Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris: Seasickness Prevention

Coping with Seasickness
By Ted Cheeseman

Background

Don't let a fear of seasickness scare you away! Over the years some of our travelmates have missed their dream vacation to one of the world's best spots due to a fear of seasickness. Of all those that traveled in spite of their fears, I can think of only one passenger who said that seasickness really affected her enjoyment of the trip. Still, that same passenger talked about repeating the trip because she enjoyed it so much in sum! Even if you are prone to seasickness, you will not experience it for the entire voyage - soon you will acquire your "sea-legs" or sea conditions will improve and you will feel better.

Motion sickness occurs when the parts of the inner ear that help control balance (including the semicircular canals) are stimulated too much, as can occur when motion is excessive. It can also occur when the brain receives contradictory information from its motion sensors - the eyes, the semicircular canals, and the muscle sensors (nerve endings in muscles and joints that provide information about body position). For example, if you're riding in a car and reading a book, your inner ears and skin receptors will detect that you are moving forward. However, your eyes are looking at a book that isn't moving, and your muscle receptors are telling your brain that you're sitting still. So the brain gets a little confused. Things may begin to feel a little scrambled inside your head at that point.

The waters close to land and among sea ice are generally very calm, so seasickness should not be an issue in these areas. Rougher seas can be found while traveling in the open ocean. Most of our ships have an excellent stabilizing system to reduce motion.

The key to avoiding seasickness is to take action before you experience nausea. Doug and I are quite susceptible to seasickness yet we come back year after year to these wonderful places - but 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.

Read more about motion sickness at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health.

NOTE: As with all medications, do your own research and consult your doctor before taking any drugs, even if they are over-the-counter, especially if you are taking other drugs. We are not recommending any of the prevention methods below, but are providing this list so you can start your own research.

Over the counter drugs

Dramamine and Bonine are antihistamines that work very well if one tablet is taken each evening while at sea. Take these as a preventative, well before symptoms occur. These work by blocking histamine receptors (these receptors are found in a lot of body sites, including the brain's vomiting center). Antihistimines cause drowiness, which can be good if you are sick since going to sleep is the simplest best remedy.
Stugeron (cinnarizine 15 mg. tablets) is also an antihistamine. It is reported to be the most effective of any non-prescription and possibly prescription drug. Although widely used outside of USA, it is not FDA approved, but is available from CanadaDrugsOnline.com or over the counter in Europe and Mexico.

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, hallucinations, anxiety, 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 (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.
Compazine (prochlorperazine) - suppositories is a most effective antiemetic drug that is effective against nausea but not specific for motion sickness. Suppositories are far superior to tablets once vomiting has started. Ask your doctor about side effects. Read more about prochlorperazine.
Phenergan combinations - Doug Cheeseman uses 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. Familiarly known as the "Navy Cocktail," this is the remedy recommended by the US Navy. 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 have a button permanently placed on the inside of the band that is placed over an acupressure point on each wrist. They are worn like a watch or a sweatband. These work for some people. They are available at your drug store and online. Read about some examples, Travelbands and BioBands.
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.
ReliefBand Premier - is worn like a watch to help control the queasy feeling. It is drug-free, non-invasive, and easy to wear - like a sports watch but on your wrist underside. It features five stimulation settings and on/off power control. The device works using gentle electronic signals to stimulate the pericardium-6 nerves in the wrist. A light, tingling sensation lets you know that the device is working to control your nausea. The kit is quite pricey, over US$150. Bring along extra batteries. 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. Some people found it did not work at all. Read more about ReliefBand and an alternate brand, Reletex.
QueaseEASE - is a drug-free, all natural product consisting of a unique blend of pure essential oils. It was formulated to calm the queasiness associated with surgery and is also beneficial for soothing motion sickness. The user simply takes a few deep breaths of the aroma for immediate relief, repeating as much as needed. We used this on one of our trips and were pleasantly surprized at the good results. It is available in online stores such as Amazon. Read more about QueaseEASE.

Prevention suggestions

Keep your eyes on the horizon to help sync your eyes and balance system.
Seek out breezy areas with fresh air.
Take preventative drugs well before departure or entering rough seas so it has time to work, they are not effective after you are sick.
Eat bland foods such as plain crackers, bread, or toast to keep something in your stomach.
Avoid alcohol and greasy, spicy foods before and during your voyage.
Sign-up for a cabin in the middle of the ship and near the waterline or sit in the part of the boat with the least motion. Avoid enclosed areas where you can't see outside.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Don't read.
Keep your head and body as still as possible.
Reduce sensory inputs by lying down with your eyes closed (this is a great time to listen to your iPod!) or take a nap. This is often the best remedy.
When all else fails - remember conditions will change and you will feel better soon!