We're breaking down the side effects of sea sickness tablets, such as drowsiness and dry mouth, discussing how they work, their safety tips, and what experts say. Whether planning a cruise along the Great Barrier Reef or a fishing trip off the coast of Fremantle, understanding your options can help you make informed decisions.
The Most Common Side Effects
Sea sickness tablets are a lifesaver for many, but they're not without their idiosyncrasies. Some of the most commonly reported side effects are:
Drowsiness
Using sea sickness medication? Sleepy? You're not alone. One of the most common side effects of antihistamines, such as Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and meclizine (Bonine). These medications act by soothing the brain's vomiting centre but also tend to make you sluggish.
This isn't necessarily bad — some people welcome the added downtime on long journeys. But it can be maddening if you're driving or have to be awake. Scopolamine patches (such as Transderm Scop), which are popular in Australia, tend to be less sedating but are not entirely free of sedative effects.
Dry Mouth
Have you ever experienced a dry mouth like the Sahara after taking medication? It's a dry mouth, a common side effect of seasick tablets containing anticholinergic properties (such as scopolamine or hyoscine hydrobromide). These medicines inhibit particular nerve communications in your body, including those that trigger saliva production.
It's not harmful, but it can be not very pleasant. Do you remember that feeling when you spend the whole day trying to drink out of fear of dehydration?
What helps?
- Sucking on sugar-free mints or chewing gum can help stimulate saliva flow.
- Be sure that you stay hydrated— bring around a water bottle with you at all times.
Dizziness
Ironically, medicines intended to prevent dizziness from motion sickness may, when taken, cause dizziness as an adverse effect. This is particularly true with antihistamines, such as Dimenhydrinate. It's typically mild but can be disorienting when you're already off-balance from being on the water.
Blurred Vision
If things get a little blurry after popping those sea sickness tablets, don't worry—it's probably another consequence of their anticholinergic properties. The drugs disrupt how your eyes adjust when focused on objects close to you, leading to blurred vision.
This effect wears off when the drug wears off as well and is, therefore, only a temporary side effect.
Constipation
Constipation might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about motion sickness meds. Still, it is a well-known side effect of anticholinergic drugs, such as scopolamine or hyoscine hydrobromide. These medications slow down gut movement, making you feel bloated or uncomfortable on longer journeys.
Nervousness or Restlessness
Here's an intriguing twist: while most people get drowsy when taking antihistamines, some - particularly children - become fidgety or jittery instead. It's rare but worth considering if you're administering these medications to younger travellers.
How Do Sea Sickness Tablets Work?
Sea sickness occurs when your brain receives conflicting information from your inner ear (the part that perceives motion), your eyes (which could be focused on stable surroundings), and your body (which registers movement). The ensuing confusion brings nausea and dizziness—a textbook case of motion sickness.
Sea sickness tablets attack this problem by favouring specific pathways in your brain:
- Antihistamines (such as Dimenhydrinate and meclizine) prevent histamine, a chemical that your body releases in response to allergy and inflammation, from binding to receptors in your brain's vomiting centre and quiet nerve signals from your inner ear.
- Anticholinergics (such as scopolamine) are central nervous system receptor antagonists that block acetylcholine receptors, thereby preventing mismatched signals from your senses from sending your body into a tailspin of nausea.
Both types work and have different side effects depending on how they react in your body.
Safety Tips for Using Sea Sickness Tablets
Sea sickness medication shouldn't feel like a game of roulette with side effects. Here are some guidelines for using them safely:
- Take them early: Most sea sickness tablets work best when taken 30–60 minutes before travel. Do not wait until signs and symptoms appear!
- Stick to the Recommended Dosage: Follow package instructions or ask your pharmacist for a point-in-short based on age and weight.
- No Alcohol: Alcohol in combination with these medications could increase drowsiness and dizziness.
- Know Your Health History: Talk to your doctor if you have health conditions like glaucoma, urinary retention, or seizure disorders.
Test Before Long Trips: You can test it during a shorter trip to see how your body responds.
What Do Experts Say?
Sea sickness tablets are considered by most Australian health professionals to be safe for most consumers when consumed as directed. But they stress that choices should be tailored to individual needs:
- For longer journeys, like cruises, Scopolamine patches are popular because they're worn behind the ear and last up to 72 hours without needing multiple doses.
- For short-term relief, Dimenhydrinate or meclizine work as over-the-counter options.
- For children: Dosages should be carefully adjusted according to age and weight; check with a doctor before use.
Real-Life Example
Let's say you're heading out for whale watching near Hervey Bay—a bucket-list activity for many Australians! You know that motion sickness is likely to strike once you're out on open water, so you pop Dimenhydrinate before you set foot on the boat. Nausea never comes, but you feel drowsy halfway through the trip and keep drinking water to stave off dry mouth.
Was it worth it? Probably! However, having advanced awareness of these side effects allows you to manage your expectations and plan.
Final Thoughts
Sea sickness tablets can make ocean trips much more enjoyable by preventing nausea and dizziness — but they're not infallible. Common side effects, such as drowsiness and dry mouth, can be managed with the right preparation and care.
So whether you're out exploring rugged Tasmania's coastline or sitting on a sunset cruise in Darwin, knowing how these medications work and their potential pitfalls will help make sure you are smooth sailing every time.
So pack your sunscreen, take your hat, and don't forget those sea sickness tablets (and maybe some gum for that dry mouth). The ocean awaits!
FAQs About Sea Sickness Tablets Side Effects:
1) How common are the side effects of sea sickness tablets?
The most commonly reported side effects are drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, blurred vision, and constipation. Some medications can make you feel agitated or restless, especially kids. More serious side effects — such as anaphylaxis or urinary retention — are not common but can occur.
2) Is It Safe For Children To Take Sea Sickness Tablets?
Yes, some sea sickness medications are safe, such as Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for children aged two and older. However, dosages should be carefully adjusted based on the child's weight and age. Scopolamine is typically not suggested in children because of its ability to produce much more severe side effects.
3) How far in advance of sailing should I take sea sickness tablets?
Most motion sickness tablets work better when taken 30–60 minutes before travelling. To be effective, scopolamine patches must be placed behind the ear at least 6–8 hours before travel. Drugs taken after the onset of symptoms may work less well.
4) Do sea sickness tablets interact with anything?
Yes, these medications can interact with alcohol, sedatives, and other medicines that bring on drowsiness, leading to more significant side effects such as dizziness or impaired alertness. Individuals with conditions such as glaucoma or liver issues should speak to their physician before using.
5) If you have motion sickness, what are non-medication alternatives?
Yes, and if you'd like to avoid medication, you can try focusing on the horizon while on the road, sitting near the front or upper decks of a ship, and practising relaxation methods like cognitive-behavioural therapy or biofeedback. Acupuncture and diet changes may also prevent symptoms.
