Staying Ahead of Seasickness on Open Waters

You may not be able to avoid it, but you can help the symptoms of seasickness

Medically reviewed by Benjamin F. Asher, MD

Seasickness is a form of motion sickness that some people experience while traveling on open water. It can cause distressing symptoms, including nausea and vomiting. Seasickness often fades as people adjust to the sensations of being on the water, but there are ways to try to get relief more quickly.

This article will discuss the causes and symptoms of seasickness and give tips for handling or avoiding seasickness.

Why Does Seasickness Happen?

The exact cause of seasickness is not fully understood, but it is thought to be caused by mixed sensory messages between what you see and what your body senses when you are on the water.

If you try to read a book on a boat, the page looks still, but your body is feeling the boat's rolling motion. You may step forward, but the boat may tilt you back. That confuses the systems that maintain our sense of balance, which are coordinated by the central nervous system. They include:

• The inner ear, sometimes called the labyrinth, which detects and monitors the direction and position of your head

• The eyes, which tell you where you are in relationship to your environment

• Receptors in the skin, muscles, and joints called proprioceptors monitor movement and position by sensing pressure

A mismatch between the signals can throw off parts of the brain that handle involuntary processes such as digestion and lead to nausea and vomiting.

Telltale Seasickness Symptoms

Seasickness has very distinct symptoms. If you are on a boat or ship and begin to feel the following, you are very likely seasick:

• Drowsiness

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Dizziness

• Cold sweats

• Headache

Are Seasickness and Motion Sickness Different?

Seasickness is a form of motion sickness. Other activities that may cause similar symptoms include traveling in a car, flying on an airplane, or going on amusement park rides like a roller coaster. Video games can also cause motion sickness.

How to Get Over Seasickness

You can take different approaches that may help you get over seasickness more quickly. They include:

Medications

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications for seasickness are available for purchase without a prescription. They include:

• Benadryl (diphenhydramine) antihistamine: Take one hour before travel, then about every six hours while on open water.

• Phenergan (promethazine) antihistamine: Take recommended dose about 30 minutes before boarding. Can repeat in eight to 12 hours if needed.

• Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) antihistamine: Take recommended dose about 30 minutes before boarding, then one or two tablets every four to six hours as needed. If you take the less drowsy formula, take it only once a day.

• Bonine (meclizine) anti-nausea medication: Should be taken about an hour before boat travel, then every four to six hours as needed.

• Marezine (cyclizine) anti-nausea medication: Should be taken at least 30 minutes before travel, then every 24 hours as needed.

The recommended dose of these medications may be smaller for children or older adults; follow the directions on the package carefully or talk to your healthcare provider. Newer, non-sedating antihistamines are less helpful for seasickness.

Prescription medications available through a healthcare provider include:

• Transderm Scop (scopolamine): An antimuscarinic, it blocks the effects of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which is linked to vomiting. The medication is in a patch you put on your skin six to eight hours before your trip, which can be effective for up to three days.

• Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine): This stimulant is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and can also help nausea. Do not take more than as directed, as it can be habit-forming. Can be particularly effective in combination with scopolamine.

• Reglan (metoclopramide): This dopamine receptor antagonist helps speed digestion, which can relieve nausea. Take as directed by your healthcare provider.
  
  

Motion Sickness Wristbands

The use of wristbands is based on acupuncture and acupressure points on the wrist. Some believe stimulating these points can control or alleviate nausea. Wristbands for motion sickness usually come with a button that, when pressed, is said to reset the inner ear's balance system. They are available OTC but have not been proven to be effective.

Actions You Can Take

There are ways you can help avoid or reduce seasickness without medication. These include:

• Stay still as much as possible.

• Sit facing forward (in the direction the vessel is traveling).

• Look at the horizon.

• Tilt your head in the direction of any turns the boat takes.

• Take slow, mindful breaths.

• Listen to music.

• Try food or drink containing ginger.

• Stay hydrated.

• Get fresh air.

• Go out on deck rather than staying in a cabin.

The good news is that seasickness, even if you do have it, tends to resolve within a day or two as your body gets acclimated to being at sea.

Side Effects of Seasickness Medications

Seasickness medications can help alleviate nausea, but may make you feel drowsy or sleepy, disoriented, have dry mouth, or blurred vision. Always take them as directed.

What to Avoid With Seasickness

If you do feel yourself getting seasick, avoid the following:

• Smoking

• Eating heavy, greasy meals

• Reading

• Drinking alcohol

• Facing backward (away from the direction of motion) while sitting
  

Preparing for Seasickness Before Travel

If you are planning on taking medication for seasickness, follow the directions carefully and talk to your healthcare provider if you are unsure about when and how to take it. It can help to eat lightly and avoid alcohol before traveling.

If you can, take some short boat rides before you take a longer trip, which may help your body become more accustomed to the sensations of being on the water.

Summary

Seasickness is a form of motion sickness, thought to be caused by sensory confusion, that leads to nausea and vomiting when traveling on water.

Over-the-counter or prescription medications may help. Some of these medications can make you drowsy, give you a dry mouth, or have other side effects. Take them as directed on the package or by your healthcare provider.

You may also be able to reduce or avoid getting seasick by eating lightly, staying hydrated, focusing on the horizon, facing forward, and finding a distraction like listening to music. Food or drink containing ginger may also help. Reading is not advisable while on open water. Seasickness usually passes in a day or two in most people.