Seasick and Tired of It? The Patch May Return

For travelers prone to motion sickness on boats, in cars or airplanes, there is reason for optimism. A well-known seasickness remedy may return to drugstores and several new preventives are now available or being studied.

The popular Transderm Scop anti-seasickness patch, off the market since 1994, may be available by the end of the year.

First sold in 1980, the dime-size patch--which most consumers wear behind the ear--is impregnated with 1.5 milligrams of scopolamine. Although it’s not known exactly how scopolamine works, the popular theory is that it inhibits motion sickness symptoms by blocking transmission of impulses from the inner ear to the brain.

The manufacturer ceased production of the patch when it was determined that insufficient amounts of the drug, which is supposed to be released slowly over a three-day period, were not being distributed over the desired amount of time, according to Eric Jackson, spokesman for the manufacturer Novartis Consumer Health in Summit, N.J. (For updates on the patch’s availability, consumers can call [800] 452-0051.)

Meanwhile, there are other ways to prevent motion sickness, which is often accompanied by queasiness, vomiting, fatigue, lightheadedness, sleepiness and hyperventilation.

Travelers can create their own patch of sorts by getting a prescription from their family doctor for scopolamine gel, which is sold at some compounding pharmacies that specialize in formulating medicines not commercially available or discontinued. The user applies a pre-measured dose topically behind the ear or on the wrist and covers it with a patch. The gel is reapplied every eight to 12 hours as needed. Doses cost about $2 to $4 each, according to pharmacists at Panorama Pharmacy ([818] 988-7979) and B&B; Pharmacy in Bellflower ([800] 231-8905), compounding pharmacies that carry the gel.

Acupressure has also been used to help those who suffer from motion and seasickness. In a study of 64 subjects published in 1995 in the journal Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, those assigned to the acupressure group had less severe symptoms of motion sickness than other subjects, according to researcher Senqi Hu, associate professor of psychology at Humboldt State University, Arcata, Calif. For the study, subjects were exposed for 12 minutes to simulated conditions associated with motion sickness. During that time some were treated with acupressure; some weren’t.

The proper acupressure point is located about two finger widths above the wrist crease, toward the elbow on the palm side of the hand, between the major tendons. It is thought that simply pressing on it can bring some relief.

A newer alternative is the ReliefBand, available only by prescription from Maven Laboratories ([888] 668-6648), a Sacramento-based company that produces and distributes the device that retails for about $295. The band is worn like a wristwatch and is battery-powered. It uses transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) technology, an established treatment for pain relief that sends mild electrical impulses to a point on the underside of the wrist. It is thought that this can stem motion sickness symptoms.

In other countries, the device is marketed as an anti-motion sickness device, said Debbie Feinberg, spokeswoman for Maven Laboratories. In the United States, however, it is marketed as a pain treatment device, although physicians sometimes prescribe it for motion sickness, Feinberg said.

Motion sickness can also be prevented by deep breathing, said Robert Stern, a researcher at Pennsylvania State University who is just beginning to study that approach. Some results of this study are expected this spring.

Herbalists contend that special herb formulas can alleviate motion sickness, said Drew Francis, a licensed acupuncturist who owns Golden Cabinet Herbs and Medical Acupuncture in West Los Angeles. One formula is called Xiang Sha Yang Wei Tang, a combination of 12 herbs that is about $18 for 100 capsules.

Another formula, Xiao Ban Xia Tang, a combination of ginger and other herbs, is about $15 for 100 capsules. Critics say these formulas are not scientifically proven.

Over-the-counter medicines to prevent motion sickness include Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) and Bonine (meclizine). The cost is about $10 to $15 for 36 capsules.

While some herbalists say motion sickness is caused by a weakness in the digestive tract, other researchers blame overstimulation of the brain’s balance center or sensory mismatch, in which conflicting messages are received from the eyes, ears and musculoskeletal system as the body experiences the motion.

Whatever the cause, experts agree it’s much better to prevent motion sickness than to treat it once it starts. Penn State’s Stern offers these prevention tips:

Eat a small meal consisting of low-fat foods before departing. Then eat small amounts every two hours or so when traveling. Crackers and carbonated sodas are often suggested. Those on a cruise can use this equation by consuming many small light meals.

Try to sit in an area with good air circulation, since poor ventilation is thought to increase the likelihood of motion sickness. Try to relax, because anxiety and fear can make those prone to motion sickness feel worse.

The Healthy Traveler appears the second and fourth week of every month.