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 should I take Dramamine?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
For best results, take Dramamine 30 to 60 minutes before traveling or before any activity that may trigger motion sickness.
You may take Dramamine with or without food. The chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time if you have taken Dramamine in the past few days.
How long does it take for Dramamine to work?
Most people who take Dramamine can expect some relief from nausea and vomiting within one hour of taking any form of Dramamine. Dramamine All Day Less Drowsy for example relieves motion sickness symptoms with less drowsiness for up to 24 hours.
Does Dramamine make you sleepy?
Although Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) is effective at reducing motion sickness symptoms, it is an antihistamine. Like all antihistamines, it may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and decreased mental alertness. Some people may experience the exact opposite effects, including insomnia, excitability, and restlessness. Unfortunately, not much can be done to mitigate the side effects. If you’ve taken it before, you should expect similar side effects each time.
How long does Dramamine make you sleepy?
Dramamine has been used as a sleep aid because diphenhydramine, a main component of Dramamine, causes drowsiness approximately 20 minutes after taking a dose of the anti-allergy medication.
Who should not take Dramamine?
Patients with a history of glaucoma, liver impairment, asthma, seizures, prostate enlargements or urinary blockage, thyroid dysfunction, and cardiovascular disease should proceed with caution and speak with their physician first.
Is it safe to take Dramamine while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Dramamine is generally considered safe during pregnancy because as a Class B medication, no risks have been found in animal studies. Although one cannot unconditionally guarantee any medication’s safety in pregnancy, most studies have shown no increased risk of fetal anomalies in those exposed to Dramamine.
It is not known whether Dramamine will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor’s advice if you are pregnant. It is not known whether Dramamine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor’s advice if you are breastfeeding a baby.
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.
Can I get addicted to Dramamine?
There is some evidence to suggest the existence of Dramamine -related syndromes involving intoxication, withdrawal, and dependence, more commonly 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.
