Travel Essentials

Medications

Headache

Allergy

Prescriptions

Inhaler

Epipen

Motion sickness pills, patch, or bracelet-Common OTC Motion Sickness Medications

• Dramamine Original Formula
  (Dimenhydrinate):
  Effective for treating and preventing motion sickness. It is fast-acting but can cause significant drowsiness.

• Bonine / Dramamine Less Drowsy (Meclizine): Preferred for longer trips because it lasts up to 24 hours and causes less drowsiness than dimenhydrinate.

• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): A common antihistamine that can be used for motion sickness, though it often causes drowsiness.

• Cyclizine (Marezine): Another antihistamine used to prevent symptoms.

Tips for Use

• Timing: Take medication 30–60 minutes before starting travel for maximum effectiveness.

• Dosing: Adults can take 1 to 2 tablets of dimenhydrinate every 4-6 hours (max 8 in 24 hours). Meclizine (25 mg) is typically taken once daily.

• Side Effects: Common side effects include sleepiness, dry mouth, and constipation.

Non-Drug Alternatives

• Ginger: Ginger-based capsules or candies are popular natural remedies.

• Acupressure Bands: Walgreens Motion Sickness Relief Band (pressure-point wristbands).

• Behavioral: Sit in the front seat of cars, avoid reading, and look at the horizon. 

Altitude sickness -Commonly Available OTC & Natural Options

• Pain Relief: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol) are recommended to treat headaches.

• Nausea/Dizziness: Dramamine and Meclizine (Bonine) are used for motion sickness, which can overlap with altitude sickness symptoms.

• Herbal/Supplement Aids: Products containing combinations of Ginkgo Biloba, Rhodiola Rosea, or Chlorophyll are marketed for altitude support.

• Hydration: Electrolyte replacements may help maintain hydration.