Q&A

Motion Sickness

Q: I've heard there's an ear patch you can use as an alternative to Dramamine. Does it work for motion sickness?

A: You're referring to the Transderm Scop patch, whose active ingredient is scopolamine.

Available by prescription only, it is dime-size, flesh-colored and placed just behind the ear, and so would seem to be the antidote of choice for travelers put off by the conspicuousness of other remedies (such as those accupressure wristbands). But does it prevent motion sickness? On that point, the patch receives mixed reviews: Some travelers swear by it; others have reported the onset of dizziness and nausea after the patch is removed.

Travel, Pages 97 on 10/28/2007

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