Seasickness prophylaxis - yay or nay?

[Dogbowl]

I’m headed on my first liveaboard (Belize Aggressor IV) soon and am assembling my medicine kit. I am not sure what meds I should buy for seasickness and whether I should start using anything in anticipation of getting seasick. I have never been on a yacht the size of a liveaboard for a full week. I have gone on mega cruise ships with no problems and I’ve been on small day boats with no problems. I’ve gotten seasick once 2 years ago on a dive boat in Costa Maya, diving off a cruise ship. So, while I “may” get seasick, I really don’t know if I will.

So I guess I’m wondering if I should start taking any meds before I board or leave it until I experience problems? I’ve heard that Dramamine and Scopolomine patches worked for some people. I don’t have any experience with them. All I know is Gravol does not work for me. Absolutely no results.

Thanks!

 

[Marie13]

Why even leave it to chance? Bonine works for me.

 

[Dogbowl]

Why even leave it to chance? Bonine works for me.

Side-effects, contra-indications, etc. I wouldn’t be so concerned but for the fact that I already take several other meds. Of course, I will get my doc to ok any motion sickness meds I intend to take.

FWIW, I did some more digging and it appears Bonine and Dramamine are is not available in Canada.

 

[flyboy08]

I would go natural....gingers all you'll need.

 

[Marie13]

The generic name for Bonine is Meclizine Hydrochloride-Antiemetic (from the label on the bottle I have). Perhaps you could check for that.

 

[Dogbowl]

The generic name for Bonine is Meclizine Hydrochloride-Antiemetic (from the label on the bottle I have). Perhaps you could check for that.

Ok, thanks. I will check that.

Update: Nope. No longer available.

 

[Dogbowl]

I would go natural....gingers all you'll need.

Looks like there are only 4 remedies available to Canadians! Geesh!

1. Gravol (does nothing from me)
2. Transderm-V (scopolamine patch - never tried it; can have serious side effects)
3. Ginger (all-natural, tried it, works a little for me)
4. Sea-band (all-natural, never tried it)

Looks like I’ll have to bring #2-4 and hope for the best.

 

[flyboy08]

Boil water with ginger in it...drink 1/2 your weight in ounces of water per day....bring root and pills. You'll be just fine.

 

[Dogbowl]

Boil water with ginger in it...drink 1/2 your weight in ounces of water per day....bring root and pills. You'll be just fine.

Can I actually bring a ginger root into Belize? Many countries forbid the importation of food, fruits, plants, etc.

 

[TMHeimer]

Your history is unclear. You got sick once out of how many total times on the various sizes of boats--10, 500? That may influence your decision to take something beforehand or not. Were you sick that time while on the boat, or during the dive? I've never had the problem so no advice to give on what to take.