Travel to Developing Countries - Travel Precautions

More women than men experience motion sickness, with one study suggesting that this may be associated with gender differences in the ability to perform spatial tasks. Women appear to be at higher risk just before and during menstruation. Motion sickness may also trigger migraines, even in people who do not ordinarily have them. Alcohol intake increases the risk of vomiting. The following are some remedies tried for motion sickness:

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Medications. Prescribed medications include scopolamine in oral form or as a patch (Transderm Scop), which is worn behind the ear and releases the drug slowly. Scopolamine is the most effective drug for motion sickness.

Over-the-counter medications include dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), meclizine (Bonine), and cyclizin (Marezine). Dramamine appears to be the most rapidly effective, although in one study Marezine caused less drowsiness and was more effective at reducing nausea after 3 minutes. Cinnarizine (Stugeron) is used in Europe and appears to be effective with few side effects. It is not available in the US. None of thesemedications are as effective as prescriptiondrug but may be helpful for6 to 12 hours. Oral medications should be taken at least an hour before traveling to be effective.

Nearly all the medications used for motion sickness, both prescription and nonprescription, can cause drowsiness, mouth dryness, and blurred vision. Scopolamine can cause heart rhythm disturbances. In one comparison study the scopolamine patch and cinnarizine had the fewest adverse effects on functioning. Dimenhydrinate had the most.

Nonmedicinal Treatments. Common recommendations include focusing on the horizon (not on nearby areas), avoiding alcohol and strong odors. Nonmedicinal or alternative remedies are widely used, but are of unproven benefit. Some are even silly, but travelers who experience motion sickness may wish to try anything that isn't harmful. Some methods that have been tried include:

Taking ginger root capsules (2000 mg) or eating large amounts of ginger starting about 12 hours before traveling. (Clinical studies are inconsistent on its benefits, with some reporting relief without side effects.)
Acupressure (wrist bands and self pressure). Acupressure for motion involves exerting pressure on the P6 pressure point--the so-called nausea-relief point. Travelers can try pressing on the nausea-relief point, located two finger widths below the crease of the wrist on the palm-up side and between the two major tendons leading to the hand. Studies have been inconsistent on the benefits of wrist bands. Some studies have reported relief with a wristband (such as ReliefBand) that uses batteries that create a small electric charge at the acupuncture point. This device may cause a rash and people with pacemakers should not use it.
Cold packs. In one study apply cold packs to the forehead reduced stomach activity motion sickness.
Eating small meals. (Protein meals may be more effective in controlling stomach activity than carbohydrates.)
Behavioral Techniques. Some studies have reported some relief from certain behavioral approaches, such as controlled breathing (involves simply concentrating on breathing gently or deeply) or listening to music.