Car Sickness: Fast Relief and Smart Prevention
Feel queasy every time you ride in a car? That queasy, dizzy feeling has a name: motion sickness. It happens when your inner ear, eyes, and body send mixed messages to your brain — and the brain gets confused. The good news: most cases are short-lived and there are simple, practical fixes you can use right away.
Quick things to try right away
Start with small changes that often work better than you think. Sit in the front seat or drive if you can — drivers get fewer symptoms. Keep your eyes on the horizon or a distant fixed point. Open a window or use the car’s vent for fresh air. Avoid reading or looking down at a phone. Eat a light, plain snack before travel (toast, crackers) and skip heavy, greasy meals. Sip water slowly; dehydration makes nausea worse. Try deep, steady breathing: in for four counts, out for six.
Natural aids can help too. Ginger (candies, ginger tea, or ginger chews) reduces nausea for many people. Acupressure wristbands press a point on the inner wrist and can lower symptoms for some travelers. Both are low-risk and easy to pack.
Medicines and when to use them
Over-the-counter antihistamines are the most common option. Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and meclizine (Bonine) reduce motion-related nausea and dizziness. They can cause drowsiness, so plan ahead and avoid heavy machinery or alcohol. A prescription option is a scopolamine patch (behind the ear) — it works well for long trips but can cause dry mouth and blurred vision in some people.
If motion sickness keeps you from functioning, talk with a doctor about other prescription anti-nausea meds. Always check interactions with your current medicines, and read labels carefully before giving any drug to children. For pregnant travelers, ginger and certain prescribed options are usually safer than common motion sickness drugs — confirm with your healthcare provider first.
Kids react differently. Small children sometimes get very sick, but motion remedies have age limits. For toddlers, the best steps are seating near the middle of the vehicle, frequent fresh air, distraction with songs, and small bland snacks. Check pediatric guidance before giving medicines.
When should you see a doctor? If you get severe vomiting, signs of dehydration, fainting, or if nausea starts suddenly and is different from usual motion sickness, get medical help. Also see a doctor if symptoms don’t improve with common measures or if they disrupt daily life.
Before a trip, make a quick checklist: pick the best seat, pack water and ginger snacks, bring a window option or fan, plan medication timing (many OTC meds work best 30–60 minutes before travel), and keep motion aids handy. With a little planning you can cut the risk of car sickness and enjoy the ride more.
