Motion sickness: fast tips to stop nausea and dizziness

Motion sickness happens when your inner ear, eyes, and body send mixed signals to your brain. That clash causes nausea, sweating, dizziness, and sometimes vomiting. You don’t need to tolerate it—small changes often make a big difference. Here are straightforward, usable tips you can try today.

Quick prevention tips

Sit where motion is felt least: front seat of a car, over the wings on a plane, or the middle of a boat. Keep your eyes on a fixed point on the horizon. Avoid reading, phone screens, or heavy meals right before travel—eat light, bland snacks if you feel queasy. Open a window or get fresh air when you can; cool air reduces nausea for many people. Stay hydrated but sip slowly; gulping can worsen upset stomach.

Try steady breathing: inhale slowly through your nose for four counts, hold one, then exhale for four. That calms your nervous system and cuts nausea. If you travel often, gradual exposure helps—short drives that increase over time can reduce sensitivity through habituation.

Medications and simple remedies

Over-the-counter options: dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and meclizine (Antivert, Bonine) work well for many adults. Take them 30–60 minutes before travel. Scopolamine patch (behind the ear) is stronger—apply about 4 hours before travel and replace every three days if needed. All these can cause drowsiness and dry mouth, so test them before you need to be alert.

Prescription help: if OTC meds don’t work, ask a doctor about stronger antiemetics or dosing adjustments. Pregnant people should talk to their provider—some options are safer than others in pregnancy.

Natural tricks that help: ginger (candies, tea, or 250 mg capsules) reduces nausea for many people. Acupressure wristbands press the P6 point on your inner wrist and can be helpful, especially for mild motion sickness. Peppermint or lemon candy distracts and eases stomach discomfort for some travelers.

Tips for kids: try non-drug measures first—front seat, fresh air, and distraction. If medication is needed, use pediatric dosing and check with a pediatrician. Meclizine is often not recommended for very young children without a doctor’s advice.

When to see a doctor: if you vomit repeatedly, can’t keep fluids down, feel faint, or have a sudden change in balance or hearing, get medical help. Also consult a doctor if motion sickness prevents daily life despite reasonable treatments—there are other therapies and targeted prescriptions that might help.

Small changes add up. Pick a couple of the tips above—sit forward, try ginger, or take one dose of an OTC antihistamine before a trip—and see what helps. With a bit of planning you can cut motion sickness down to size and enjoy the trip.