Cruise Talk: Good seasickness cures

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Author

Topic: Good seasickness cures

Paddy
First Class Passenger
Member # 357

posted 07-17-2000 05:54 PM

I am going on the Seawing in two weeks and last time i was on her there was a very rough day between Palma and Rome. Not very pleasant. This time I am going to the Aegean, so it is extremely unlikely that there will be any poor weather. However, what is the best thing u can take that doesn't taste awful? Kwells were quite good, but the armbands were useless and all I could eat all day was dry crackers. I hear ginger buscuits are good. Anything else?

Paddy.

Posts: 763 | From: Belfast, Ireland | Registered: Aug 99 | IP: Logged

Fanatic
First Class Passenger
Member # 1427

posted 07-17-2000 06:31 PM

Dear Paddy,

I get violently seasick if I'm in the shower too long or if I stir my coffee too fast, so I know what it's like to have the tortures of the damned. I found the best preventative is the transderm patch. I even went through a transatlantic crossing on the QE2 where we had more than an entire day with 40 foot waves, and I didn't feel so much as a tremor of nausea. For short hauls, meaning only a day at sea, I discovered that if I took the absolute maximum amount of Dramanine, that did the trick, but always the patch for constant cruising or crossing. Remember, though, that mal de mar can be PREVENTED; it CANNOT be CURED!!!! The "treatments" the ship's doctor might give you once you're ready to call Jack Kevorkian in desparation basically zonks you out so you sleep through the worst of it until the seas calm. Check with your doctor about the transderm patch - you can only get it by prescription.

Fanatic

[This message has been edited by Fanatic (edited 07-17-2000).]

Posts: 98 | Registered: Jul 2000 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 07-17-2000 06:59 PM

I've not tried it, but I'm told that the 'jab' from the ships Doc is best of all.

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

LizB
First Class Passenger
Member # 1243

posted 07-17-2000 07:52 PM

The best solution is the "Patch"! If that does NOT work then have the ship's nurse give you a shot -- you'll be fine within an hour.

Posts: 133 | From: S.Dennis,MA, USA | Registered: Apr 2000 | IP: Logged

RICHARD CHUDY
First Class Passenger
Member # 1323

posted 07-17-2000 07:56 PM

For the past 11 years I use an over the counter product called "Bonnie". One pill every 24 hours starting 24 hours before you step aboard. It works for me and I have been in lots of BIG waves with sick people all around the ship. Good Luck.

Posts: 195 | From: Singal Hill, CA 90755 In sight of The Queen Mary | Registered: May 2000 | IP: Logged

jwine
First Class Passenger
Member # 634

posted 07-17-2000 09:17 PM

I have suffered from motion sickness all my life. Dramimine makes me very gruggy and the patch made me sicker than the motion. A drug called marezine works real well but still makes me a bit gruggy. Two years ago I started taking ginger capsules, they have no side effects and work better than any drug I have tried. Be sure to take them a couple of days before sailing to get the ginger in your system. We were on the Splendour of the Seas last Oct and got into a North-Atlantic winter storm for over 24 hours - 65ft waves (average was 40ft) and winds of 90 knots. I just kept taking the ginger, made every meal and never felt sick! I certainly feel it passed the test.

Posts: 223 | From: Cincinnati, OH USA | Registered: Apr 99 | IP: Logged

jean elmore
First Class Passenger
Member # 1192

posted 07-21-2000 09:38 PM

I also have been taking the ginger capsules for a few years now and they have always passed muster, you can get them at any health food shop on both sides of the Atlantic, good luck and "smooth sailing"

Posts: 68 | From: obetz oh. usa | Registered: Mar 2000 | IP: Logged

EricCruises-RBCCL
First Class Passenger
Member # 1396

posted 07-23-2000 12:26 AM

here is a tip,

Ignore it. Sure the boat may rock, but the old saying is, its all in your head.
If someone belives in Vudu and yo walk in to a house you just bought and see it, YOUR DEAD (In your mind) If not hey just go in there pick up the s*it and throw it away.
So, no pills or anything is going to really cure you, you might think that because right after you take the pill, you think it will make you better SO in conclusion to:
Its all in your mind....

Posts: 46 | From: Miami FL United States | Registered: Jun 2000 | IP: Logged

sympatico
First Class Passenger
Member # 797

posted 07-23-2000 07:14 AM

EricCruises - obviously you have never been sea sick - lucky you. Actually it is an inner ear problem and there is nothing worse than feeling nauseated, losing your balance and feeling absolutely miserable. You don't care whether the world is going to end, you just want the feeling to go away.
I used to used Antivert but it has been discontinued in Canada so last time the Dr. gave me Bonine but didn't have to use it - very calm seas.
I have tried the wrist bands and they don't work or maybe they did and I was OK.
I think the patch has been banned in Canada, don't know about the US, but I saw too many side effects from people wearing them to ever use them.
Paddy - try the ginger capsules - people seem to swear by them. Enjoy your cruise.

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

jwine
First Class Passenger
Member # 634

posted 07-23-2000 10:11 AM

EricCruises - apparently you have been lucky enough never to experience motion seasickness, because you will quickly realize it's not in your head! I've had motion seasickness all my life - couldn't ride in a car when I was a kid. My husband also had the "it's in your head theory" till he got seasick one time, boy has he changed his tune. A friend of ours (age 72) just experienced it recently for the first time on the ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel, so you might just be lucky enough to experience it at sometime in your life. I was on the same ferry but had taken ginger in the morning and I was fine.

sympatico - the patches at one time were taken off the market in the US, but just recently have been put back on. I used them twice and would never recommend them, the problems they caused were worse than the seasickness!

[This message has been edited by jwine (edited 07-23-2000).]

Posts: 223 | From: Cincinnati, OH USA | Registered: Apr 99 | IP: Logged

Mercy
First Class Passenger
Member # 322

posted 07-23-2000 02:34 PM

I saw an "expert" talking about this on T.V. a few years ago. He said if you are in the throws of seasickness, and instant cure is to jump in the water. All the way under. Now I realize jumping off a ship would be a permanent cure, but I guess if the ship docked you could go swimming? I have always found a patch cut in half works best for me.

Posts: 697 | From: Stanwood, Wa. USA | Registered: Sep 99 | IP: Logged

claudio
First Class Passenger
Member # 1214

posted 07-24-2000 09:46 AM

forget all the drugs do what I do stay smashed from the moment uou get on till the last day. On a cruise on FAIRSTAR in 1980 the italian drinks waiter told me when you start to feel queasy hav a shot of cognac, I tried it and have never been sick on a ship even though I must admit that when I started walking thruogh the streets of Sydney last year after disembarking FairPrincess I felt quaesy. Is it possible to get Landsick?

Posts: 468 | From: melbourne australia | Registered: Apr 2000 | IP: Logged

Scottylass
First Class Passenger
Member # 420

posted 07-25-2000 02:10 AM

Paddy:

I have found that Bonine are very good but you cannot get them in this country (RCI dish them out for free), but the generic name is Meclizine 25 mg. so probably there is a similar product to be found in our chemists.

Everybody seems to swear by the ginger tablets so I think I will try them, certainly a lot cheaper, I enquired at the weekend and there were around £5.00 for 100.

Cheers
M.

Posts: 648 | From: Stirlingshire, Scotland | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

Laura
First Class Passenger
Member # 924

posted 07-25-2000 10:33 PM

Paddy,

I, too, get violently seasick at the slightest motion. Dramamine, Bonine, Sea Bands and Ginger do absolutely nothing for me.

For my first cruise I got a prescription for the patch. For the most part, it kept me from getting sick. I would start to feel a little queasy on the 3rd day when it was starting to wear off, so I started changing it every 2 days instead. Side effects: I had TERRIBLE dry mouth. Really, really terrible dry mouth. The unquenchable kind. So that was kind of bad, but better than the alternative! I also had blurred vision in my right eye. (The side the patch was on.) That was somewhat annoying, but again, better than the alternative!

On my second cruise I got another prescription for the patch, but on the second day of the cruise I ended up getting violently seasick anyway! We had to call the on board nurse, who gave me a shot of Phenergan. (for a hefty fee, I might add!) AMAZING!!!! This drug has ABSOLUTELY NO SIDE EFFECTS AT ALL! I was good as new in 20 minutes, and I took one pill a day in the morning and didn't have any problems at all.

Every cruise since, I've gotten a prescription ahead of time for 25mg of Phenergan. It's truly a wonder drug for me.

And, by the way, EricCruises, I HOPE you get a good violent dose of mal de mer sometime, so you will stop making stupid comments like that to people. You obviously have NO IDEA what its like to vomit uncontrollably and feel your head spin so fast you literally can't see straight or focus on anything. I suggest that you do your medical research like we have and then you'd know the exact cause.....and stop making comments like that until you know what you're talking about.

Posts: 114 | From: Ohio | Registered: Nov 1999 | IP: Logged

Fanatic
First Class Passenger
Member # 1427

posted 07-26-2000 10:22 AM

Dear Laura,

I imagine when you get a prescription for phenergran it is in pill form (correct me if I'm wrong). How often do you have to take it when you cruise? Do you start taking it several hours before you embark? Like you, I get violently seasick, but I've been using the patch for years, and it has always worked for me without any problems (occasional, temporary, slightly-blurred vision, but that's all), but I'm always willing to see what else is out there!

Fanatic

Posts: 98 | Registered: Jul 2000 | IP: Logged

marble
First Class Passenger
Member # 1122

posted 07-31-2000 10:45 AM

THERE IS NOTHING WORSE THAN BREING SEASICK! ONCE IT HAPPENS TO YOU, YOU WILL DO ANYTHING NEVER TO FEEL THAT WAY AGAIN. THE GINGER CAPSULES WORKED GREAT FOR ME. EVEN TOLD A SISTER-IN-LAW THAT GETS CARSICK ABOUT THEM. SHE WAS GOING ON HER FIRST CRUISE. SHE AND HER HUSBAND TOOK THEM AND NEVER FELT BAD. THEY HAD SOME PRETTY ROUGH SEAS TOO. COUPLE THAT WAS WITH THEM BOASTED ABOUT NEVER GETTING SICK, AND WERE SICKER THAN A DOG. TRY THEM THEY WORK GREAT. BE SURE TO START TAKING BEFORE YOU BOARD,EVEN THE DAY BEFORE WOULD BE GOOD TO MAKE SURE THEY GET IN YOUR SYSTEM GOOD.I FOUND MINE AT WALMART, WITH THE NATURAL HERB PRODUCTS.

Posts: 14 | From: Ga | Registered: Feb 2000 | IP: Logged

Laura
First Class Passenger
Member # 924

posted 07-31-2000 09:57 PM

Fanatic,

Yes, it's a pill. Just one a day...I usually take it in the morning. No drowsiness, no dry mouth, no blurry vision, and BEST OF ALL, no motion sickness! It's truly a wonder drug to me!!!!!!!

Posts: 114 | From: Ohio | Registered: Nov 1999 | IP: Logged

Palolake
First Class Passenger
Member # 359

posted 08-02-2000 08:11 PM

Paddy, I know it's too late for this cruise but I've got something great for your next one. It's called Relief Band. I bought mine a year ago and I think it was about $60. It looks somewhat like a watch and you wear it like the sea bands. It gives off a small electrical pulse that keeps your stomach in rhythm. (it gets out of rhythm when you get sick) I get VERY motion sick and have tried everything and this works with no side effects. (Ginger works ok but it can upset your stomach) This has been used by chemotherapy patients and fighter pilots. Find it at www.reliefband.com.

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

Steamboat Willie
First Class Passenger
Member # 1488

posted 08-04-2000 03:47 PM

I'm so glad I read this area since I also get motion sickness and will be going on my first cruise in October. I'm going to look into that Phenergan (I've read on other message boards that it is very good), I also want to look into the ginger capsules (something else I've read a lot about).

My question is, how much of the ginger do you take, and how often? Thanks!

Posts: 15 | Registered: Aug 2000 | IP: Logged

gizmo
First Class Passenger
Member # 972

posted 08-05-2000 08:27 AM

Does anyone ever feel strange after they get off the ship? I have felt "off balance" and even had a lot of trouble falling asleep.

Posts: 686 | From: Kennesaw Ga. (origianlly from Philly) | Registered: Dec 1999 | IP: Logged

jwine
First Class Passenger
Member # 634

posted 08-05-2000 09:28 AM

In reference to the ginger capsules - I usually start taking them at least two days before the cruise - 2 capsules, 3 or 4 times daily. Depending on the sea conditions I just regulate how many and how often I take them. If it's really calm I just might take two when I go to bed, just to keep the ginger in my system.

Posts: 223 | From: Cincinnati, OH USA | Registered: Apr 99 | IP: Logged

sympatico
First Class Passenger
Member # 797

posted 08-05-2000 09:30 AM

Hi Gizmo - when I get off the ship and get home I feel as though I am swaying when standing or sitting and I can't sleep either, because the ship isn't rolling.
You should see what it is like after you get off the ship after being on it for 6 days - our trip to Hawaii. Talk about feeling strange - you walk with a roll.
The worst I ever felt is after getting off the ship in Curacao - first cruise and first port, so we probably were at sea 3 days, and then walking across that old pontoon bridge that swayed - boy I didn't feel good. Could have used seasick pills then.

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

Steamboat Willie
First Class Passenger
Member # 1488

posted 08-05-2000 04:20 PM

Thanks jwine for the ginger capsule info! I'm also assuming that they just come in one type of strength? I will look into them a.s.a.p. Thanks again.

Posts: 15 | Registered: Aug 2000 | IP: Logged

ElHare
Just Boarded
Member # 1499

posted 08-05-2000 07:21 PM

Laura and Paddy
This is a very interesting subject since my wife can get sea sick just thinking about a cruise. Her remedy is Bonine. One tab 24 hours before the cruise. 1/2 tab each night if the seas are smooth; 1 or 2 if the seas are forecast to be non-smooth to rough. Laura's comment about Phenergan left me wondering that if it is a prescription drug what are the precautions (ie.pregnant which neither myself nor my wife are, alcohol consumption with, and etcetera.) Thanks for bringing this subject up.

Posts: 2 | From: California | Registered: Aug 2000 | IP: Logged

gohaze
First Class Passenger
Member # 586

posted 08-05-2000 08:58 PM

Hi...phenergan can be bought as a syrup, tablets, suppositories and is injectable. It's commonly used as a cough/cold syrup and is good for anti-nausea as it is non drowsy....peter
PS. never been sea sick in my life...thank goodness.

Posts: 1909 | From: Vancouver.BC | Registered: Sep 99 | IP: Logged

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