Motion sickness prevention

Conflicting body signals cause motion sickness. The human body maintains balance because of signals from different parts of the body, like the eyes, feet, inner ears and legs. When these send different signals to the brain, it reacts with the symptoms of motion sickness

Common symptoms* of motion sickness include the following:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Increased saliva production
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting

A MinuteClinic provider will review a person’s medical history and previous symptoms and prepare a prevention and treatment plan. They can make recommendations for effective remedies, including over-the-counter products. If necessary, they can also prescribe medication.

1. You may have to answer a few questions to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:

   If you made your appointment online:
   Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

   If you made your appointment in the clinic:
   Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

   If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
   To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth, email address and phone number to join the visit.

3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, a receipt and educational material. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

A health care provider can prescribe medications, such as:

• Dimenhydrinate: An over-the-counter antihistamine. The first dose is taken an hour before travel, with additional treatments every four to six hours.
• Scopolamine: A prescription medicated patch worn behind the ear. It is applied several hours before travel and may last up to three days.

The only way to prevent motion sickness is to avoid situations that trigger it.

However, symptoms may be eased with certain behaviors:*

• Take medication recommended by a health care provider before motion exposure.
• Sit where body signals match. This means finding a place where your eyes can see the same motion that your inner ear is sensing.
• Avoid reading while in or on a moving vehicle.
• Eat ahead of time, avoiding greasy, spicy or intense-smelling foods. Eat light meals and avoid overeating.

And certain places in moving vehicles may help minimize symptoms:*

• Airplanes: Book a window seat and look outside. Choose a seat near the wings.
• Boats and ships: Stay above deck and face forward.
• Cars: Sit in the front seat and look at a distant view.
• Trains: Sit by a window in a seat that faces forward. Look out the window toward the distance.

A MinuteClinic provider will review a person’s medical history and previous symptoms and prepare a prevention and treatment plan. They can make recommendations for effective remedies, including over-the-counter products. If necessary, they can also prescribe medication.