflex. It is the reason for people looking more attractive in dim lighting.

And all this time I thought it was because it didn't amplify pasty white skin, wrinkles, and cellulite.