Navigating the world of travel can present several health challenges, from the familiar discomfort of motion sickness to the anxieties of flying and the disruption of a new time zone. The ideal medication depends entirely on the specific issue, and a well-prepared traveler's kit should include remedies for the most common travel ailments. Before taking any new medication, it is important to consult a healthcare provider, especially if you are pregnant, have underlying health conditions, or are traveling with children.
Choosing a tablet for motion sickness
Motion sickness is caused by conflicting signals sent to the brain from the inner ear, eyes, and other sensory organs. The best tablets for this condition are antihistamines, which work by blocking histamine receptors in the central nervous system that trigger nausea and vomiting.
Over-the-counter options
- Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine Original): A very common and effective antihistamine for motion sickness.
- Pros: Works quickly, within 30 to 60 minutes, and is available in various forms. It is also approved for children over 2 years old, making it a good family option.
- Cons: Causes significant drowsiness, so it's not ideal for travelers who need to remain alert.
- Meclizine (Bonine, Dramamine Less Drowsy): This antihistamine is often preferred for its less-sedating properties.
- Pros: Taken only once a day, with effects lasting up to 24 hours, making it highly convenient for long journeys. Causes less drowsiness compared to dimenhydrinate.
- Cons: Takes about an hour to take effect and is not recommended for children under 12.
- Ginger: While not a pharmaceutical tablet, ginger supplements are a popular natural remedy for nausea and can be found in tablet form.
- Pros: Has few side effects and can be effective for mild nausea.
- Cons: Efficacy varies from person to person, and it may not be strong enough for severe symptoms.
Prescription options
- Scopolamine (Transderm Scop): A highly effective prescription medication delivered via a transdermal patch placed behind the ear.
- Pros: One patch provides continuous protection for up to 72 hours and causes less drowsiness than most oral antihistamines.
- Cons: Requires a prescription and must be applied several hours before travel for maximum effectiveness. Can cause dry mouth, blurred vision, and other side effects.
- Promethazine (Phenergan): A potent prescription antihistamine with strong sedative effects.
- Pros: Very effective for severe motion sickness and is available in oral and suppository forms.
- Cons: Highly sedating, limiting its use for travelers who need to be awake and alert.
Tablets for common travel ailments
Beyond motion sickness, other health issues can necessitate medication during travel. Packing a small first-aid kit with the right tablets can prevent a minor issue from ruining your trip.
Traveler's diarrhea
For this common problem, both over-the-counter and prescription options are available. The best course of action depends on the severity of the symptoms.
- Loperamide (Imodium): An over-the-counter anti-motility agent that slows down bowel movements, providing fast relief. It is not recommended if you have a fever or bloody stools, as it can trap harmful bacteria in your system.
- Bismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol): This over-the-counter product can reduce the number of bowel movements and shorten symptom duration. Some formulations can also target the bacteria that cause the illness.
- Antibiotics: A prescription may be necessary for severe cases, especially if accompanied by fever or bloody stools. Your doctor can prescribe an appropriate antibiotic based on your destination and risk factors.
Jet lag
This circadian rhythm disruption can be a major challenge, especially when crossing multiple time zones. The most common and effective tablets target the sleep-wake cycle.
- Melatonin: A naturally occurring hormone that regulates sleep, available over-the-counter in tablet form. Taking melatonin at the appropriate time in your new time zone can help reset your body's internal clock and aid sleep.
- Hypnotics: Prescription sleep aids, such as zolpidem (Ambien), can help induce sleep in a new time zone. These are generally used for short-term situations due to side effects and potential for dependence.
Travel anxiety
For travelers with anxiety about flying or other parts of their trip, certain medications can help. These generally require a prescription.
- Benzodiazepines: Medications like alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan) can be prescribed for situational anxiety. They act quickly to calm the nervous system but carry risks of dependence and impairment.
- Beta-blockers: Drugs such as propranolol can be prescribed off-label for anxiety. They help manage the physical symptoms of anxiety, like rapid heartbeat and sweating, without the sedative effects of benzodiazepines.
- Hydroxyzine: An antihistamine with sedative properties that can be prescribed for anxiety, offering a less risky alternative to benzodiazepines.
Comparison of popular motion sickness tablets
| Feature | Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) | Meclizine (Bonine) | Scopolamine (Transderm Scop) | Promethazine (Phenergan) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Dimenhydrinate | Meclizine | Scopolamine | Promethazine |
| Availability | Over-the-Counter | Over-the-Counter | Prescription | Prescription |
| Onset | 30-60 minutes | ~1 hour | 4+ hours | ~2 hours (Oral) |
| Duration | 4-8 hours | 8-24 hours | Up to 72 hours | ~15 hours |
| Sedation | Significant | Less | Less than oral antihistamines | Significant |
| Best for... | Fast, short-term relief | Long journeys, minimal drowsiness | Cruises, long trips (long-acting) | Severe, intense motion sickness |
Conclusion
The best tablet for travelling is not a single product but a strategic choice based on your health needs. For most travelers, an over-the-counter antihistamine like meclizine (Bonine) offers a good balance of efficacy and convenience for motion sickness, while melatonin is the go-to for adjusting to new time zones. For more severe issues like significant anxiety or persistent diarrhea, a prescription may be necessary. Remember to consult a healthcare provider before your trip to create a personalized plan, especially if considering prescription medications or traveling with children. Proper preparation can help ensure a healthier, more enjoyable journey.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Motion Sickness | Yellow Book
