Motion sickness side effects: what to know

Motion sickness develops when the brain receives mismatched signals from the inner ear, eyes and body about movement. Symptoms may begin on a car journey, boat trip, flight or amusement ride, and often ease after movement stops. Some people also notice extra saliva, warmth, pale skin or difficulty concentrating. Nausea and vomiting are symptoms of motion sickness, not proof that a separate serious illness is present.

Sit where movement is gentler, face the direction of travel, and look at a distant fixed point rather than reading or using a screen. Keep air moving across your face, take small sips of water, and choose a light meal before travelling. Avoid heavy or greasy food and alcohol. A pharmacist or clinician can discuss medicine taken before travel; some options cause drowsiness, so do not drive until you know how you respond.

Get prompt medical help if vomiting prevents you from keeping fluids down, you become faint or confused, or you pass very little urine. Seek urgent assessment for severe headache, chest pain, weakness, trouble speaking, a new hearing problem, or symptoms that continue when you are no longer moving. Repeated episodes or symptoms during ordinary daily activity deserve a clinical review.

Ask which preventive option fits your health conditions and medicines, when to take it, and how drowsiness could affect driving. Mention pregnancy, glaucoma, urinary problems, breathing conditions, or previous reactions to travel medicines.