Treatment Overview

The best way to treat motion sickness is to stop the motion. If you can't stop the motion, sit or lie down in an area with the least motion. In an airplane, try to sit near the wings. On a ship, stay on the deck and look at the horizon. Or, if you are inside, move to the center of the ship.

You also can take prescription and nonprescription medicine to prevent or reduce symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Most medicines work best if taken before travel. The medicines work in different ways. Some are sedatives that minimize the effect of motion, while others reduce nausea and vomiting.

The following medicines may help prevent symptoms of motion sickness:

• Scopolamine patch (Transderm Scop) or pills (Scopace)
• Promethazine hydrochloride (Anergan, Phenergan)
• Antihistamines, including dimenhydrinate (such as Dramamine), diphenhydramine (such as Benadryl), and meclizine (such as Antivert). Don't give antihistamines to your child unless you've checked with the doctor first.

People often try alternative methods of preventing motion sickness such as taking ginger or wearing acupressure bands. There is little scientific evidence that these methods work, but there is no harm in trying them.

Physical therapy may help people who have significant problems with motion sickness. Your physical therapist will guide you through repeated motions in a controlled situation to help your balance-sensing system adapt to motion. No large studies have been done to test this treatment.