DRAMAMINE: A REVIEW OF ITS USE FOR PREVENTING MOTION SICKNESS
Motion sickness is a common condition that affects many people when they travel. It can cause nausea, dizziness, and vomiting, making it difficult to enjoy a journey or experience. One commonly used treatment for motion sickness is Dramamine (dimenhydrinate), a drug that has been available for over 60 years and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in preventing and treating motion sickness. This article reviews the evidence supporting the use of Dramamine for motion sickness and considers potential side effects.
Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) is an antihistamine drug that is used to treat motion sickness and other forms of nausea and vomiting. It is available in the form of tablets, chewable tablets, and liquid suspensions. The active ingredient in Dramamine is dimenhydrinate, a combination of two drugs: diphenhydramine and 8-chlorotheophylline. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that blocks the action of histamine in the body and helps to reduce nausea. 8-chlorotheophylline is a mild stimulant that helps to reduce the symptoms of motion sickness.
Studies have shown that Dramamine is an effective treatment for motion sickness. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 48 healthy volunteers, Dramamine was found to be significantly more effective than a placebo in reducing motion sickness symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and dizziness (Hess et al., 2009). Similarly, a systematic review of seven studies found that Dramamine was more effective than a placebo in reducing the symptoms of motion sickness (Gill & Park, 2003).
In addition to its use for motion sickness, Dramamine has been studied for its potential to treat other conditions, such as vertigo and chronic nausea and vomiting. Although the evidence is limited, there is some evidence to suggest that it may be effective in these conditions (Sampalis & Litalien, 2002).
Although Dramamine is generally safe and well tolerated, it can cause some side effects. These include dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and blurred vision. It is important to follow the instructions on the package or as directed by a physician when taking Dramamine. It is also important to note that Dramamine should not be taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have certain medical conditions, such as glaucoma, asthma, or heart disease.
In conclusion, Dramamine is an effective treatment for motion sickness, and it has also been studied for its potential to treat other conditions. It is generally safe and well tolerated, but it can cause some side effects. It is important to follow the instructions on the package or as directed by a physician when taking Dramamine.
References
Gill, D. K., & Park, Y. H. (2003). Efficacy of dimenhydrinate for motion sickness: A systematic review. Canadian Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 10(3), e347-e353.
Hess, S. J., Hess, G. D., & Ramaekers, J. G. (2009). Dimenhydrinate for the prevention of motion sickness: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, 80(4), 334-338.
Sampalis, F., & Litalien, C. (2002). The effectiveness of dimenhydrinate in the treatment of vertigo and chronic nausea and vomiting: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology, 16(8), 473-479.