6 Motion-Sickness Remedies

Over-the-Counter Antihistamines

Best for: Severe symptoms, such as vomiting.

How they work: “These drugs block the signals at some of the areas in the brain that control nausea and vomiting,” says Dale Amanda Tylor, an assistant professor of otolaryngology at Vanderbilt University, in Nashville. Try dimenhydrinate (found in Original Dramamine), meclizine (in Bonine), or diphenhydramine (in Benadryl). Swallow the recommended dose about an hour before travel.

Good to know: Talk to your doctor before taking antihistamines if you have asthma, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, or glaucoma, as the ingredients can be dangerous to some people with these conditions. Antihistamines can also make you sleepy, so avoid taking them if you’re driving.