Best motion sickness get-ridder-of'er?

[NeveSSL]

Hi all!

Well, I got a free trip down to S. Florida at the beginning of the month. My friend who took my wife and I is a diver, so he rented some gear. We found out about a reef that is only about 100 ft. off of shore and so I thought this would be a great opportunity to get my wife to snorkel and eventually get her to do diving so I can have a permanent buddy! Well, that part worked out (still working on scuba... she LOVED the snorkeling ), but I couldn't snorkel. As soon as I stuck my head in the water, I would get soooooo sick. I almost threw up... I mean very close... So the next day I tried on the dive gear just to see if it would help... and it did a little bit, but not a lot.

So am I alone? I tried Dramamine the second day... didn't help at all. Is there something prescription strength or something I can get that may help? I'm thinking diving off of a boat would be better, but there's still going to be some wave action I'm betting.

Thanks!

Brandon

[mselizann]

I know some people wear those pressure point bracelets, or nibble on a bit of ginger- maybe if you do those together with the Dramamine...........
I'll do some web research

[NeveSSL]

Awesome! Thanks!

My instructors mentioned something, and it may have been prescription, but I can't remember what it was. A sticker of some sort that maybe you put behind your ear? Can't remember.

Brandon

[Vercingetorix]

Originally Posted by NeveSSL

Awesome! Thanks!

My instructors mentioned something, and it may have been prescription, but I can't remember what it was. A sticker of some sort that maybe you put behind your ear? Can't remember.

Perhaps Transderm Sco�p motion sickness patch,
Often referred to as The Patch

[crgjpg]

My wife uses bonine.

[Zenagirl]

I use the patch when I boat dive (and fly) and it's essential for me as far as I'm concerned. The only side effects I get are a bit of a dry mouth the first day and sometimes my vision is a bit blurry (for close things) while I'm wearing it, but both are totally manageable for me.

The patch also comes in pill form called Scopace, which could be another option for you.

If you choose to try the patch make sure you put one on at home and try it before going on vacation. There are some potential side effects that you wouldn't want to experience for the first time on vacation.

[thmoose51]

I always get my doctor to write me a prescription for Antivert. It is actually the same medicine in Bonine that was mentioned earlier but in a prescription dose. Also comes in generic and is very cheap. Works like a charm for me.

[sravin1]

Originally Posted by NeveSSL

Hi all!

Well, I got a free trip down to S. Florida at the beginning of the month. My friend who took my wife and I is a diver, so he rented some gear. We found out about a reef that is only about 100 ft. off of shore and so I thought this would be a great opportunity to get my wife to snorkel and eventually get her to do diving so I can have a permanent buddy! Well, that part worked out (still working on scuba... she LOVED the snorkeling ), but I couldn't snorkel. As soon as I stuck my head in the water, I would get soooooo sick. I almost threw up... I mean very close... So the next day I tried on the dive gear just to see if it would help... and it did a little bit, but not a lot.

So am I alone? I tried Dramamine the second day... didn't help at all. Is there something prescription strength or something I can get that may help? I'm thinking diving off of a boat would be better, but there's still going to be some wave action I'm betting.

Thanks!

Brandon

welcome to the club. I thought I would be okay too, but just could not handle it. I did a lot of reading on it. So far, this is the best non-prescription solution I have experienced. Take bonine the day before the dive at night. Take one more atleast an hour before your dive. Avoid citric acid (orange juice etc) just eat bagels. swallow a ginger capsule before you get on the boat and take some with you. If possible, have a piece of fresh ginger between your teeth.

This is what I do and I have no problems. You may not need to do everything though I get sea sick very easily.

[sravin1]

sorry. forgot to mention, you can also get prescription scopace and also a scopalamine patch. A lot of people swear by the patch as it is sustained release of drug over a period of time

[Rileybri]

I have had very good luck with Crystallized Ginger.

taken from this web page

Medications and Natural Preventatives
Ginger is a natural preventative. It soothes a queasy stomach and has no side effects. You can get it in pill form, tablets or powder, as ginger root in many herb and health food stores, or as pickled ginger slices at Japanese food marts and even at many Japanese restaurants. Most serve it pickled with sushi, hand rolls, and other of their dishes. It puts out the fire that too much wasabe can start.
Some doctors recommend that you can take it 12-24 hours before, as preventing sea sickness is easier than curing it. Somewhere from 1 gram up to 4 grams per day of powdered ginger is recommended. Some studies seem to indicate that ginger is more effective in the reduction of vomiting and sweating than nausea and vertigo, although they reduce those symptoms as well. You can try gingersnap cookies and ginger ale, although their lower ginger content may not be as effective. They do work for many sailors though