There is an increased chance of side effects when combining antihistamines with other medications or alcohol in seniors. A small number of people may have trouble urinating and may have palpitations (abnormal heartbeat). A few people may experience side effects such as blurred vision, headache, or stomach ache from taking antihistamines. It is important not to take antihistamine medications with alcohol, sleeping medications, or tranquilizers, unless instructed to do so by your doctor.
Since antihistamine medications that are used for motion sickness tend to cause drowsiness, it is best not to drive a vehicle, operate machinery, or do anything that requires full concentration when taking them.
Scopolamine is a patch that should be applied 12 hours before travelling. The medication scopolamine is long-acting and works best for longer journeys. It works best when taken 30 minutes to an hour before a journey. These medications are available in various forms, including oral tablets, rectal suppositories, and transdermal patches.ĭimenhydrinate* is an antihistamine available in pharmacies without a prescription. There are several medications available to manage motion sickness. Two neurotransmitters (chemicals that relay messages to cells within the brain) – acetylcholine and dopamine – are thought to play an important role in causing motion sickness. Generally, symptoms disappear once the brain adapts to the new pattern of motion. These unexpected signals translate into a confused message by the brain, leading to the development of symptoms. In motion sickness, a discrepancy exists between the motion that is expected to occur and the actual motion sensed by the organ of balance in the inner ear. People who suffer from migraines may also be more susceptible to motion sickness. Looking at food can make motion sickness worse. Motion sickness is likely to happen if you are also worried about having an attack, if the air is stuffy or filled with fumes, or if you have just eaten a big meal. Some people find that nibbling on plain crackers and sipping cold water or a carbonated drink without caffeine help.When you are in a vehicle that moves continuously with relatively slow and prolonged motion, the organ of balance in your inner ear may be affected, causing motion sickness. A ginger supplement combined with ginger snaps, ginger ale or candied ginger might help curb nausea. Talk to your doctor before using the medication if you have health problems, such as glaucoma or urine retention. Several hours before you plan to travel, apply the patch behind your ear for 72-hour protection.
Consider scopolamine, available in a prescription adhesive patch (Transderm Scop).Take an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as one containing dimenhydrinate (safe for children over 2 years) or meclizine, at least 30 to 60 minutes before you travel.Avoid strong odors, spicy and greasy foods, and alcohol.Keep your head still, while resting against a seat back.Don't read while traveling or use electronic devices. Focus on the horizon or on a distant, stationary object.If you're susceptible to motion sickness: Children should be in age-appropriate seats and restraints. By automobile, drive or sit in the front passenger's seat.By train, take a forward-facing seat near the front and next to a window.Once aboard, direct the air vent flow to your face. By plane, ask for a seat over the front edge of a wing.By ship, request a cabin in the front or middle of the ship near the water level.Pick seats where you'll feel motion least: When traveling, avoid sitting in seats in the rear of the vehicle or seats that face backward. You might avoid motion sickness by planning ahead.