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Which Drugs Really Help with Motion Sickness?

If you're susceptible to motion sickness, traveling can be a nightmare. Fortunately, there are drugs that can help, maybe a lot. And there are also drugs that people take that do little or nothing... Dramamine has a different generic name (dimenhydrinate). Since its active component is Benadryl, it is also a first-generation antihistamine and H1-receptor antagonist. Although it's difficult to walk through an airport without tripping over cartons of it, it too is found in the "least effective" group in preventing motion sickness, just where it belongs. Despite perceived efficacy and brand recognition, Dramamine is Benadryl with 8-chlorotheophylline, a caffeine-like stimulant, added to it.

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Articles of Interest

Abuse and Misuse Potential of Dimenhydrinate: A Review of the Clinical Evidence

Dimenhydrinate (marketed as Gravol in Canada and Dramamine in the United Kingdom and the United States) is an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine indicated for the prevention and relief of nausea and vomiting from a number of causes. It is an H1 receptor antagonist that demonstrates anticholinergic activity. Abuse of dimenhydrinate has been reported, and often involves ingestion of high doses to induce psychotropic effects, including hallucinations and euphoria.

Can You Get High on Dimenhydrinate Dramamine?

A study from Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews notes that dimenhydrinate may be abused for recreational purposes as well as by psychiatric patients seeking relief from their symptoms. Animal studies have also confirmed the abuse potential of antihistamines. People may abuse dimenhydrinate or Dramamine by ingesting large doses in order to produce psychotropic effects such as hallucinations or euphoria. The drug has become popular with teenagers who use the drug partially because of its availability as an over-the-counter drug that can be abused in order to get high.

Dramamine for Anxiety – Is the anti-nausea medication good for fighting anxiety?

Dramamine itself is not a single drug. Instead, it is a combination of two other drugs, which each make up around half of a dramamine/dimenhydrinate dose. Those drugs are: Diphenhydramine: This antihistamine is best known as being the main ingredient in Benadryl. Similarly, it is also the active ingredient in dramamine. 8-chlorotheophylline (8-CTP): This drug is not an antihistamine and has no direct effect on nausea or motion sickness. Instead, it helps to block sedation (it is is closely related to caffeine in both its chemical structure and effects, one of the main side effects of diphenhydramine. Therefore, people can take dramamine without feeling as sleepy as they might while taking diphenhydramine by itself or other H1 receptor blockers.

Dramamine vs. Bonine: Motion Sickness Medicine

When weighing Bonine vs. Dramamine for seasickness while cruising, use Bonine (Meclizine) if you want a chewable pill that you only have to take once a day and don't mind paying an extra dollar or two for the convenience. Some people report less drowsiness from Meclizine vs. Dramamine. Opt for Dramamine if you can't tolerate chewable pills or artificial sweeteners, but be prepared to take more than one dose per day (which means you'll go through more pills, thereby potentially negating any cost savings).

How Long Does the Anti-Nausea Drug Dramamine Last?

The duration can vary based on the specific product and dosage. The effects of any form of Dramamine take about 30 minutes to an hour to work. This means you must take Dramamine 30 minutes to an hour before any activity that can cause motion sickness. The effects of regular Dramamine tablets containing dimenhydrinate usually last around four to eight hours. However, Dramamine Less Drowsy provides relief for 24 hours.

Teens and Dramamine Abuse

Dramamine is the brand name for dimenhydrinate, an over-the-counter medication used to treat motion sickness (dizziness, nausea and vomiting). On the surface, it seems like there’s no reason why anyone would want to take Dramamine recreationally, but Dramamine abuse is indeed a trend among teenagers. Unfortunately, it can also be deadly.

The Risks of Mixing Dramamine and Alcohol

It’s best to avoid combining dramamine and alcohol since both are nervous system depressants. Mixing the two can also increase dehydration and intensify other side effects.


Resources

5 Dramamine Side Effects You Should Consider

If long car rides, flights, or cruises make you queasy, an over-the-counter (OTC) motion sickness pill like Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) may be an essential part of your travel kit. It’s a convenient and effective way to keep your symptoms at bay. But it can also come with some pesky side effects — like drowsiness, dry mouth, and constipation — that can make your trip less enjoyable.

Dramamine

Stay in motion, without the sickness. No matter how you travel, Dramamine® can help you get there.