What is motion sickness?

Does the thought of a long car trip make you break out in a cold sweat? Or does just the mere mention of a rocking boat give your stomach a churn? When motion sickness joins you on your journey, it can really take the wind out of your sails.

Motion sickness, also called travel sickness, is that unwell feeling that occurs when you’re in a moving vehicle such as a car, plane or boat. It happens when your senses get muddled – what you are seeing or feeling doesn’t match what you are expecting to see or feel. Other signs of this mismatch of senses include sweating, burping, yawning, headaches and vomiting. Learn more about what causes motion sickness here.

Can I prevent this feeling with motion sickness medication?

Yes! SEA-LEGS® chewable tablets help prevent motion sickness. These chewable tablets are long-lasting and best taken before you travel. They can be taken when your symptoms start but work better before you travel to stop you from feeling sick in the first place! They contain the antihistamine called meclozine, which blocks sensory signals from reaching the part of your brain that triggers vomiting.

SEA-LEGS® chewable tablets may be sucked, chewed, or swallowed. Taken at least 30 minutes before the start of travel, SEA-LEGS® chewable tablets provide effective protection against motion sickness for up to 24 hours.

Are there natural ways to prevent getting motion sickness?

If you know that you or one of your travel buddies are likely to get motion sickness, planning your trip ahead of time could help your journey run a little smoother. You might choose to drive a less hilly or twisty route or avoid travelling during bad weather that might cause turbulence or poor visibility. Try starting your trip when conditions are calm, as this can help you get used to the movement of the vehicle.

Alas, the weather and how to get where you’re going are things you can’t always control, so think about how you can prepare yourself for your trip. Choose comfortable clothes to wear while travelling and make sure you get enough rest before you leave. It’s also a good idea to eat before you leave, but make sure to avoid heavy or greasy foods and drinks that might make your tummy uncomfortable while you’re on the move. As well as helping to prevent or reduce your motion sickness symptoms, this preparation can help your motion sickness medication do its job.

Are there other ways to relieve motion sickness once it’s started?

If motion sickness strikes and you’ve forgotten take or bring your motion sickness medication, there are other things you can try to help feel better. The key to relieving or reducing those queasy feelings is to try limit the mismatch between what you see and what you feel. Here are some things that may help:

  • Sit in the part of the vehicle with the least amount of movement, such as the front passenger seat, and always face forward
  • Focus on a fixed spot in front of you, such as the horizon in the distance
  • Avoid reading or watching phone or tablet screens while moving
  • Wear sunglasses, close your eyes, or even try sleep
  • Make sure to get some fresh air and take regular, even breaths

Other natural motion sickness remedies, that may help you feel better if you feel unwell travelling include ginger and vitamin C. Some people may also find relief in acupressure – where you press down on a particular spot on the inside of your forearm about three finger-widths up from your wrist towards your elbow.

Whether it’s that round-the-world trip, family roadie, or just a lazy spot of fishing, don’t let motion sickness slow you down, and don’t forget your SEA-LEGS® chewable tablets!

Always read the label and follow directions for use. If symptoms persist, see a healthcare professional.

Frequently asked questions about motion sickness treatment

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If you’ve had motion sickness before, the bad news is that you’re more likely to get it again. The good news is that symptoms usually go away completely a day or two after you stop moving, and you can help prevent motion sickness from happening in the first place with motion sickness medications.

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When taken before travelling, a motion sickness medication such as meclozine in SEA-LEGS® chewable tablets, can effectively prevent symptoms of motion sickness for up to 24 hours. If taken after symptoms have started, especially vomiting, motion sickness tablets can be less effective.

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Yes – SEA-LEGS® chewable tablets are suitable for adults and children over 6 years of age.

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If motion sickness hits while travelling, ways to find some relief include picking a fixed spot in the distance to focus on, sitting in the part of the vehicle that moves least, avoid watching screens or reading and getting some fresh air.

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