Cruise Talk: "The Patch"

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Author

Topic: "The Patch"

sabine
First Class Passenger
Member # 759

posted 08-18-1999 08:44 AM

Does anyone know why that wonderful seasick prevention, the Patch, seems to be no longer available ? I heard it has been taken off the market due to some people having side effects, but surely, all they would have to do is not use them. There were many of us who felt very safe wearing the patch, it was easy to apply, durable and really helped. Is there anything that has replaced it ? I've tried tablets, who make you drowsy, and the wristbands with the accupuncture idea don't have any effect at all.

Posts: 32 | From: Bella Vista NSW Australia | Registered: Jun 99

10X
First Class Passenger
Member # 2

posted 08-18-1999 08:55 AM

The patch was taken off the market for a while, but they are back now. My wife and I obtained patches in January for our cruise to the southern Caribbean on Rhapsody of the Seas. We didn't need them and they don't expire until after our next cruise. I think they are good for a year or two.

Posts: 51 | From: Lansing, MI USA | Registered: Mar 99

DAMBROSI
First Class Passenger
Member # 100

posted 08-18-1999 10:38 AM

Hello, I have never worn the patch
myself. The only time I had trouble with pills was with the
Dramamine, that can make you sleepy. But what I like to use from time to time is what my husband told me about when we first started cruising in '81, he
said that MERAZINE does very well.
I have been able to get it at WALMART and just one little pill taken a half hour before we leave
does very well for me. But I think
I take it now for added protection
just before we leave our homeport.
After that I don't need it too much during the rest of the trip.
It's so good to not be seasick, I
could'nt enjoy the ship. What a tragedy that would be.

Posts: 2554 | From: Florida, USA, Where the Legend SS NORWAY sailed from. Moving back to FL next yr. | Registered: May 99

sympatico
First Class Passenger
Member # 797

posted 08-18-1999 09:18 PM

I myself would never use the patch - saw what it did to a friend of mine - double vision, dry mouth etc.. I believe that they have been banned in Canada because of the side effects. I saw an ad for them once in a magazine and after reading all the side effects, I said "No Way".
I use Antivert and have never been sick a day since using it. They do not make you drowsy. The ship hands out Meclazine. Antivert is Meclazine but with something added. can't remember what - may be nyacin. They must be taken before meals and here in Canada you can only get them by prescription.

Posts: 3305 | From: Toronto, Ont. Canada | Registered: Jul 99

sabine
First Class Passenger
Member # 759

posted 08-20-1999 10:31 AM

"10X" - can you tell me where you can get the Patches these days ? I live in Sydney/Australia but will come to Los Angeles on my way to San Juan in October. I also have a friend in San Francisco, who could send them to me.
Thanks to all who replied so far, but I liked the Patches because you need only use them when you have to, whereas tablets have to be taken before you go on board or on a more regular basis, whether you need them at that point in time or not. I know the Patches gave some people trouble, but I know more who benefited, and they did have a warning note enclosed.

Posts: 32 | From: Bella Vista NSW Australia | Registered: Jun 99

Palolake
First Class Passenger
Member # 359

posted 08-21-1999 11:11 PM

I just read about a new item called the "ReliefBand" Read about it at www.woodsidebiomedical.com. There is a special sale on it thru August. It sounds great!

Posts: 16 | From: Cedar Rapids , IA USA | Registered: Mar 99

mrblanche
First Class Passenger
Member # 714

posted 08-22-1999 12:31 PM

Seasickness is often as much psychological as physical. Don't get me wrong; a ship with an odd motion (the Westerdam springs to mind!) can affect even experienced cruisers. But often a placebo will work almost as well as a real medicine. In fact, placebos help in over 70% of all seasickness cases! That's why such things as the "sea bands" work for many people. Research shows they have no real affect, but anecdotal evidence shows many people believe they have helped them.

Bonine is a 12-hour remedy, and is available at most pharmacies. Ask your druggist. We have found that taking them when we feel a problem coming on works just fine.

Posts: 308 | From: Cedar Hill, TX | Registered: Aug 99

mroller
Just Boarded
Member # 715

posted 09-09-1999 11:54 PM

We just got back from Alaska cruise and always take the patch with us. The only side effect we have ever noticed with them is dry mouth. No drowsiness, no weird vision, "loopiness", etc. They are prescription and cost about $8 per; come two to a prescription. Each lasts about 3 days -- supposed to put on 4 hours before sailing but they also stop seasickness if you put one on after the fact -- only takes about 30 min. Don't be afraid to try.

Posts: 2 | From: Alliance, NE 69301 | Registered: Sep 99

10X
First Class Passenger
Member # 2

posted 09-10-1999 12:19 PM

Sabine,
The patches must be prescribed by a physician and obtained from a pharmacy. They were off ther market for a while, apparently due to reactions epople were having and had to be reformulated. They caused my pupils to dilate but nothing else. When we had rough water due to a hurricane, even the Cruise Director was sick. As for my wife and, we went to dinner.

Posts: 51 | From: Lansing, MI USA | Registered: Mar 99

Barryboat
First Class Passenger
Member # 33

posted 09-16-1999 10:14 AM

I get a kick out of all the "Land lubbers" who can't handle the motion. When I worked as a Cruise Director, I saw people making such a big deal about trying to fight the seasickness, and we barely left port. Much of the sea sickness is in the mind, people sic themselves out thinking they will get sea sick and then sure enough many of them do. Take it from an Old Salt, stay away from the drugs - If your stomach feels a bit queezy, eat an apple and salteen crackers and that combination will calm your stomach - and you don't even have to take drugs. If the motion discomfort persists, THEN try your drug of choice. I've been through the edge of a hurricane on a cruise ship and many times in rough seas, but have never been seasick. I enjoy the movement actually - I think it's fun. As ocean water was crashing down above the bridge during a heavy storm, I was out on deck in my bathing suite hanging onto the rail - yes it may have been a bit dangerous, but I had a blast. I will say however that rough seas may make me a little tired but that's about it.

Posts: 1851 | From: Bloomington, Minnesota (Home to the Mall of America) | Registered: Mar 99

10X
First Class Passenger
Member # 2

posted 09-16-1999 12:19 PM

I have been on 4 cruises, each were 7 days, and only used one patch. That was an October cruise and we were on the fringes of a hurricane. Waves were huge and walking was very difficult. Even the cruise director was sick. The patch kept my wife and I from becoming sick but we only wore it for that one day. I would not recommend anyone wearing this all the time because they are afraid of being sick. It has its place and worked for us. Use it wisely.

Posts: 51 | From: Lansing, MI USA | Registered: Mar 99

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