can travel sickness tablets help with anxiety

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The best motion sickness remedies, according to doctors and NBC Select editors

If you’re prone to motion sickness, you know the feeling of panic that comes with the onset of symptoms like nausea, dizziness and an upset stomach. Motion sickness manifests in different ways and affects many people differently — for me, it hits me almost every time I’m in the passenger seat of a car , on a boat or a bumpy airplane ride ; for others, it can be on a train or in certain areas of a vehicle.

I spoke with four medical experts about how to treat symptoms and prevent them in the first place. I also rounded up my favorite products, as well as those of other NBC Select editors, to deal with motion sickness.

SKIP AHEAD What causes motion sickness? | Who is more prone to motion sickness? | What are the best ways to prevent motion sickness? | Do medications work for motion sickness? | Are there any alternative remedies for motion sickness? | Why trust NBC Select?

Our top picks for treating motion sickness

Dramamine Ginger Chews

Gin Gins Original Ginger Chews

Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Acupressure Wristband

UpNature Peppermint Essential Oil Roll On

Care Touch Alcohol Wipes

What exactly causes motion sickness.

Our body is made up of several sensory systems that work together to help us experience the world: The vestibular system, located in our inner ear, gives us balance; the visual system gives us sight and perspective; and the somatosensory system helps us understand where our body is, says Dr. Danielle Qing , internal medicine physician and assistant professor in the department of medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital. But sometimes, the sensory inputs our brain receives don’t quite add up, and motion sickness usually occurs when the input from these systems is mixed or in conflict, experts say.

“For example, imagine you’re on a boat. The visual system is telling you that the room is still, while the vestibular system is telling you that you’re off balance, given the motion of the waves,” says Qing. “It works the other way too, such as feeling the balance of sitting still in a car but seeing the landscape pass you by quickly. This sensory conflict is where motion sickness develops.”

Other factors that tend to lead to motion sickness include a history of migraines, hormonal changes (for example, pregnant women) and genetics. Allergies and congestion, for example, affect your inner ear due to mucus and pressure buildup, which can throw off sensory signals, says Dr. Barbara Bawer , primary care physician and clinical assistant professor at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Also, being dehydrated, hungover or sleep-deprived can all increase feelings of nausea or dizziness, says Dr. Terez Malka , a travel medicine physician at Duration Health, a telehealth urgent care platform.

Even mindset can play a big role, and stress and anxiety about travel or motion sickness can make symptoms even worse. “Often, those who expect to get sick are the ones who do,” says Dr. Natascha Tuznik , infectious disease specialist and associate clinical professor of medicine at UC Davis Medical Center. (More on anxiety-related motion sickness below.)

Who is more prone to motion sickness?

Some people are more prone to motion sickness than others due to various factors. For example, women are more susceptible to motion sickness than men, and people experiencing hormonal changes (during pregnancy, for example) may also be more prone to motion sickness, says Tuznik. Children under 2 years old and adults over the age of 50 are usually the least susceptible to motion sickness, while it is most common in kids between the ages of 2 and 12, says Tuznik.

People with a history of migraines or those with certain medical conditions that impact the inner ear or balance center in the brain, including hearing damage and tumors or masses, can experience motion sickness symptoms at a higher rate, experts say.

There is also a genetic component: If your parents get motion sick, you are more likely to experience motion sickness, too, says Malka.

What are the best ways to prevent motion sickness?

The most effective way to avoid motion sickness symptoms is to prevent it altogether. That means avoiding situations that can trigger nausea and dizziness, such as reading in a moving vehicle or sitting in the backseat of a car, according to my experts. However, if that’s unavoidable, here are some expert-recommended tips for preventing motion sickness in any situation:

• Use your environment: If you’re at sea, try looking at the horizon, or another stationary object or fixture if you’re in a moving vehicle, says Tuznik.
• Take any medications in advance: Malka says all motion sickness medications work best if taken 20-40 minutes before you start traveling.
• Avoid reading or staring at a stationary object: This includes putting down your phone or tablet, experts say. “Your eyes are looking at one thing, which is your screen or your phone or your book, but your ears are hearing things going past or your eyes are also moving,” says Bawer. “Let’s say you look up really quickly, and you see things whizzing by you. But when you look back down at the page, it sends mixed signals, and there’s a disconnect.”
• Where you sit matters. “If you’re on a boat, avoid the upper levels. If you’re in a car, try to sit in the front. If you’re on a plane, look for a seat over the front edge of the wing,” says Tuznik. 
• Stay hydrated and eat light: Make sure you drink water as you travel and avoid alcohol before and during traveling because a hangover or dehydration will make your symptoms much worse, says Malka. “Eating a light meal or frequent, easy-to-digest snacks like crackers so you are not too full or empty is typically best,” she says.
• Be prepared: “ Getting adequate sleep and making sure you are dressed comfortably for the weather and not too warm, can also help keep your stomach settled,” says Malka.

Do medications work for motion sickness?

Several over-the-counter and prescription medications can help relieve or prevent motion sickness. All of the experts I spoke to say that OTC and prescription medications are some of the most effective treatments for motion sickness, with the latter being the best way to relieve severe nausea, dizziness and other typical symptoms.

Keep in mind that most of the following medications are antihistamines, which means they can make you feel drowsy. They may also come with certain side effects. Our experts generally recommend avoiding medications if you have mild symptoms because the side effects tend to outweigh the benefits.

OTC medications

• Dimenhydrinate , also known by the brand name Dramamine , is a popular option to help reduce motion sickness symptoms like nausea. However, it is an antihistamine, which means it may cause drowsiness, dizziness and decreased mental alertness, says Tuznik. “Unfortunately, not much can be done to mitigate the side effects,” says Tuznik. “If you’ve taken it before, you should expect similar side effects each time.” You should avoid taking Dramamine while driving, according to experts.
• Meclizine , also known by the brand name Bonine , is similar to Dramamine, but is less likely to cause drowsiness since you take it once a day (while you should take Dramamine every four to six hours as needed), says Tuznik.

Remember that non-sedative OTC antihistamines like Zyrtec, Claritin and Allegra won’t be effective for treating or preventing motion sickness, says Tuznik.

Prescription medications

• Scopolamine patches: A prescription-only transdermal patch you can wear behind your ear at least four hours before travel and use for up to 72 hours to prevent or treat motion sickness, experts say. This is the most effective treatment for motion sickness, according to experts.
• Ondansetron, promethazine and cyclizine are oral medications and sedatives that treat nausea and vomiting. Like other anti-nausea medications I mention above, these are drowsy (sedating) antihistamines. They come with potential side effects, so talk to your primary care doctor or travel clinic about whether these medications are right for you.

Are there any alternative remedies for motion sickness?

If you have mild motion sickness or aren’t looking to endure the side effects of anti-nausea medication, there are several natural remedies to try. Keep in mind that these remedies, like aromatherapy and acupressure, have limited research showing effectiveness and whether they actually work usually varies from person to person.  

Aromatherapy

Research shows that bad smells, like car fumes or cigarette smoke, can worsen motion sickness, while pleasant smells, like peppermint essential oils, may help reduce nausea. No major studies prove essential oils are safe or effective at treating motion sickness; however, ginger and peppermint essential oils or extracts have shown some promise in small studies , says Malka.

Zoe Malin , NBC Select associate updates editor, uses the UpNature Peppermint Essential Oil Roll-On to reduce her car sickness. “I keep a little roller ball of peppermint essential oil in my bathroom and apply it to my wrists before I go on a car ride, which is when I tend to experience the most motion sickness,” says Malin. “If I start getting nauseous, I’ll smell the essential oil — after a few deep breaths, the scent starts to dull the nausea.”

It is important to remember not to ingest essential oils or apply them directly to your skin, and to keep them away from children or pets, says Malka.

Ginger extract

Ginger can be an effective and natural way of preventing and treating nausea, according to several studies . Smaller studies have also shown that ginger spice is effective at reducing motion-related nausea .

Ginger comes in several forms, including chews, candies, supplement capsules, teas and tablets. Though there is no ideal dose for motion sickness, ginger generally helps your digestive system and supports the release of blood pressure-regulating hormones to calm the body, which ultimately reduces nausea, says Tuznik.

For my motion sickness, I’m a fan of the Dramamine Ginger Chews because they have a subtle ginger taste compared to others I’ve tried (ginger can be intense, in my experience), are fast-acting and have a chewy texture that makes it feel like I’m eating regular candy. Despite the brand name, these chews do not actually have the dimenhydrinate medicine that we commonly associate with Dramamine, so it does not leave you feeling drowsy.

If you want a harder candy with a stronger taste, both Malin and I love the Gin Gins Original Ginger Chews . The strong ginger flavor stops motion sickness in the first place, in both my and Malin's experience. “Not only does the ginger taste of these candies make me feel less nauseous, but chewing them also gives me something to focus on other than how sick I feel in the car,” says Malin. “I’ve tried other ginger candies, but these are the only ones that have an intense enough flavor to dull my nausea.”

Acupressure

Some studies show that applying pressure on a certain point of the inner wrist may help prevent and treat nausea and vomiting, specifically at the pericardium 6 (P-6) acupressure point, which is three finger-widths away from the wrist, experts say.

Since I have severe motion sickness when I’m on a boat or in a moving car, I used the Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Acupressure Wristbands on each wrist during a vacation to Italy. Each band has a small plastic circle that presses on the P-6 pressure point, and they helped me avoid nausea and dizziness when on a tour boat in the Mediterranean ocean, on a ferry on the Amalfi Coast and in a small van riding through the hilly Tuscan vineyards.

While many people, including me, swear that pressing on an acupressure point at the base of the wrist or wearing bands that press on this area reduces motion sickness, research has not shown them to have much impact on symptoms. “But there is no harm in using them, either,” says Qing. ​​They are also safe and relatively inexpensive to try, says Tuznik.

Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol

Smelling rubbing alcohol can be a safe way to relieve nausea symptoms, and it’s sometimes as effective as some medications, says Malka. “Packaged single-use alcohol swabs are a safe, portable measure that you can bring with you to use as needed,” she says.

Frequently asked questions

Most motion sickness medications work best when you take them 20-40 minutes before you start traveling, so make sure to plan ahead, says Malka.

Avoid taking motion sickness medicines after the onset of symptoms. “Once you have the symptoms already, a lot of the anti-motion sickness medicines are not going to work as well because your stomach processing slows down, so the absorption of the medication you're taking at that moment is going to be decreased,” says Bawer. “It’s still going to work, but it just won’t be as effective.”

For people with a history of mild motion sickness (which means that it does not interfere with your ability to function), experts recommend environmental modifications and natural remedies. Medications are usually not recommended because the side effects may outweigh the benefits, says Tuznik.

Though motion sickness is most common in children between the ages of 2 and 12, some motion sickness medicines are not recommended for children. Talk to your child’s doctor about medicines and correct dosing for motion sickness, and only give the recommended dosage, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

One of the most common motion sickness triggers is stress and anxiety, specifically anxiety before you even start your travels. “If you know that anxiety or nerves cause a lot of motion sickness for you, talk with your doctor or a therapist before you leave about some options to reduce anxiety like meditation, breathwork, journaling or, in some cases, medication,” says Malka.

Meet our experts

At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Dr. Danielle Qing is an internal medicine physician and assistant professor in the Department of Medicine, division of General Internal Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital.
• Dr. Barbara Bawer is a primary care physician and clinical assistant professor of family and community medicine at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. 
• Dr. Terez Malka is a travel medicine physician at Duration Health, a telehealth urgent care platform.
• Dr. Natascha Tuznik is an infectious disease specialist and an associate clinical professor of medicine and associate program director of the Infectious Diseases Fellowship at UC Davis Medical Center.

Why trust NBC Select?

I am an updates editor at NBC Select covering a wide range of wellness topics, including sunscreen for kids , deodorants and antiperspirants , and rosacea treatments . For this article, I spoke to four physicians about the best ways to treat and prevent motion sickness, including OTC remedies and prescription medications. I also rounded up some NBC Select editor-favorite treatments for motion sickness.

Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.

Mili Godio is an updates editor for Select on NBC News.

Hyoscine hydrobromide (Kwells and Joy-Rides) - Other brand names: Kwells Kids, Travel Calm, Scopoderm

Find out how hyoscine hydrobromide treats travel sickness and how to take it.

• About hyoscine hydrobromide
• Who can and cannot take it
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• Common questions

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7 Cures for Vertigo and Motion Sickness

rmgadmin General Posts , Motion Sickness , Vertigo

Does the prospect of a road trip make you uneasy? Do twisted rural roads cause your stomach to lurch? Are you adamant to make sure you’re always the one driving or riding “shotgun?”

Motion sickness and vertigo can make anyone miserable. Certain people seem prone to these conditions, and we’ll take a detailed look at the causes behind them and how our internal medicine physicians can help you.

What’s The Difference Between Vertigo and Motion Sickness?

Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness that comes from problems deep within the inner ear. Vertigo can occur regardless of whether or not you’re in a moving vehicle or on a plane. In fact, vertigo can occur even if you’re lying down.

Motion sickness frequently occurs in response to either your motion or the motion in the environment.

Many of the reasons behind vertigo and motion sickness center on what’s happening in the inner ear. We’ll review its role in balance, the difference between vertigo and motion sickness, and what you can do about it.

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo gives a severe, false sense of spinning. It’s usually centered on problems with the fluid in the inner ear, which plays a vital role in balance. It usually comes in short bursts lasting for several seconds. Symptoms include:

• A feeling that the world is spinning

In certain types of vertigo, this spinning occurs whenever you move your head.

Do You Get Nauseous With Vertigo?

Yes, it’s not at all unusual to get nauseous with vertigo.

What Causes Vertigo?

Sometimes there is no cause. Other times it centers on carbonite crystals in the inner ear that have become dislodged (we’ll explain in more detail when we talk about the inner ear at the end of this article).

We do know that vertigo is more common in the elderly, and it can even be seen after major or mild head trauma.   Ménière’s disease  and labyrinthitis (an inner ear infection) are also common causes.

What Causes Dizziness and Motion Sickness?

We don’t have to explain what motion sickness is—you may have undoubtedly experienced it either riding in a car or on an amusement park ride.   But the causes of dizziness and motion sickness are more nuanced.

First, let’s separate these two conditions.

Dizziness can have several different causes. It’s a symptom and not a disease in itself. If you’re experiencing dizziness, we’re in a unique position to help you as internal medicine doctors in Raleigh.

We’re able to look at your overall health and determine which of your body’s systems are influencing others. This is one of the things that separates internal medicine physicians in Raleigh from other physicians.  We look at how these systems interact with the understanding that one disorder can have a “domino” effect on the others.

While motion sickness can cause dizziness, every case of dizziness isn’t due to motion sickness.

Motion sickness occurs when your brain can’t separate conflicting information. This happens when there’s a disconnect between what you see, what you feel, and what your muscles are experiencing.

Consider this example:

You’re flying when the plane goes through turbulence. While your muscles feel the movement and the balance organs in your ear detect a shift, your eye can’t see what is causing the motion. In many cases—especially if you are in an aisle seat—your eyes may not see anything “moving” at all.

These conflicting messages cause the nausea found in motion sickness.

The Inner Ear and Its Role in Balance

To fully understand the far-reaching effects of vertigo and motion sickness, we have to take a closer look at the inner ear , which is considered the balance center of the body.

In your inner ear are several tiny, fluid-filled canals .  They also have hair-like sensors that let your body know if you’re standing upright or where the body is in relation to your center of gravity.

At the base of these canals, sensory cells can help you distinguish between motions such as up and down (if you’re in an elevator or an airplane) or forward and backward. They also tell your body if you’re upright or lying down.

These sensors relay their messages to the brain, which can then enable the body to change direction to balance itself or make a different direction in motion.

Can You Take Motion Sickness Pills for Vertigo?

For certain types of vertigo, motion sickness pills may help. However, for other types—such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)—motion sickness pills will not address the underlying issue, and may even delay your recovery.

What Is the Treatment for Motion Sickness and Vertigo?

We evaluate each individual case and recognize that there is no one treatment that is effective for everyone. However, in general, the following can be effective to help those with motion sickness or vertigo.

1. Repositioning

BPPV vertigo can be treated through “repositioning.” This procedure, often done in your doctor’s office, involves placing you in a position that induces vertigo, then turning you carefully into another position.

This change allows fluid and crystals in your inner ear to realign. This treatment has a good success rate.

2. Medications

There are several different medications to treat motion sickness . Contact your medical provider who will explain the benefits of each one and make a recommendation based upon your individualized needs.

U se caution when giving medication to children. Speak with their pediatrician first.

3. Determine Where You Sit

This can be a useful preventative technique when combating motion sickness. Wherever you decide to travel, make sure that you can see some type of motion. By ship that may mean getting a cabin near the water level, while on a plane , it may mean a seat over the front edge of a wing.

Opting to drive or sitting in the upfront passenger seat can help.

The goal is to give your eyes a chance to relay the message of motion to your brain, so that the “signals” between your muscles, eyes and inner ear balance without conflict.

Keep your focus, too. Try to look at the horizon and keep your head still.

If at all possible, avoid sitting around smokers.

4. Consider Ginger

Ginger supplements or even ginger ale can help combat nausea that accompanies motion sickness.

5. Eat Lightly

Avoid having a large meal before traveling. You might want to have some plain crackers to nibble on to help settle your stomach. Carbonated drinks—without caffeine—are also a good idea. Don’t drink alcohol.

6. Acupressure

While research into alternative therapies is ongoing, there is some evidence that a small amount of pressure on your wrist can alleviate nausea. However, other studies have shown mixed results.

7. Fresh Air

If you feel motion sickness coming on, roll down a window or, if possible, go outdoors.   Alternatively, you may wish to turn air vents toward you. Essentially, blowing cool air on your face or around your forehead may provide some relief.

Chronic Motion Sickness? Contact Us for An Appointment

Fortunately, most cases of motion sickness can be easily alleviated. However, if you’re having extensive trouble with nausea that resists treatment , it may be a symptom of another condition. 

For more than 20 years, we’ve served the Raleigh area as the leading internal medicine doctors in the Triangle area. Contact us  for solutions to your motion sickness and vertigo problems.

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Can Travel Sickness Tablets Help With Anxiety?

March 20th, 2024 | Motion Sickness

Finding Help When You Know You Will Be Anxious

As individuals, we always want to have a comfortable trip and a journey full of thrilling experiences. But what happens when trouble like motion sickness and anxiety show up ? Many people tried to help themselves with travel sickness tablets to combat anxiety. Whether this worked for them and if it’s even okay to try it remains to be seen.

Are you wondering whether motion sickness relief tablets have any side effects, or are they beneficial in fighting travel anxiety? Let’s walk the road to finding the answer to this together. Let’s discuss what travel sickness tablets are, the common ingredients, their effects, and their connection to anxiety relief.

How do travel sickness tablets work?

Antiemetics, also known as travel sickness tablets, are famous for relieving queasiness, nausea, and vomiting. They work by targeting our brain’s receptors that are associated with motion and balance, which further reduce the signals that trigger feelings of nausea and sickness. Additionally, they block our body’s receptors for motion response. That is why you should be careful about the side effects when trying some of them because their primary purpose is to relieve the symptoms of sickness and dizziness.

Now that we’ve discussed how they work, let’s head over to the common ingredients used in motion sickness relief tablets.

Common ingredients

Travel sickness tablets usually have some of the following ingredients: dimenhydrinate, meclizine, and cinnarizine. Here’s what you should be aware of if you decide to take them. Additionally, there’s one natural way that might help you.

• Dimenhydrinate: works by blocking histamine receptors, which reduces nausea signals. Possible side effects can be blurred vision or constipation, and sometimes drowsiness and dry mouth.
• Meclizine: it has less sedation compared to others, but still helps treat motion sickness. You can experience headaches and dry mouth as side effects.
• Cinnarizine: it is very effective in preventing motion sickness symptoms and also improves blood flow. Possible side effects are weight gain or gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Natural remedy: ginger is a natural plant that helps against motion sickness and a queasy stomach. It has been used for decades as a go-to fix when feeling nauseous or when your stomach is upset. Some have reported that they even help to relieve travel anxiety! If you’re looking for a natural product for your nausea, our ginger drops are all-natural and drug-free with proven effects.

The connection between sickness tablets and anxiety

There’s evidence that the tablets primarily used to relieve sickness can also help alleviate travel anxiety. This is because some of them contain sedative properties that contribute to their calming effect on the stomach, as well as your body and mind.

Moreover, these tablets can affect the central nervous system, and when ingested, the tablets calm and alleviate anxiety. There’s also the possibility the motion sickness tablets for anxiety will also affect your brain and give you a calming feel.

Whether travel sickness tablets help anxiety remain specific for every individual. We should all explore until we find what works best for each of us. If you want to know more, head over to our blog for more interesting articles and browse through our online shop to discover which one of our products works best for you.

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It’s human nature to fantasise about upcoming holidays on grey days in the office. 

Yet if a destination requires hours of travel to reach, travel sickness sufferers face a conundrum. Endure gut-wrenching nausea or ditch the hols altogether? 

If you are prepared to combat motion sickness, the answer is neither. According to the Centers for Disease and Control : “Motion sickness happens when the movement you see is different from what your inner ear senses. This can cause dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.” 

Travel sickness can occur on any mode of transport: in the car on a train, plane or boat. Unless you plan to swim to your sun-soaked vacay destination, it’s best to be prepared. 

To avoid experiencing car sickness before your journey, there are some precautionary steps to take.

How to minimise travel sickness

• Sit in the front of a car or bus
• Choose a window seat on flights and trains
• Lying down, shutting your eyes, sleeping, or looking at the horizon
• Staying hydrated and limiting alcoholic and caffeinated beverages
• Eating small amounts of food frequently
• Avoid smoking
• Distract yourself by listening to music but avoid screen time
• Sucking on flavoured lozenges such as ginger candy.

For those struggling with severe travel sickness, speak to a healthcare professional about prescription solutions. For milder but no less distressing sickness, we consulted two medical experts.

Dr Reval Sukkhu and nurse Helen Chetwynd from HCA Healthcare UK suggest three key treatments for travel sickness: “Firstly, travel bands . While their efficacy is unclear, the theory is based on something akin to acupuncture. Travel bands apply pressure to certain point on the wrist. Despite lack of empirical evidence, some people find them helpful. They are suitable for people over the age of 12."

"Secondly, antihistamines. There are oral tablets available over the counter in the UK such as Cinnarizine (brand name, Sturgeron) or Promethazine Teoclate. Individuals should speak to a pharmacist to see what is most suitable for them, as this type of medication can make you drowsy."

"Finally, Hyoscine Hydrobromide. It is thought to work by affecting the inner ear and neurological system to control vomiting. It is available in the form of tablets such as Kwells, Joy-Rides and Travel Calm or patches.”

Discover the best anti-sickness remedies to take before and during travel and jet off with peace of mind this summer. 

Best calming items for anxious flyers

Best anxiety bracelets for serene self-soothing

Best eye masks to help you get a good night’s sleep

Best lavender essential oils and the benefits for deep relaxation

Kwells 300 Microgram Tablets - 12 tablets

Stop feelings of sickness quickly by popping a Kwells. The tablets feature sickness-subsiding Hyoscine Hydrobromide which restore a sense of stability. The melt-in-your-mouth tablets are suitable for adults and children aged 10 years and over.

Sea-Band’s wristbands feature a plastic stud in each band that exerts pressure onto the wrist. This helps alleviate sickness during long and short periods of travel. Slip yours on and let the single piece work its magic. 

Stugeron - 15 Tablets

If your kids struggle with travel sickness, Sturgeron’s tablets could be a winning choice. The pills can be given to those over the age of five, making them relatively a child-friendly option. Formed from Cinnarizine, the tablets are easy to take and affordable.

Aesop Ginger Flight Therapy

Aesop’s Ginger Flight Therapy is a travel-sized roll-on enhanced with ginger root, lavender and geranium oils. Designed for your pulse points, the portable item can be applied to the temples, wrists, neck and stomach when stress or nausea arises.

Puressentiel SOS Travel Sickness Roller with 7 Essential Oils 5ml

A highly useful product that acts as a balancer and harmoniser of the nervous system, the Puressentiel SOS Travel Sickness Roller features seven stimulating essential oils to help ease and prevent travel sickness. Inhale soothing notes of the roller and relax without a hint of nausea.

Bach Rescue Remedy

Rescue Remedy is a classic. Pop four drops onto your tongue when the nerves start to set in and let the comforting flower essences work their magic. There’s no need for additional water or faff, so you can drift off with total ease.

Sea-Band Nausea Relief Ginger Capsules for Travel Sickness Relief

Opt for a natural remedy and add Sea-Band’s nausea relief to your pre-holiday shopping basket. The capsules are a non-drowsy remedy for the clinically proven prevention and relief of travel and motion sickness. Each capsule contains 250mg of ginger sourced from natural ginger root that helps support digestive health and soothes the stomach.

MQ Motion Sickness Patch for Car and Boat Rides

Apply this 100 per cent natural patch behind your earlobe and let it do all the work for you. Attach 10 minutes before your time of travel and enjoy long-lasting effects for one to three days. Unsuitable for pregnant women. 

Teapigs Sweet Ginger Tea Made With Whole Herbs

Sweet-toothed tea sippers will adore Teapigs' ginger remedy. A fiery blend of anti-nausea ginger, liquorice roots and cinnamon ease digestion, while offering a gentle pick-me-up during the day.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) with MagSafe Charging Case 2022

The Apple AirPods Pros are a game changer. With complete noise-cancelling effects, a smooth, sleek design and adaptive transparency to tune in and out of background noise, these earbuds are a worthwhile investment.

Adjust the volume via the high-tech touch controls and dive right into your stress-free, in-flight entertainment, knowing the product’s six hour battery will have you covered through your short haul flight and beyond. To avoid sickness, keep screen time limited during use.

• Anxiety Guide
• Help & Advice

Other Symptoms

Nausea due to anxiety: reasons, causes and how to get rid of it.

• Nausea is a natural reaction when the human body feels like something is amiss
• Anxiety affects the gut, the eyes, and many other pathways that can contribute to nausea
• Anxiety can also make you sensitive to “normal” feelings, increasing the severity of feelings that may otherwise have been easy to ignore
• Understanding the role that the fight or flight and serotonin play in both anxiety and nausea can help decrease worry when feeling nauseated
• There are strategies that can decrease the feeling of nausea, but ultimately the only way to prevent it is to address anxiety

Fact Checked

Micah Abraham, BSc

Last updated September 6, 2022

Anxiety is not just an emotional issue. It causes physical symptoms that can disrupt your ability to live a high-quality life. Treating anxiety is about reducing your stress and managing your physical symptoms so that your mental health doesn't hold you back.

We all feel sick to the stomach due to anxiety at points in our lives. However, when anxiety occurs for seemingly no reason, or if you feel anxious for a large proportion of the time, this may be a sign of an anxiety disorder.

Symptoms of anxiety such as nausea can be unpredictable and present considerable barriers to enjoying your everyday life. If you find your stress gets worse at night, your nausea may even be preventing you from getting enough sleep.

Below, you'll find out how anxiety causes nausea, and what you can do to manage stress, nausea, and other symptoms.

Can Anxiety Cause Nausea?

Many factors can cause nausea. Although it's unclear exactly why this happens, it appears to be a bodily response to factors that irritate or disrupt the natural state. Did you eat too much? Nausea. Get an illness? Nausea. Spun around in a circle? Nausea.

Why Do We Get Nauseous?

The evolutionary purpose of nausea is self-protection. It's your body's way of notifying you that whatever you just did, the action you took, shouldn't be repeated.

Nausea is triggered by internal signals. These signals can come from all over the body — from the cerebral cortex to the chemoreceptor trigger zone, and even the peripheral and vestibular systems. The messages travel toward the brain stem, where they trigger a series of actions that lead to stomach symptoms (such as nausea), and the movement of stomach contents up the digestive tract, in a process commonly referred to as 'vomiting.'

When Anxiety Causes Nausea

Anxiety can cause nausea. The intensity of the sensation of sickness is largely related to the causes and types of anxiety you're experiencing, whether you have a general fear of your environment, known as a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or more social-specific anxiety, such as the case with a social anxiety disorder (SAD).

Not everyone will experience nausea, and it's not always severe - you may have minor stomach cramps or hints of nausea.

Other people may be physically sick due to their nausea. We've all seen those movie scenes where the main character experiences something truly frightening and their reaction to that fear is throwing up. They experience a shooting or barely survive a traumatic event, and the first thing they experience is nausea — nausea that leads to vomiting. Their fear is so pronounced that something is triggered in the body, making them feel sick.

Nausea is one of the most common anxiety symptoms. But why does it happen, and what can you do about it?

How Does Anxiety Cause Nausea?

Nausea from anxiety arises due to a variety of issues. In most people with anxiety, stress causes nausea. In others, the anxiety itself can lead to the development of nausea separately from the stress response.

A Natural Part of the Fight-or-Flight Response

Anxiety is a natural reaction, and in small doses, it's healthy. Some experts believe that our bodies evolved to trigger anxiety symptoms such as nausea when we are under threat or in danger.

When a person's anxiety is not related to a real danger, like when stress is triggered by a perceived threat, nausea can be especially distressing. We can be feeling nauseated even in the comfort of our safe beds! This is common with anxiety disorders such as panic disorder.

When faced with stress, the body goes into "fight or flight" mode. With this, our sympathetic nervous system is activated and the body releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol (or "epinephrine"). These hormones set off a physiological response, increasing your heart rate and blood pressure, dilating your pupils, and diverting blood to the limbs ready for you to run away or protect yourself.

This process also has an impact on the digestive system. Stress hormones alter the stomach lining and food digestion, taking blood away from the digestive system and inhibiting the digestion process. You may experience muscle tension in your abdomen, which can elicit nausea.

One thing about the gut is it harbors an abundance of neurotransmitter receptors that are strongly wired to the brain. It's getting easier to see how anxiety may cause anxiety, right?

You can find our article on anxiety and the endocrine system .

When Nausea Occurs Without Stress

Anxiety can cause stomach symptoms like nausea even without the presence of stress. Here's how:

Hypersensitivity

Anxiety can make someone "hypersensitive" to their bodily sensations. When you become hypersensitive, a small amount of "normal" nausea that you otherwise could ignore can feel like severe nausea that is difficult to control.

Motion Sickness

Anxiety is a known trigger of and contributor to issues like motion sickness, so some people with anxiety tend to have worse nausea during car rides and similar movements.

Neurotransmitter Levels

The brain releases neurotransmitters that help trigger movement in your limbs, allow you to feel sensations and respond appropriately to the external environment. But anxiety can change the body's neurotransmitter levels. One neurotransmitter linked to anxiety is serotonin - as anxiety symptoms increase, serotonin levels reduce, and vice versa.

Serotonin also plays a role in the reactions of the gut. Thus, it is possible for changes in the neurotransmitter levels in the brain to trigger nausea in the gut. Due to this, doctors often prescribe Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors , or SSRIs to those affected by anxiety-related nausea, as this increases the serotonin available to the body.

How to Cure Nausea Due to Anxiety

When nausea is brought about by anxiety, it's not dangerous. However, it's important to seek a doctor's medical expertise to identify whether underlying health conditions are causing your nausea. If it's linked to chronic anxiety or another mental illness, your doctor may be able to offer medication to help manage your stress.

Another option is talking therapies. A mental health professional can help you understand the reason for your anxiety and work towards lessening this problem, rather than just combatting the surface-level symptoms like nausea.

You can also try to fight anxiety symptoms on your own. Here's how:

Jogging is a powerful tool for fighting anxiety. It tires your muscles, reducing the amount of tension they put on your stomach. It also releases endorphins, "feel good" hormones that improve your mood. In addition, it depletes adrenaline , which can help control anxiety.

Deep Breathing

Deep breathing is one of several stress-reduction techniques effective at controlling the stress response. It involves taking slow, controlled breaths to get your heart and mind under control. You can find several different types of deep breathing exercises here .

Other relaxation techniques include progressive muscle relaxation and visualization. You can find out more about these methods here.

Light and Healthy Eating

Your nutrition doesn't necessarily affect your anxiety nausea. But it can affect the severity of your nausea. Heavy, fattening, unhealthy meals tend to lead to more nausea than healthy meals.

Slowly Sip Water

Like healthy eating, water can help keep your body nourished as it has no ingredients that would exacerbate your upset stomach. In addition, it's not uncommon for dehydration to lead to more anxiety, so it's important to replenish lost fluids to calm your anxiety. Just make sure you don't drink too much water too fast or you may get some mild nausea; slow sips are the best way.

Over-The-Counter Medicines

Tums, peppermint, and Pepto-Bismol may also provide temporary relief from anxiety-related nausea. They can be used for nausea that occurs on rare occasions but should not be used by those who experience regular, persistent nausea due to anxiety. And while this method will work in the short term, it doesn't get to the root cause of the problem, so won't be effective long term.

Fighting anxiety is a long-term issue. If you experience a great deal of anxiety at home, at work, at school, or in social situations, then you need to learn effective ways of controlling it. Once you cope with your anxiety, the likelihood of nausea will decrease.

SUMMARY: Nausea can be caused by multiple issues that may or may not be related to anxiety, including changes in neurotransmitter levels and motion sickness. Anxiety can also make a person more sensitive to feelings of nausea, so mild nausea feels more intense. Walking, drinking water slowly, and light eating can be helpful, but anxiety reduction will be the only way to stop anxiety-related nausea.

Questions? Comments?

Do you have a specific question that this article didn’t answered? Send us a message and we’ll answer it for you!

Where can I go to learn more about Jacobson’s relaxation technique and other similar methods? – Anonymous patient

You can ask your doctor for a referral to a psychologist or other mental health professional who uses relaxation techniques to help patients. Not all psychologists or other mental health professionals are knowledgeable about these techniques, though. Therapists often add their own “twist” to the technqiues. Training varies by the type of technique that they use. Some people also buy CDs and DVDs on progressive muscle relaxation and allow the audio to guide them through the process. – Timothy J. Legg, PhD, CRNP

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Nausea medicine

Peer reviewed by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP Last updated by Dr Doug McKechnie, MRCGP Last updated 20 Jun 2024

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In this series: Nausea and vomiting Dehydration

Various medicines are available to treat nausea . They work in different ways to one another. These medicines are not usually started until your doctor is sure what has caused your nausea. This is because knowing the cause helps your doctor to choose the right medicine for you. If they are required then any medicine usually only needs to be taken for a few days. Most people are able to take these medicines.

In this article :

Types of nausea medicine, when is nausea medicine prescribed, which medicine is usually prescribed for nausea, side-effects of nausea medicine.

The medicines for nausea used are sometimes called antiemetics. Some of these medicines work on the gut and speed up how quickly food moves through it. Other medicines work on the brain and block signals to the vomiting centre. Listed below are some of the more commonly prescribed medicines:

Cinnarizine , cyclizine , promethazine - these medicines belong to a group of medicines called antihistamines . The exact way that they work is not fully understood. It is thought that antihistamines block histamine 1 (H1) receptors in the area of the brain which creates nausea in response to chemicals in the body. They are thought to work well for nausea caused by a number of conditions including ear problems and motion (travel) sickness.

Hyoscine - this medicine works by blocking a chemical in the brain called acetylcholine. It is a type of medicine called an antimuscarinic (or anticholinergic). It works well for nausea caused by ear problems and motion sickness.

Chlorpromazine , haloperidol , perphenazine, prochlorperazine , levomepromazine - these medicines work by blocking a chemical in the brain called dopamine. They are useful for nausea that is caused by some cancers, radiation and opiate medicines such as morphine and codeine. Prochlorperazine (or brand name Stemetil®) is one of the most used medicines for nausea. It works for many common causes of nausea, including vertigo, ear problems and sickness in pregnancy.

Metoclopramide - this medicine works directly on your gut. It eases the feelings of sickness by helping to empty the stomach and speed up how quickly food moves through the gut. It is often used for people with sickness due to gut problems or migraine. It is not usually used for more than a few days.

Domperidone - this medicine works on an area of the brain called the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ). It also speeds up the emptying of the gut. It is not usually used for more than a few days. The use of domperidone is strictly regulated following a 2014 warning about the risk of cardiac (heart) side-effects. It is no longer available over the counter and should only be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.

Dexamethasone - this is a steroid medicine. It is a man-made version of a natural hormone produced by your own body. Dexamethasone has a wide range of actions on many parts of the body. The reason why it reduces nausea is not clear. It is often used to prevent nausea and vomiting after an anaesthetic, or during chemotherapy.

Granisetron , ondansetron , and palonosetron - these medicines work by blocking a chemical called serotonin (5-HT) in the gut, and the brain. Serotonin (5-HT) has an action in the gut and the brain to cause nausea. These medicines are useful for controlling nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Ondansetron is also sometimes used to treat nausea and vomiting from gastroenteritis .

Aprepitant and fosaprepitant - these are newer medicines and work by blocking a chemical that acts on neurokinin receptors in the body to cause nausea. They are sometimes called neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists. They are usually given to people on a certain type of chemotherapy.

Nabilone - it is still not clear how this medicine works to control nausea. It is normally prescribed for people who are having chemotherapy.

Medicines for nausea are usually only prescribed once your doctor is sure what is causing your feeling of sickness (nausea). This is because, in a lot of cases, if you treat the condition causing your nausea, it will go away. For example, if your nausea is caused by taking too much of a particular medicine, your doctor will reduce the dose and your nausea will often go away.

If the cause of your nausea is not known, your doctor can still prescribe a medicine for you but it is much better to know what the cause is so the right medicine can be chosen.

Nausea medicine is also commonly prescribed when doctors are giving a drug that is likely to cause nausea and vomiting as a side-effect, such as chemotherapy, or general anaesthetic for an operation. This aims to stop the nausea from happening, or at least reduce it significantly.

Continue reading below

The choice of medicine depends on various factors, including:

What is causing your feeling of sickness (nausea).

Whether you have any other medical conditions.

Whether you are pregnant.

Possible side-effects of the medicines.

It is not possible to list all the conditions that can cause nausea and which treatments are usually prescribed. However, some examples include:

Motion (travel) sickness

Hyoscine is the most effective medicine for motion sickness. Promethazine, cyclizine, or cinnarizine also work well. See the separate leaflet called Motion sickness (Travel sickness) for more detail .

Nausea and vomiting affects women differently in pregnancy. If the symptoms are severe, medications can help to control them.

Preferred medication choices in pregnancy include promethazine, cyclizine, prochlorperazine, doxylamine and pyridoxine (Xonvea ®) and metoclopramide may be prescribed. This is because they are not thought to harm the unborn baby.

Ondansetron can also be used, although it is possibly linked to a very small increase in the risk of the baby developing cleft palate and certain heart defects. It's usually kept as a second- or third-line option for women with severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.

Steroid tablets are sometimes used for severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy that has not responded to several other treatments.

See the separate leaflet called Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy for more detail .

Both metoclopramide and domperidone work well for nausea caused by a migraine. See the separate leaflet called Migraine treatment for more detail .

Chemotherapy

It is not unusual to take a combination of different medicines to control nausea and vomiting if you have chemotherapy. Some chemotherapy medicines are more likely than others to cause nausea and vomiting.

If you have chemotherapy that has a low risk of nausea, your doctor will usually prescribe metoclopramide or domperidone. If you have chemotherapy that has a high risk of nausea, three medicines that work in a different way to each other may be prescribed - for example, ondansetron, dexamethasone and aprepitant. See the separate leaflet called Chemotherapy for more detail.

It is not possible to list all the possible side-effects of each of these medicines in this leaflet. However, as with all medicines, there are a number of side-effects that have been reported. To see the side-effects specific to your medicine, see the information leaflet that came with your medicine.

Common side-effects may include:

Constipation .

Headaches .

Drowsiness or tiredness.

Trouble with sleeping ( insomnia ).

Indigestion .

However, the side-effects are different with each different medicine. Most side-effects are not serious and each person may react differently to these medicines. Usually most people do not get the side-effects listed; however, they can happen to some people.

Further reading and references

• British National Formulary (BNF) ; NICE Evidence Services (UK access only)
• Flake ZA, Linn BS, Hornecker JR ; Practical selection of antiemetics in the ambulatory setting. Am Fam Physician. 2015 Mar 1;91(5):293-6.
• Becker DE ; Nausea, vomiting, and hiccups: a review of mechanisms and treatment. Anesth Prog. 2010 Winter;57(4):150-6; quiz 157. doi: 10.2344/0003-3006-57.4.150.
• Domperidone: risks of cardiac side effects. MHRA ; 2014

Article history

The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

Next review due: 19 Jun 2027

20 jun 2024 | latest version.

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Tips for travelling with IBS

17/01/2024 5 min read

1 What is IBS?

IBS stands for irritable bowel syndrome, which is a common condition that impacts the digestive system.

2 Symptoms of IBS

IBS can affect people in many different ways and the type of IBS you have will also impact the sort of symptoms you experience.

3 How does IBS impact lifestyle?

If you struggle with IBS on a daily basis, you’re not alone. Experiencing the symptoms that we listed above can leave you feeling frustrated and...

What is IBS?

Symptoms of ibs, how does ibs impact lifestyle.

• How to manage constipation
• How to manage diarrhoea
• How to manage bloating

Best food to eat for IBS

• Food to avoid

Feeling anxious about travelling when you have gut issues is completely normal. We want to be chilling on the beach, without a care in the world – not worrying about having to dash to the loo or deal with uncomfortable bloating. So to help you on you travels, we’ve created this guide with tips on managing constipation, diarrhoea, and bloating while you’re away.

Before we dive into the tips managing your IBS when travelling, we thought it best to give a brief overview of what it is, first. IBS stands for irritable bowel syndrome, which is a common condition that impacts the digestive system. It’s a chronic condition, meaning that it’s usually ongoing throughout your life and it can affect you on a regular basis. 1

Also it’s worth noting that there are different types, which include: 2

• IBS with constipation (IBS-C)
• IBS with diarrhoea (IBS-D)
• IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M)

IBS can affect people in many different ways and the type of IBS you have will also impact the sort of symptoms you experience. But some of the most common symptoms of IBS include: 3

As we said, these are the most common symptoms – but you may experience additional symptoms like: 4

• passing mucus from your bum
• feeling sick
• problems weeing, like needing to wee often, sudden urges to wee, and feeling like you cannot fully empty your bladder
• sometimes not being able to control when you poo

If you struggle with IBS on a daily basis, you’re not alone. Experiencing the symptoms that we listed above can leave you feeling frustrated and fed up, which can then have a knock-on effect on your relationships, career, and social life. It can also have an impact on your plans, whether that’s a big event or a holiday, which is why we wrote this article. Find out more about how to manage IBS when away, below…

Handpicked content: How to deal with IBS & relationships

Can IBS be worse when travelling?

Firstly, you might be wondering whether IBS can actually be worse while you’re travelling. The last thing you want when you’re trying to enjoy your holiday or trip away is your gut playing up. And while frustrating, it’s certainly possible.

For example, things like stress can trigger IBS flare ups, due to the link between the gut and the brain. 5 And we all know that even the best holidays can have their moments of stress! Also, eating new foods that you’re not used to, or not eating the same amounts of fruit and veg may cause some gut disruption.

How to manage constipation away from home

Worried about being constipated while away? That’s totally understandable, as the side effects that come with it, like bloating, stomach ache and feeling sick, could have an impact on your enjoyment. 6

So, what can you do to manage constipation while you’re away? Generally speaking, you can usually manage constipation by making simple changes to your lifestyle and diet. To keep constipation at bay, it’s worth trying to: 7

• drink plenty of fluids throughout each day to make your poo softer
• eat lots of fruits and vegetables as they contain fibre
• be more active and avoid spending long periods of time sitting or lying down
• go to the toilet when you need to, and not ignore the urge
• stick to your usual diet and daily routine
• manage your stress levels
• use a laxative if your diet and lifestyle changes aren’t making a difference

How to manage diarrhoea away from home

Equally, worrying about diarrhoea while you’re trying to relax on the beach or explore a city is not ideal. Again, with the right advice, you can usually manage it by yourself. So, here’s what to do when it comes to avoiding diarrhoea while on holiday: 8,9,10

• try to keep stress at bay, as this may cause flare ups
• stick to foods that you know don’t trigger you
• drink plenty of fluids so you’re not dehydrated
• try to avoid fruit juice or fizzy drinks
• make yourself aware of the loos in case you feel the urge
• try to avoid potentially unsafe tap water and undercooked food
• pack medication like loperamide just in case you need it

How to manage bloating away from home

Want to know how to manage bloating specifically when you’re away? Fortunately, there are a few different things you can do to try and reduce bloating while on holiday. These include: 11

• exercise regularly to help with your digestion
• chew your food with your mouth closed, as this helps to prevent you from swallowing air
• stay hydrated
• eat high fibre foods (if you’re constipated)
• eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of fewer, larger ones
• massage your stomach from right to left to help release trapped wind

Of course, everyone can be triggered by different foods and drinks. But the NHS do recommend certain foods for IBS with constipation and IBS with diarrhoea. Check them out below...

For diarrhoea:

Opt for lower fibre food options to begin with and choose foods like white bread and white rice instead. 13

Food to avoid or reduce your intake of

• fizzy drinks  14
• alcohol  14
• caffeinated drinks  14
• rich or fatty/fried foods including chips, fast foods, ready meals and sauces, pies, samosas, batter, cheese, pizza, spring rolls, creamy sauces, snacks such as crisps, chocolate, cake and biscuits, spreads and cooking oils, and fatty meats such as burgers and sausages 14
• limit fresh fruit to three portions per day  14

The final say

Remember, the symptoms of IBS can sometimes be caused by other things, so it’s always important to go and speak to your GP so they can provide you with the right information and guidance. If you do already have an IBS diagnosis, we hope you found our article useful and be sure to use these tips to try and have a gut-happy holiday!

1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/

2. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome/definition-facts

3. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/symptoms/

4. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/symptoms/

5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4202343/

6. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/stomach-liver-and-gastrointestinal-tract/constipation#symptoms-of-constipation

7. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/constipation/

8. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/stomach-liver-and-gastrointestinal-tract/diarrhoea

9. https://www.asge.org/home/for-patients/patient-information/understanding-irritable-bowel-syndrome-with-diarrhea-also-known-as-ibs-d

10. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diarrhoea-and-vomiting/

11. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bloating/

12. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/diet-lifestyle-and-medicines/

13. https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/irritable-bowel-syndrome-diet.html

14. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/diet-lifestyle-and-medicines/

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Drug Interactions between sertraline and Travel Sickness

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• Travel Sickness (meclizine)

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No interactions were found between sertraline and Travel Sickness. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

A total of 660 drugs are known to interact with sertraline .

• Sertraline is in the drug class selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors .
• Anxiety and Stress (off-label)
• Bipolar Disorder (off-label)
• Body Dysmorphic Disorder (off-label)
• Borderline Personality Disorder (off-label)
• Dissociative Identity Disorder (off-label)
• Dysautonomia (off-label)
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (off-label)
• Major Depressive Disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (off-label)
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Postpartum Depression
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Somatoform Pain Disorder (off-label)
• Transverse Myelitis (off-label)
• Trichotillomania (off-label)
• Vulvodynia (off-label)

Travel Sickness

A total of 282 drugs are known to interact with Travel Sickness .

• Travel sickness is in the drug class anticholinergic antiemetics .
• Travel sickness is used to treat Motion Sickness .

Drug and food interactions

Sertraline food.

Applies to: sertraline

You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with sertraline. Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of sertraline such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

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Ask your doctor before using meclizine together with ethanol. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking meclizine. You should be warned not to exceed recommended dosages and to avoid activities requiring mental alertness. If your doctor prescribes these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment to safely take this combination. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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It Feels Like Flight Anxiety Is At An All-Time High—These Strategies Can Help

Women's Health spoke to experts about why this happens and what we can do about it.

I love traveling—there’s something exhilarating about walking the streets of a new city and experiencing the way people in other parts of the world live. But getting to those places? Not so much.

As someone with intense flight anxiety, the days before a trip are filled with overwhelming worry, feelings of dread, and all the “what if” scenarios: What if something bad happens? What if we fall into the water? I don’t know how to swim. What if I don’t make it back? What if something bad happens? During the actual flight, those questions run through my head, and the physical symptoms start. I get a headache and sweaty palms. My heart starts beating fast, my fingers tremble, and I definitely can’t fall asleep, even if I really want to. Most people on the flight probably don’t assume a thing, but inside, I’m a total mess. I’m not totally sure when this fear developed, but I may have inherited some anxiety from my mom, who refused to fly for over 20 years, and only recently overcame her fear.

I’m certainly not alone in my flight anxiety. Recent headlines—like the severe turbulence that injured 30 people on an Air Europa flight to Uruguay, or the frightening incident aboard an Alaska Airlines flight where the door panel blew off mid flight —haven’t helped. Browse the comments on the social media post of a recent travel incident and you’ll find dozens of people anecdotally sharing their own fears about flying.

Why We Get In-Flight Anxiety

While there isn't yet data pointing to a recent increase in flight anxiety, Rebecca B. Skolnick, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist and cofounder of MindWell NYC , says that her practice has seen a lot of referrals for fear of flying recently. While that could be related to the news, she says that it could also have to do with the decline in flying during the pandemic.

“That avoidance increased the fears or the feeling of danger [associated with flying], on top of events in the news,” says Skolnick, which can amplify fears for the people who are already prone to flight anxiety.

COVID aside, there are plenty of reasons why someone might experience flight anxiety. One of the more obvious ones is that flying can feel odd or unnatural, and for some, even life-threatening, says psychologist Andrew Rosen, PhD, founder and director of The Center for Treatment of Anxiety and Mood Disorders . “We're a ground-based species, and so it goes against our instincts to be up in the air,” he says. “And, if one doesn't understand the mechanism of aerodynamics and why it's completely safe to be in a plane, it feels like, ‘This is not supposed to be. I shouldn't be here. This is risky.’​​​ ”

Those negative feelings normally shouldn’t get in the way of your traveling or daily functioning, says Kimberly Fishbach, PsyD, a clinical psychologist at NY Health Hypnosis & Integrative Therapy . “It's when it starts interfering with someone's functioning or life that it becomes more concerning and distressing.”

At times, flight anxiety may not be related to the actual experience of flying. Sometimes it’s related to pre-existing sensitivities to noise, feeling, or smells, says Fishbach. For example, people can have an adverse reaction to the vibrations on a plane, hearing the engine roar, or even a fear of experiencing panic symptoms in public and being embarrassed.

There’s also the feelings of a lack of control that can come with being on a plane. “[When we think about] the idea of not being in control of something as a bad thing, the nervous system becomes really dysregulated and it makes the mind and body believe it's in danger,” Fishbach says. And when this association is formed and repeated, that fear can turn into a full-blown phobia.

Luckily, there are ways to alleviate flight anxiety and its symptoms so that traveling isn’t quite so rough. Here are a few expert-approved tips:

Fill The Information Gap

Understanding more about what’s going on while you’re in flight might provide you with some relief. For example, if you struggle with turbulence, you should learn more about why it happens and how planes are built to withstand it, says Fishbach. She recommends comparing what you feel during turbulence to what happens when you’re on a boat: The boat may sway, but it’ll stay buoyant over big waves because it’s built to withstand that rockiness. Same goes for planes.

Learning about basic aerodynamics can also help alleviate some flight anxiety. Think about what happens when you stick your hand out of a moving car: The wind created by increased velocity eventually causes your arm to rise higher and higher. You would have to literally push your arm down in order to get it to come down at all, Dr. Rosen explains. Planes operate on the same principals.

If your fears revolve around crashing, getting real statistics about how safe planes are compared to other forms of transportation can also help put your mind at ease. Most people don’t know that it’s actually much riskier to ride in a car than fly on a plane. Your odds of dying in a car crash are 1 in 93. On a plane? One in 11 million, according to WGK Law.

Regulate Your Nervous System

Being on a plane can put your body on high alert, so regulating your nervous system can help calm racing thoughts, Fishbach says. Getting your nervous system to relax can be as simple as yawning. Forcing a yawn can cause a real yawn, which helps your body relax, Fishbach says. Another strategy for easing up physical tension is a practice called progressive muscle relaxation—which simply means actively relaxing each part of your body from head to toe in a controlled order. You can also focus on creating a nice, calming environment for yourself on the plane—maybe that’s listening to music that puts you in a good mood or doing a guided meditation.

“Any calming sensory experience can really feel grounding and bring you back to the present,” says Fishbach.

These days, airlines can play a role in quelling your angst too. Look for a guided meditation in your in-flight entertainment options—Delta flights have on-demand meditation sessions led by Peloton instructors, and Jetblue has a partnership with meditation service Open, that offers in-seat meditation sessions. If this isn’t an option, you can also look for meditation exercises specifically designed for flight anxiety on platforms like Headspace, YouTube, and Spotify.

Breathing exercises can help to calm the nervous system too. Fishbach recommends exhaling for six seconds and then inhaling through your diaphragm for four seconds. “By doing that, you're activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps to relax the body,” she says. I have found this tip extremely useful for slowing down my heart rate during turbulence. When hitting patches of rough air, I get super nervous, and I’ve found that intentionally focusing on taking deep breaths helps me disengage from my negative thoughts.

It’s also okay to ask for help during a flight. “Flight attendants know that people have anxieties,” Fishbach says. “I think a lot of people feel very alone in the experience, when in actuality, there's 20 million people who are also experiencing the same thing.”

Seek Professional Help

Those who experience severe flight anxiety may not find relief in self-administered strategies, and may benefit from seeking professional help from a therapist or other professional trained in mental health treatment. If your flight anxiety disrupts daily functioning, induces panic attacks, or makes you feel like you can’t move, or even keeps you from traveling to important events, you may want to think about getting help from a licensed mental health professional, says Fishbach.

When you head to your first session, you’ll likely start with some kind of evaluation that will inform your treatment plan. For most people, treatment eventually involves some form of exposure therapy—that’s when you’re exposed to situations or things you may be fearful of in a safe and controlled way.

For those with a fear of flying, exposure therapy may require going on an actual plane at some point, but it can start out with simpler tasks, like imagining being on the plane, doing all the things leading up to the flight, and even imagining worst case scenarios, Fishbach says. Teaching your brain to be desensitized to those triggers can help rewire your brain patterns.

Hypnosis—which involves getting your body so relaxed that your mind is more open to adopting new ideas, behaviors, or patterns of thinking—with a therapist or physician who is trained and qualified in this practice, can also be a great tool in relieving anxieties.

Putting These Techniques To Work

In my own battle with flight anxiety, my love of travel trumps not flying most times if I find the flight short enough for my liking—my current max is six hours, but I’m hoping I can push it to seven or eight soon. I’m still building up my mental strength to be able to fly to my dream destinations of Europe and Thailand, but these tips are already helping me.

In June, I traveled to Turks and Caicos, and while I still got my usual travel jitters, it helped that I was sitting with friends. Traveling with someone I know usually makes me feel a little better about flying.

Takeoff, landing, and moments of turbulence make me the most nervous, and my trip to Turks and Caicos was no different. When we hit some turbulence about halfway through the trip, I started telling myself how much I hated the experience. But I decided to check out the guided meditation offerings in Jetblue’s in-seat entertainment options, per the experts’ recommendations. And after a 10-minute flight anxiety mindfulness exercise, which was led by a soothing male voice who took me through different breathing exercises, I was able to fall asleep for 20 minutes. While that might not seem like a lot, I never ever fall asleep on planes, even on red eye flights or after taking sleep medication.

I’m still holding out hope that these strategies and flying more often will allow me to one day travel to all the faraway places I dream about—and that my fear of flying won’t ever stop me from clicking “purchase” on a plane ticket ever again.

Jasmine Gomez is the Commerce Editor at Women’s Health, where she cover the best product recommendations across beauty, health, lifestyle, fitness, and more. When she's not shopping for a living, she enjoys karaoke and dining out more than she cares to admit. Follow her @JazzeGomez .  

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Dog Breeds Prone to Motion Sickness

I f your dog experiences nausea or vomiting while traveling, they might be dealing with motion sickness . Our furry companions often share our human-like afflictions, and car sickness is no exception. Dogs may experience car sickness due to either psychological or physical factors, with psychological triggers potentially inducing physical reactions. While a variety of factors may play a role, some dog breeds are prone to motion sickness.

Why do dogs get motion sickness?

According to veterinarians, motion sickness in dogs typically occurs due to excessive stimulation of the inner ear. As is the case with humans, this can lead to discomfort. Many dogs can be prone to feeling queasy during car rides. Some may pant, excessively drool, vomit, defecate, whine or pace, or appear lethargic. Inner ear abnormalities can also increase a dog’s susceptibility to car sickness, particularly in cases where the inner ear is not fully developed, as often seen in puppies. This explains why young dogs are more prone to car sickness than adults. Fortunately, many puppies outgrow this unpleasant experience around the age of one.

Like the physical cause of motion sickness, stress also plays a significant role. Some dogs can associate car travel with visits to the vet, which can further exacerbate their symptoms. They may also find sensory triggers stressful, such as loud music or the sound of heavy traffic. Poor ventilation, a too-empty or too-fully stomach, or disorientation caused by not being able to see the road can also contribute to motion sickness in dogs.

Dog breeds prone to motion sickness

While the Boxer is known for their playful and energetic nature, they are also highly sensitive. Because of this sensitivity, they may find the numerous physical sensations and sounds during car rides to be overwhelming. As a result, the stress could lead to symptoms of motion sickness.

Border Terrier

The Border Terrier , a spunky, agile dog hailing from the Anglo-Scottish border, is known to be susceptible to motion sickness. While the reason for this is not clear, their size and sensitivity may play a role. They are hyper-aware of external stimuli like voice, sound, and touch .

Border Collie

Spirited, athletic, and agile, the Border Collie is famous for their herding abilities. If you've ever seen videos of Border Collies at work , you know they are incredibly fast, sharp, and responsive. While their sensitivity lends a hand when they're working, loud noises may also cause a fear reaction. This heightened sensitivity might contribute to their tendency to experience car sickness.

French Bulldog

Both the English Bulldog and French Bulldog are prone to motion sickness, possibly due to their short snouts and brachycephalic anatomy . This flattened face can heighten their sensitivity to temperature and airflow. Additionally, if they begin to pant from anxiety or stress, they may start to overheat which could lead to worse symptoms of nausea.

One of the most emotionally sensitive dogs, the Dachshund breed is prone to motion sickness. Spending long hours in the car may be overwhelming for these pups, which can cause anxiety. As a result, they may experience symptoms of car sickness.

The Beagle , celebrated for their loving demeanor and charming looks, also possesses one of the keenest senses of hearing among dog breeds. This heightened sensitivity to sound, coupled with their small size potentially causing difficulty in seeing the road, can lead to disorientation. As a result, Beagles may be more prone to motion sickness.

Similar to the English Bulldog and French Bulldog, the Pug dog breed is prone to motion sickness. While the cause may not be certain, it is possibly due to their brachycephalic facial structure. They may be more reactive to heat caused by poor ventilation in the car, which can exacerbate symptoms of motion sickness.

Golden Retriever

Few things can release feel-good dopamine quite like being greeted by a big smile and wagging tail from a Golden Retriever when you come home. While highly affectionate and sensitive, they can also be somewhat nervous, which usually manifests as separation anxiety . These loyal pups truly hate to see you leave! In the case you decide to bring them along with you for a car ride, this same sensitivity to anxiety may lead to nervous behavior in the car. This could result in your dog feeling queasy.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

As a Pit Bull breed , Staffordshire Bull Terriers sometimes have a bad reputation for aggression. As any Staffy lover knows, nothing could be further from the truth. They are highly loving and are even highly empathic to the feelings of their humans . Because of this empathetic nature, they can pick up on their owners’ emotions, including anxiety while driving. This sensitivity may lead to their own feelings of anxiety, potentially triggering car sickness.

Labrador Retriever

Arguably the breed with the best sense of hearing, Labrador Retrievers frequently find work as service animals , in search and rescue missions, or detection work. Labs possess a high density of auditory hair cells and strong auditory processing in their brains, enabling them to interpret sounds effectively. This heightened ear sensitivity might contribute to the breed’s susceptibility to motion sickness.

What to do if my dog gets motion sickness?

• Don’t feed your dog right before travel. Make sure they have a light meal a few hours before getting in the car or they may vomit due to motion sickness.
• Try an over-the-counter motion sickness medication. There are products made specifically for dogs that use the same active ingredients found in human motion sickness pills. Consult with your vet on dosage.
• Lower windows so your dog can put their head out and get fresh air. This may help reduce nausea.
• Use pheromone sprays or collars designed to calm and relax dogs. These may ease anxiety that worsens carsickness. Adaptil and Comfort Zone are some popular brands.
• Take frequent breaks on longer drives so your dog can walk around and relieve their stomach. Don’t let them wander off-leash near roads though.
• Consider a doggie seat belt that restricts movement. Excess movement can trigger signs of motion sickness.
• Stay calm and soothe your dog if they do get sick. Don’t yell or punish them, as this can make anxiety worse next time.
• Ask your veterinarian about prescription anti-nausea or sedative medications if OTC options fail. These can prevent sickness on car rides.

The sooner you identify motion sickness tendencies and treat it, the easier travel will be on your queasy canine companion. With some tweaks, car rides can be more enjoyable.

How can I prevent my dog from getting car sick?

• Gradual exposure: Start by introducing treats in the car and gradually increase the duration of trips, progressing from short journeys to longer ones. This helps your dog acclimate to the car and its movements.
• Positive associations: If you only take your pup in the car to places like the vet or a boarding facility, they may begin to associate the car with negative experiences. Instead, take your dog somewhere they'll enjoy, like out for a hike or a dog park.
• Ventilation : Ensure proper airflow in the car or crack open a window to prevent overheating.
• Allow visibility: Allow your dog to look out of the car window to orient themselves, but make sure they are safely restrained.
• Diet : Feed your dog a small, light, high-protein meal one to two hours before the car trip.

You may also want to speak with your vet about natural calming products or anti-anxiety medications for dogs like fluoxetine ,  gabapentin , or  trazodone . The FDA also approved the use of maropitant citrate , a motion sickness drug for dogs.

If you’ve got a long road trip coming up, you may want to check out our tips for road trips with your pup and ways to help manage your dog’s car sickness .

The post Dog Breeds Prone to Motion Sickness appeared first on DogTime .

How to sleep better while traveling

Sleep challenges can occur for many reasons, and there are solutions to help you sleep well when you are not in your own home.

Key takeaways

Summary is AI-generated, newsroom-reviewed.

• Anxiety -- for many reasons -- while traveling can disrupt sleep.
• We need emotional comfort, the knowledge that we are safe and familiarity to sleep well.
• To help with anxiety use strategies such as calling a loved one and reciting a safety mantra.
• Recreate the conditions that work best for you at home to induce sleep.
• An extra blanket or a sound machine, ear plugs and an eye shade could all help.
• To counter jet lag, shift your rhythm in the lead-up to a trip.

I can be staying in five-diamond accommodations on vacation, and I never get as good of a night’s sleep as if I were home. I know all the tricks of using hangers to make blackout curtains, get the extra pillows/blankets out, etc., but nothing seems to work.

A reader asked this question in a recent live chat on sleep issues , and I hear variations of it from my patients. Sleep trouble while traveling is a common problem. Challenges can occur for many reasons, but fortunately, there are solutions to help you sleep better when you are not in your own home. These suggestions are not a substitute for individualized health care.

Anxiety about travel

Anxiety — about travel logistics, unfamiliar places and people, family members and pets back home, viruses, being a woman alone in a hotel room — can impair sleep . So can excitement. Also, many people have trouble the first night in a new environment because they are extra vigilant.

On Your Mind

Poor sleep also contributes to anxiety , so if you arrive exhausted, your anxiety may be worse.

And even though we tend to be better copers with age , battle-tested and philosophical, travel as we get older can spark anxiety born of awareness of real-world threats and — because we are less shielded by youth — feelings of social vulnerability.

Sleep trouble could be a message that you are feeling anxious about something. It calls for curiosity. It’s okay to be anxious. It’s natural. It’s information. Give yourself credit for being a brave traveler.

When we are anxious, we need more than blackout curtains or extra pillows. We need emotional comfort, the knowledge that we are safe, and familiarity. Ask yourself what it would take to experience the bed as a refuge, as a safe place to lower your guard and let go. You can then structure your decisions around your answer.

Here are some ways to ease nighttime anxiety while traveling:

• Call a loved one before sleep.
• With eyes closed, vividly imagine yourself in a safe place of your choosing or try free guided meditations through Insight Timer , the Plum Village app , or psychologist and Buddhist author Tara Brach’s website .
• Recite a safety mantra in your mind; I shared one here .
• Bring a pillow from home.
• Read the same book (or listen to the same podcast or audiobook) you would use at home to fall asleep.

The last two measures would confer familiarity and exploit any positive conditioned associations you’ve established between those objects or actions and ease and sleepiness.

Identify and, where possible, quell your anxieties during the day so that they are not operating at a subterranean level at night.

Anxiety about not sleeping can cause us to hyperfocus on sleep. Know that it is not your job to sleep and that you are going to get through these hard nights. Putting your mind elsewhere can help. I wrote more about this topic here .

Sleep habits

Behaviors affecting sleep tend to change when we go on vacation. These changes may encourage better sleep: more exercise , more sunshine , plenty of recreation away from the stress of the everyday. But the differences can also work against good sleep. Often people consume more alcohol , for example.

Our drive for sleep has its limits. If you go to sleep too early, your sleep can fragment. If you sleep in, you may have trouble with sleep the next night.

Many of my patients’ sleep hours became less regular and overly long during the pandemic, and have remained so with more flexible work arrangements. Their sleep is more fragile.

To encourage sleep during travel, pay at least a little attention to re-creating the conditions that work best for you at home, especially because other factors (for example, a novel environment) are working against you.

Even if it means a late night, don’t get under the covers of that hotel bed if you’re feeling wired. Wait until you are tired and peaceful and within reach of feeling sleepy. Consider ways to wind down for a while before bed (for example, reading) even if there aren’t many options in the hotel room. There are also muscle-relaxation techniques such as Yoga Nidra to help ready the body for sleep.

Environment

There may be environmental obstacles to sleep. You might be sharing the room with children whom you don’t want to awaken. You might have to adjust to someone else in the room. The blankets might be thinner than you prefer or the room stuffy. The air conditioner might groan to life at unpredictable intervals. The light on the smoke detector might blink. There might be hallway noise.

An extra blanket or a sound machine, ear plugs and an eye shade could all help. Listening to a gentle audiobook, lecture or podcast can be a good way to insulate yourself from other people pre-sleep.

For many travelers, jet lag could be a factor. There are ways to shift your rhythm in the lead-up to a trip so that you are already adapted to the new time zone when you land. Check out apps such as Timeshifter , which prescribes regimens for light, darkness and melatonin to effect the desired time-zone adjustment.

If the app’s instructions feel unwieldy, a sleep professional can counsel you about the optimal time for a flight; how to manipulate your rhythm with light and darkness, exercise and mealtimes; and (if medically acceptable) when to take low-dose melatonin .

Those who struggle despite their best efforts with psychological and behavioral interventions might find reassurance in having sleep medication available when they travel.

Lisa Strauss, PhD, is a clinical psychologist in the Boston area. She specializes in sleep disorders.

We welcome your comments on this column at [email protected] .

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