1/2 patch or Bonine

[Minnie&Mickey]

Has anyone tried using just half of the transderm patch instead of the entire thing? My doctor sort of suggested this (basically she said, "You didn't hear this from me, but...") and while I haven't experienced any side effects (I'm testing it today), I'm wondering how well it will actually work on the cruise. I'm wondering if I should bring along Bonine just in case.

Also, I think I remember reading that you can purchase Bonine in it's generic form at the pharmacy. Would I just ask the pharmacist for it or do I have to have a prescription?

 

[magic cruiser]

You don't need a prescription for Bonine. We have used it several times. If the seas are rough or if I'm going to be in a small boat, ie snorkling tour, I take one whether I need it or not ,just to be on the safe side. I've been on 21 cruises and I've only been seasick once going through the windward passage.

I would not use the patch, even a half of one...it has scopalomine in it and that can cause some temp vision problems. I have never experienced any side effects with bonine.

 

[Minnie&Mickey]

I've seen Bonine at the pharmacy, but I thought I remembered reading that you can get the generic form from the pharmacist and that it is much cheaper. There will be four of us cruising, so that might be a lot of Bonine (of course, we are only cruising for 3 days, so it probably won't be that bad).

So far, the 1/2 patch hasn't caused me any problems today, but I am concerned that it also might not be strong enough on the cruise and then if I used a whole one I might experience the side effects...I seem to be getting more sensitive to the effects of drugs as I get older. I'm really leaning strongly toward using Bonine instead, but the doctor advised me against drinking when using Bonine. Anyone had any problems with Bonine and alcohol?

 

[Cruising GrandMa]

You can by Mecilizine HCI (the same as Bonine) by asking at the pharmacy counter. It comes in 100 tablet bottles and costs between $4.50 and 7.50 per bottle (depending where you buy it and who manufacters it). That is VERY much cheaper than Bonine or Dramamine (sp?) and it is the very same thing. I have an inner ear problem and have to take it alot!! Even when not on the ship!
It never makes me sleepy even when I have a glass of wine. I drive and go to work...But..I am the type of person the does not get sleepy with any type of medication. If you do get sleepy with certain meds, then this might make you sleepy as well.

 

[magic cruiser]

Bonine has never made me sleepy, but Dramamine knocks me out ! I'm not advocating this but I always have a Bahama Mama when I cruise and the two together has never caused me problems.

 

[jerry112]

On my first cruise last Nov, I wore the patch for 8 days. Around day 5, I really began having vision problems. Had to remove my eye glasses to read. I also experienced dry mouth and memory problems. About 30 hours after I removed the patch, I had the worst withdrawal. I had severe motion sickness symptoms (vomiting, dizziness), and just was out of it for 5 days.

Needless to say, I will only take Bonine next time. I did think about wearing 1/2 the patch, but I can't go through that again. Also, I would not chance taking nothing, as I commonly suffer from motion sickness.

If you read the warnings and side effects on the scopalamine box, it does mention all of the problems that I encountered.

Good luck,
Karen

 

[Minnie&Mickey]

Originally posted by jerry112
On my first cruise last Nov, I wore the patch for 8 days. Around day 5, I really began having vision problems. Had to remove my eye glasses to read. I also experienced dry mouth and memory problems. About 30 hours after I removed the patch, I had the worst withdrawal. I had severe motion sickness symptoms (vomiting, dizziness), and just was out of it for 5 days.

Wow! That sounds awful! I just figured if I didn't have any side effects from it today, then I probably wouldn't get any. I had read the package and all of the possible side effects, but I never knew that they can hit you down the road. I think I'll be going to the pharmacist tomorrow and getting the Meclizine HCI instead. I really had planned on taking it from the start, but after mentioning the cruise to my doctor on a recent visit, she told me to use the patch. I think I'll pass...and take the patch off that I have been testing today.

 

[jerry112]

I'm sure the extended time period that I wore the patch was the reason I had such a bad experience. I often use Bonine while riding in cars or taking bus trips (I take 2), and it works well. I didn't want to chance it, though, on the ship. It's not worth missing 1 minute of cruise time, and i'm glad i got sick while home instead of on vacation.

 

[thomprod]

Bonine is a brand name for meclazine. It is also called Dramamine II and is a non-drowsy formula, usually taken once a day with no side efefcts for most people.

Original Dramamine does cause drowsiness and does not usually last all day. It should not be used by children.

Scopolamine (the patch) works well at controlling motion sickness, but does have side effects. When I used it, I had dry mouth, blurred vision and some temporary impotence, but I figured I'd rather deal with those than be nauseous.

The next cruise I was on, I used Bonine instead. It was just as effective and I had no side effects.

 

[kshabare]

Bring Motrin for a headache. We usually have one the first day.
I read last year that the reason children don't have too much trouble is that when they swim in the pool (going under the water), it 'fixes' their equilibrium. Interesting but hmmm, makes you wonder.
Another thing we read is that ginger settles the stomach. So, we brought ginger snaps (Super Stop & Shop brand ) and this was calming.
Brought Bonine & Dramamine and didn't need either.

Kim

 

[WVMD]

Here's some information I put together on these meds. One word of advice - I would NOT cut the patch - as it will interfere with the delivery system. You may get too much or too little medication as a result.

Anti-Nausea Meds
Antihistamines (Over the counter)

Meclizine = Bonine, Dramamine 2 - Less likely to cause drowsiness

Dimenhydrate = Dramamine - Most people find this makes them drowsy.

Benadryl = Diphenhydramine - Not as effective for most people - can make some drowsy.

Claritin = Loratadine - Not as effective for most people - makes very few people drowsy.

Any antihistamine has the potential to help with seasickness. Remember if you are already taking an antihistamine - start at the lower doses of meclizine - as there can be an additive effect.

Scopalamine - Patch (timed release) medication. Can have irritating side effects - but most people complain of dry mouth. Wear the patch for a day or two prior to going on the cruise to see if you can tolerate it. It is a prescription only medication. Drug clears rapidly from the system - hence the need to wear the patch - so side effects should be resolved in 4-6 hours after removing the patch.

Antivert - Prescription version of Meclizine - no difference in strength/ingredients - just price!

Alcohol can intensify the side effects of all of these medications!

 

[Denine]

Yes, I have used 1/2 patch. It does work effectively without AS MANY of the side affects. I still had dry mouth and it messed up my digestive system. Not enough juices from the drying effect I guess.

I will be getting the meclizine for our next cruise. I will also have the patch on hand in case the meclizine doesn't work.

I do tend to get sea sick, especially the 1st and last nights going over the gulf stream.

 

[Minnie&Mickey]

Thanks for all the good advice. I'll be using the meclazine, but bringing the patch along just in case. Better safe than sorry.

 

[DepCor0311]

As a side note...another good thing about meclazine is that you can take it after you begin to feel "sea sickness" symptoms and it can relieve them. As apposed to most other over the counter meds, where after you feel the symptoms, it is generally too late.

 

[westjones]

Does anyone know if this would help on Mission Space? We are heading to Epcot right after we get off of our cruise in September. The family wants to go on this ride, but I am afraid of getting sick.

Thanks!
DJ