Introduction
The waters around land are generally very calm, so seasickness should not be an issue for most travelers. The possible exception is travel in the open ocean.
The ship has an excellent stabilizing system but you should come prepared for heavy seas. Doug and I are quite susceptible to seasickness yet we come back year after year to these wonderful places - and we always come prepared. Doug depends on the Dexedrine span/Phenergan combination, while I am currently sold on Scopolamine (Transderm Scop, or 'the patch') and sometimes use the ReliefBand.
Don't let a fear of seasickness scare you away! To be sure, over the years many who have dreamed of experiencing a special voyage with us have stayed home for fear of seasickness. But of all those who have joined, I can think of only one passenger who said that seasickness really affected her enjoyment of the trip. Still however, that same passenger talked about repeating the trip because she enjoyed it so much in sum!
Over the counter drugs
- Dramamine, Benadryl, Bonine, etc. are antihistamines that work very well if one tablet is taken each evening while at sea. These must be taken as a preventative, well before symptoms occur. These make one drowsy, which can be good because if you are already sick, going to sleep is the simple best remedy.
Prescription drugs
- Scopolamine transderm patch - 'Transderm Scop' or 'The patch' comes in the form of a spot bandaid that is placed behind the ear. It should be applied eight hours before sailing and can be worn for up to three days. It is also now available in time-released capsules. Side effects include dry mouth, sedation and dialation of the pupils (which can affect vision and force the user to wear sunglasses). Follow your doctor's directions closely. An extra patch may be handy in case one happens to fall off. This is the most popular remedy used by our participants. Read more about Scolplamine.
- Zofran - also called Ondansetron, is used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may be caused by surgery or by medicine to treat cancer (chemotherapy or radiation). Zofran blocks the actions of chemicals in the body that can trigger nausea and vomiting. Ask your doctor about side effects. Read more about Zofran.
- Phenergan combinations - Doug Cheeseman swears by the combination of Dexedrine span (Dextroamphetamine) 15 mg combined with Phenergan (promethazine hydrochloride) 12.5 mg. The Phenergan inhibits motion sickness but causes drowsiness, counteracted by the Dexedrine. Apparently the two together have a synergistic effect. This is the remedy recommended by the Canadian Coast Guard. Take no more than twice per day and take only as needed in rough seas. Another combination is Phenergan (promethazine hydrochloride) 25-50 mg combined with Sudafed (ephedrine) 25-50 mg. And another choice is a combination of dextroamphetamine 5 mg and scopolamine .5 mg. These combinations should be taken one hour before sailing. Please be warned that these are strong drugs, not to be used casually. Dexedrine is an amphetamine, in the family of drugs known as psychostimulants. Amphetamines have a high potential for abuse and your doctor may not be willing to perscribe these. Administration of amphetamines for prolonged periods of time may lead to drug dependence and must be avoided. Read more about Dextroamphetamine.
Alternatives
- Acupressure wrist bands - work for some, available at your drug store. Read more about travel bands.
- Ginger - is considered a light remedy that seems to work for some and not others. It comes in many forms. Crystallized or candied ginger can be kept in your pocket as a snack. Ginger teas can be sipped while relaxing on board the ship. Ginger tablets or ginger powder is also available. All forms of ginger can be found at specialty and health food stores such as Whole Foods Market.
- ReliefBand - is a watch-like electronic signal wristband. It sells for about $100 and is available online. Be certain to get the model with interchangeable batteries, and stock a couple extra. I wore mine continuously while at sea this last year, and had to change the battery once. Worn like a wristwatch on the inside of your wrist, the ReliefBand uses gentle electrical signals to stimulate nerves in the wrist. It is believed that these signals interfere with the nausea messages between the brain and the stomach, resulting in a reduction or elimination of nausea and vomiting symptoms. I found it worked wonderfully until the swell got too big, and I did have to resort to something stronger in preparation for my morning lecture. Read more about ReliefBand.
Prevention recommendations from others
- Keep your eyes on the horizon to help sync what your inner ear and brain are feeling to what your eyes are seeing.
- Seek out breezy areas with fresh air.
- Eat bland foods such as plain crackers, bread or toast to keep something in your stomach. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and greasy foods.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Avoid enclosed areas where you can't see outside. If you must lay down inside, keep your eyes closed (when possible) or take a nap to prevent dizziness (this is a great time to listen to podcasts!).
- When all else fails - remember conditions will change and you will feel better soon!
Document updated: February 22, 2008
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