INFO: Knowing how “seasick prevention works� + Ginger

[buffetfan2004]

Knowing how “seasick prevention works�

* disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor, merely gathered this info and put into one place for others reading benefit.

The prevention of seasickness is mostly a matter of medication. The method of introduction into the bloodstream is the tricky part.


Bonine & Dramamine tablet (oral):
Many do not know it takes 2 hours for these things to reach maximum effectiveness (with it being closer to 2.3-2.6 hours). This means that if you are getting sick, or potential to get sick and you did not take the stuff 2 hours before, it is liable not to work. Consequently, most people don't take the medications 2 hours before, but only 20 minutes to an hour ahead the medication fails to work and thus convinced that medications don't work. Medications taken by mouth may be held up in the stomach and never reach the digestive tract (to be absorbed into the blood), if one is already a little seasick. It may be that the pyloric valve already closed, and are a "little" seasick before they ever step aboard.

Chewables: effects are immediate (less than 3 minutes). The trick to using these things, is not to swallow the drug, but let it dissolve in the mouth. The chewed tablet will absorb best in the cheek, but you can hold it under the tongue. Be warned, as a dental hygienist I have learned meclizine chewable can irritate the lining of the mouth. It should be chewed up very fine and not allowed to stay long, in any one place.

Patch: Scopolamine patches work by direct introduction into the blood vessels behind the ear.

Much of the above info was gathered and Permission granted to reprint Copyright 2001. Captain Michael P. Maurice mikem@yachtsdelivered.com c/o www.curingseasickness.com


Natural Remedy info:
Ginger: Most pharmacies and health food stores sell ginger powder in pills or capsules. Candied ginger sticks are sold at many health food stores, or spice areas and may do in a pinch, especially for nausea.

Pills: 200 mg every 4 hours as needed.

Crystallized ginger: Enjoy two pieces of crystallized ginger a day; about 500 mg of ginger is present in a 1-inch-square, 1/4-inch-thick piece of ginger prepared this way. For motion sickness: Take l00 mg two hours before departing and then every four hours afterward as needed.

[Fern]

Hi buffetfan2004,

(I realize you are not a doctor, you just play one on TV )

All of these things may help with sea sickness, but people should check with their doctors before using them as some may interact with other meds.

Since ginger is OTC, many people think it's safe. While it may help with nausea, people should check with their doctor before using it. There may be interactions with other drugs they are taking (especially blood thinners), or there may be side effects (rare, but possible).

Thanks for putting all the info together in one place!

[buffetfan2004]

Fern is correct-
please check as always with your physician (doctor) prior to taking.
Especially for ginger as it has potential for blood thinner, and would not want any interactions with any medications.
Also applies to any medications given to children.

[jenischmeni]

No, he's not a doctor, but he did sleep in a Holiday Inn last night! (Just kidding!)

Thanks for the info. It helps up to be better prepared when we visit or doctors (who may not be as well informed!)