Motion Sickness in Teens: Care Instructions

Your Care Instructions

Motion sickness is nausea caused by riding in a car, airplane, train, or boat. It can also cause vomiting, sweating, and headache.

Motion sickness is sometimes called carsickness, airsickness, or seasickness. You can also get motion sickness from playing video games, looking through a microscope, or other activities.

Problems caused by motion sickness usually go away soon after the motion stops. Sometimes it can take a few days for symptoms to go away.

Motion sickness can be treated with either over-the-counter or prescription medicine. The medicines come as pills, a patch, or a shot. Some people try ginger or ginger ale to help nausea. Some people also think wristbands that put pressure on a certain spot can reduce motion sickness.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Sit in the front seat of a car or near the wings when you fly in an airplane.

• Try not to move your head. Keep your head still by pressing it into a headrest.

• On a boat, get a cabin near the middle of the ship. Go outside often to get fresh air.

• When in a car, boat, or airplane, look at one place on the horizon.

• Do not read or watch TV in a moving vehicle.

• Do not eat a big meal before traveling.

• Eat small meals during long trips.

• Try a few soda crackers and a carbonated drink if you feel ill.

• Try ginger, ginger tea, or ginger ale before you travel.

• Try an over-the-counter medicine, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), or meclizine (Bonine), about an hour before you travel. These medicines can make you feel sleepy. Do not drive while using them.

• If you get prescription medicine from your doctor, take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.

When should you call for help?

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

Current as of: September 27, 2023

Content Version: 14.0

Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.