Comments on: How to cope with seasickness? Here’s what works for Lynn Terwoerds

By: Sara

Sara — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 23:59:04 +0000

I too have gotten quite seasick almost every time we beguin a trip, I have tried all the known remedies but what works for me are dremamine pills that contain caffeine, I get them in Spain (Biodramina C). I take one the first day half an hour before sailing and take another half the next day, after that my body´s gotten used to the movement and I´m fine. If you can´t find this specific pill maybe regular dramamine and caffine would do the trick.
I think it´s important to keep hydrated and also keep something light in the stomach such as carrots, cookies, sailing on an empty can just make you feel weaker and weaker…

By: Lisa Schofield

Lisa Schofield — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 19:54:06 +0000

I am prone to seasickness, but have found that the more time I am on the boat, the less I am subject to the malady. I agree with most of the above comments, but would stress that it is important to find an over the counter or prescription drug that works for YOU! I can’t tolerate Sturgeron at all, I took 1/2 of one, and it knocked me on my behind! I have found that the “less drowzy” 24 hour dramamine works well for me. If we are making a longer journey, I take it the night before, or several hours before we depart. I have also used the scopalamine patches with success, although I cut them in half. Do read the warnings!

If I am just feeling a little queasy, some of the “holistic” products, like Motioneze helps. Stay hydrated (hot tea works well for me), and I agree with keeping the fatty foods to a minimum. Pretzels are a snack that really help me also.

If we are on passage, I pre-cook meals so I don’t have to spend much time below. Worst case, I lie on the middle of the salon floor, where the motion is the least.

Lastly, we do carry Compazine suppositories for all the reasons that Daria listed, but fortunately, have never had to use them!

By: Daria Blackwell

Daria Blackwell — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 18:50:58 +0000

I don’t get seasick often but it’s usually when the seas are confused and I go below to prepare a meal that it gets me. Then, the only thing that works for me is taking the helm. It’s magic actually. Concentrating on the horizon and gripping the wheel does something to calibrate the mind with the inner ear.

I usually take a stugeron then, too, as it is the only medicine that works after you’ve started feeling sick. All the others are preventative. Stugeron is not available in the US, but you can get it over the counter in Europe.

When you are heading offshore, it’s important to also ask your doctor for a prescription anti-nausea drug suppository. If all else fails and you cannot swallow a pill, the suppository could save your life. Intractable nausea and vomiting can be very serious; if dehydration causes severe electrolyte imbalance it can affect your heart and cause mental confusion among other problems. Lynn’s advice on hydration is really important. It’s also important to know the signs of dehydration.