Euphoria, commonly known as a “high” is a feeling or state of intense excitement and happiness, it is an amplification of pleasure, a phase where one’s essential biological needs appear to be satisfied.
Euphoria is associated with many classes of addictive drugs and it is linked with the brain reward system. Drugs of abuse have in common the fact that they serve as biological rewards. They do so because of their ability to activate endogenous brain circuitry.
Drugs that cause euphoria activate the brain’s reward center by triggering the release of the brain chemical dopamine which surges, like waves producing high in the process. After repeated hits, the brain adjusts to this higher level of dopamine by making less of it and by reducing the number of receptors that can receive and transmit the signals it sends.
Having too much dopamine or too much dopamine concentrated in some parts of the brain and not enough in other parts is linked to being more competitive, aggressive, and having poor impulse control. It can lead to conditions that include ADHD, binge eating, addiction, and gambling.
What is Dramamine?
Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of the natural chemical histamine in the body. Dramamine is used to treat or prevent nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness.
Motion sickness occurs when your brain can’t make sense of information sent from your eyes, ears, and body. Lots of motion in a car, airplane, boat, or even an amusement park ride can make you feel queasy, clammy, or sick to your stomach. Some people vomit.
Motion sickness is very common. About 1 in 3 people are considered highly susceptible to motion sickness. However, almost everyone will become motion sick if exposed to motion that is intense enough. Motion sickness is more common in some groups of people than in others, for reasons that are not fully understood.
How to take Dramamine
Dramamine comes as a tablet and chewable tablet to take by mouth with or without food. To prevent motion sickness, the first dose should be taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before you travel or begin motion activity. Adults and children older than age 12 may usually take Dramamine every 4 to 6 hours as needed to prevent or treat motion sickness. Children under age 12 may usually be given Dramamine every 6 to 8 hours as needed to prevent or treat motion sickness. Follow the directions on the package carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Dramamine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than directed by the package label.
Do not give Dramamine to children younger than 2 years of age unless your doctor has told you to do so.
Can You Get High On Dramamine?
Yes, studies reveal that when used in large doses, Dramamine can cause a “high” characterized by hallucinations, excitement, incoordination, and disorientation. Dramamine intoxication, withdrawal, and dependence are common among long-term, heavy Dramamine consumers. However, higher-quality studies are needed to confirm preliminary findings that there may be a biological basis for such syndromes.
In addition, a study from Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews notes that Dramamine may be abused for recreational purposes as well as by psychiatric patients seeking relief from their symptoms. Animal studies have also confirmed the abuse potential of antihistamines.
People may abuse Dramamine by ingesting large doses in order to produce psychotropic effects such as hallucinations or euphoria. The drug has become popular with teenagers who use the drug partially because of its availability as an over-the-counter drug that can be abused in order to get high. The organization Consumer Med Safety notes that dimenhydrinate the active ingredient in Dramamine is one of the top five over-the-counter medications that are likely to be abused by teens and young adults. Because Dramamine is so easily accessible, many people take it without speaking to a health care provider.
How long does it take for Dramamine to kick in?
To prevent motion sickness, the first dose should be taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before you travel or begin motion activity. But there is no data on how quickly it gets you high if abused.
Can You Mix Alcohol and Dramamine?
No, when you combine alcohol with Dramamine, the interaction can cause extreme drowsiness or dizziness and intensify the side effects of Dramamine. It can make driving more dangerous and you may be at greater risk of a fall or other injury. You should not drink alcohol with Dramamine or other motion sickness medications.
How Long Does Dramamine Stay In Your System?
After taking a dose of Dramamine, the drug is absorbed and reaches its max level in the system in about two-and-a-half hours. Its half-life, or the time it takes for half of the drug to leave your body, ranges from one to four hours.
Does Dramamine cause high blood pressure?
Yes, Dramamine can raise your blood pressure, as a result, it is recommended that you check your blood pressure regularly while taking Dramamine and tell your doctor if the results are high.
What are the side effects of Dramamine?
Dramamine may cause side effects. Talk to your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
• blurred vision
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dry mouth, nose, or throat
• excitement or hyperactivity (especially in children)
• fainting
• headache
• nausea
• new or worsening dizziness
• problems with coordination
• ringing in the ears
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience the following symptom, call your doctor immediately:
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
Dramamine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
What may interact with Dramamine?
• alcohol
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• some medicines for allergies, cold, or cough
• medicines that make you sleepy
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with Dramamine.
You can also get useful information on Is Benadryl And Dramamine The Same Thing?
