Non drowsy Dramimine or Bonine?

[Ashley24]

...or Ginger? I really never felt sea sick on my April cruise but since we are going in just a couple of weeks when the water may be a tad bit wavier, I want to make sure I have something that works BUT does not cause drowsiness. The last thing I want is to miss all the nighttime fun because I'm too tired since it's just me and dh going this time. Any suggestions??? Maybe ginger??? I love ginger snaps!!!
Ann

 

[tezb]

Take the Bonine...it lasts up to 24 hrs and usually no side effects or sleepiness. At least we didn't have any problems w/ it. I suggest you take one while still at home on land just to see how you do w/ it. Some people can get drowsy w/ it but most I've heard don't have a problem w/ it. Dramamine is more likely to cause drowsiness and only last up to 4-6 hrs.

 

[twhipple]

Dramanine does have a non-drowsy formula and it lasts 24 hours too. I use it all the time at the theme parks because I get queasy easy and have never had a problem with getting tired or, well, you know.

Sounds like a good idea to try it at home first though. That way you know how you'll react as far as the drowsiness goes.

 

[MEGADAN]

I would suggest the Ginger Root, 2 tablets 3 times a day. I works better than the over the counter stuff. Happy Sailing!

 

[tezb]

The non-drowsy Dramamine is the same as Bonine...same ingredients. You just cannot use it on kids under 12 yrs of age. If you're not sure about your options, you can also ask a pharmacist.

 

[candleonwater]

I used the Non Drowsy Dramamine... and it knocked me out for a good 15 hours! Hated to lose the time! This time I'm looking at the patch... or maybe I'll try ginger.

 

[heidica]

Both Bonine and non-drowsy dramamine use the active ingredient meclizine. I use meclizine for my travel sickness when I fly and even though it may be advertised as being non-drowsy, I think "less-drowsy" is more appropriate. Like previous post have mentioned, take it sometime before you leave and see how you feel. Even though it does make me a little drowsy, not nearly as bad as dramamine and you only have to take it once a day. I have no problem functioning when I take it. All medications have the potential of side effects, so see how you fell and if it doesn't bother you, then buy the one that is least expensive. I have also seen generic meclizine that is a lot cheaper than brand name dramamine or bonine, and that is what I use. I got 50 tablets of generic meclizine, for $2 more than the cost of 8 bonine tablets (huge difference). Follow the instructions and do not give to a child less than 12years old. Meclizine is often prescribed by physician for patients who suffer vertigo. Hope this helps and hope you have fun on your trip!!

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Originally posted by tezb
The non-drowsy Dramamine is the same as Bonine...same ingredients. You just cannot use it on kids under 12 yrs of age. If you're not sure about your options, you can also ask a pharmacist.

True. Dramamine Less Drowsy Tablets (not called "non-drowsy," by the way) and Bonine Tablets are both 25 mg/tablet of Meclizine Hydrochloride.

According to Bonine's Web site, "Bonine® should be taken one hour before travel starts. Adults and children 12 years of age and over: oral dosage is 1 to 2 tablets once daily, or as directed by a doctor."

The tablets have a line down the middle and can easily be split into a 12.5 mg dose. That might be worth trying.

Of course, the best idea would be to discuss your options with your doctor.

 

[mcnuss]

My doctor made the sensible suggestion that I should start taking the meds (whichever one) at BEDTIME. She said that most people get sleepy right away, and then it wears off gradually, so that by the time I wake up, a lot of the effects will have passed. I also like the idea of starting with half. Since I often have trouble sleeping the first couple of nights in a strange bed, this may kill 2 birds with one stone.

On our last cruise, I used the patch and it worked really well for me. I may bring it along again just in case the meclizine is too strong.