Editor’s note: See reader note below this tip.
Yesterday, our tip was about where to find cruise deals. There’s no denying that cruises are without a doubt one of the best values around (especially if you can stay away from the booze and casino). However, I have a lot of friends that have never been on a cruise and the reason why is usually that they are afraid of being bored, claustrophobic and/or seasick.
Believe me: I used to feel the same way, and then I went on my first cruise. I was hooked. I don’t have a remedy for the first two excuses, but I can help calm your fears about getting seasick.
I’ve heard all kinds of methods for preventing seasickness (patches, green apples, crystalized ginger, Dramamine, wristbands…) but I once met with a Princess Cruises ship’s doctor who said that the only medicine that really works is Promethazine Teoclate, an antihistamine. It’s by prescription only, so ask your doctor, but chances are your ship will carry it onboard. (As always, never take any medications without first consulting your doctor about responsible use, side effects and possible interactions with other drugs.)
Have you used Promethazine Teoclate? Do you agree that it works or do you have a better remedy?
Important note from reader Bernd…
Promethazine Teoclate is mainly a high potential Antipsychotic, only as a side effect an Antihistamine.
Referring to Wikipedia it is mainly used as a sedative for preoperative sedation and to counteract postnarcotic nausea. To reduce nervousness, restlessness and agitation caused by psychiatric conditions (used for this purpose mainly in Europe). As antiallergic medication to combat hay fever (allergic rhinitis), etc., or to treat allergic reactions, alone or in combination with oral decongestants such as pseudoephedrine. As an adjunct treatment for anaphylactoid conditions (IM/IV route preferred).
Only as a motion sickness or seasickness remedy when used with ephedrine or pseudoephedrine!
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Interesting! We’ll have to try that on our next cruise!
A surgeon friend told me to use Benedry (diphenhydramine), which is also an antihistamine. I rarely get seasick, so haven’t tried it, so I cannot tell you if same as the particular antihistamine that your cruise director mentioned. I guess be careful if mixing with alcohol!
Acupuncture worked well for me and has no side effects. Had it done on first cruise day and was fine throughout. We had several rough sea days and I had no problems.
I am an anesthesiologist. We long ago abandoned promethazine for nausea treatment because it causes remarkable sedation and unpleasant emotions. I reserve it as a last-resort medication, when other treatments have failed. It’s probably better than severe nausea, but why sleep your cruise away if something milder can work?
Correct spelling is promethazine theoclate, brand name Avomine which is only available in Australia or New Zealand.
Just an FYI it’s just called Promethazine(brand name Phenergan) here in the US not Promethazine Teoclate and it is very sedating. For something less sedating over the counter Bonine (chemical name meclzine) is recommended for sea sickness.
The wristbands actually work very well for me. They only cost about $10 at a pharmacy, so why not try them and have some Dramamine or Bonine along as well, just in case that doesn’t do the trick.