Thoughts on transdermal patch

[luvstiggertoo]

For those who use the patch, give me your thoughts.
Did it work? What kind of side effects did you have.

I'm thinking of using it for my 12 yo DD. She frequently gets a little "woozy" on long car rides, so I'm concerned that she might be effected by sea sickness.

I've heard it can cause dizzyness, etc.
From what I heard, the worst with Non-Drowsy Dramamine is dry mouth.

So, which to choose????
I need your thoughts!

Thanks!

 

[4nana]

Sorry, can't help you with the patch. I would ck with my ped. to be sure it is safe for children. Our ped. recommends plain old
'Benadryl' for plane and ship. It worked like a charm w/o putting them to sleep.

 

[luvstiggertoo]

I did check with her ped...and he gave me a prescription.
I'd hate to use Benedryl as it knocks her out....I'd hate to have her sleeping through the whole thing!

 

[TnRobin]

My side effects were mild - I just suffered from Dry Mouth.

My co-worker had more drastic side effects. She suffered from Blurred visions and a general off-kilter feeling.

I will probably do just Bonine on my future cruises

 

[starwood]

I didn't need the patch on the cruise. I was really worried because I'm very prone to seasickness. I brought Dramamine, sea bands, ginger and the patch (as a last resort). I used the dramamine the first day or 2 because I found I was a little dizzy - but not nauseaus. I used the patch once in Hawaii when DH wanted to go fishing and it worked great. I put it on 4 hours before we went out and I wasn't the least bit sick. I took it off when we returned to the dock.

 

[mcnuss]

I would not use the patch for a 12 yo unless you absolutely know that she will get seasick. IMHO - getting carsick and seasickness are not necessarily correlated. Most kids do just fine, better than the adults on the cruise. I would just use plain old Bonine (I think it's ok at 12) non-drowsy IF she gets sick.

I have used the patch and it is strong. The second time I used it, I had dry eyes and mouth and took it off. I am a little person and I think the dose was too high for me, but it only comes in pre-set dosages so you don't get too many choices.

 

[cjsmith]

I use the patch for both cruises and airplane travel and love it. I am very prone to motion sickness and this is the only thing that works cmopletely for me. My side effects are very mild and considering the alternative, I'll take them!
That being said, I would be very, very hesitant to use it on my 12 year old. On the paperwork that came with the patches, it clearly states not for us on children. I checked with my pediatrician for my daughter and was told no, it was not for children, only for adults. From everything that I have read, it is strictly for adult use and like the other poster wrote, it is one dose for everyone, and you can not alter that. 2 of my kids get motion sickness and either bonine or dramamine 2 worked very well for them. My 11 year old son who gets car sick, didn't even take anything on our January cruise.
Carolyn

 

[disney queen]

starwood, check your PM

 

[Gillian]

my side effects from the patch - dry mouth & eyes, bad headaches. Side effect from Bonine - constipation. That could also been from a change in diet and travelling, but I don't think so.

I agree with waiting instead of planning to medicate for the whole trip. BUT, if you are doing any ferry rides or boat trips, you might want to give her something about an hour before.

DH is fine on cruise ships, but put him on a fast, little boat & he is sick as a dog! Once we took a ferry to Virgin Gorda (from Tortola, I think, both near St Thomas) and he was green the whole way. I took bonine that morning & was fine.

 

[luvstiggertoo]

Thanks everyone for great info!!!
After posting, I did a little more research on the patch and am DEFINITELY NOT giving it to my 12 year old!!

I'd like to just take a "wait and see" approach because I hate to medicate if not necessary. But I'd just hate for her to get sick and then ruin the trip.

Am I worrying unnecessarily?

 

[4nana]

Am I worrying unnecessarily?

You're just being a precautious Mom who would rather be safe than sorry. It was definitley in the back of our minds as we were taking 7 grands. To make matters worse they had us assigned in the very back of Animator's and Parrot Cay dining rooms, which left for some interesting meals when the water got rough. Luckily only a couple had very minor problems. If you experience any sea sickness you can also go to med. center ~ they offer free meclizine(25mg)and can advise you if it is recommended for children. Hope you enjoy your trip!

P.S. ~
The things I worried about never happened
and the things I did not worry about did....LOL

 

[luvstiggertoo]

Thanks 4nana for the reassuring words!

BTW, what a beautiful family you have!!!