It's been over 12 years since I have been in open water on a sail boat or
ship and in preparation for my summer cruise to Alaska (via the Inside
Passage going up and possibly the outside coming back) I as my doctor to
prescribe one of the motions sickness patches or wrist bands. My concern
being, interaction with my current medications.

I have never used any motion sickness meds in my 23 years in the navy nor 40
plus years of sailing. Not to say I didn't get sea sick but in those days,
you might say we "sucked it up", "be a man", "don't barf to windward" and
"get over it!". That usually took about 24-48 hour for me.

Hi Steve,

The good news is that the trip you're planning shouldn't be too rough
during that time of year (in fact, it might not be rough at all). I
guess the bad news (if you can call it that) is that, like yourself, I'm
about the same vintage as you and for the first time in over 30 years at
sea I've started to succomb to "mal de mer". It may be an age thing or
just my body getting tired of the sea-going lifestyle... I don't know.
So I always bring some sort of sea sickness medication wherever I go. I
guess my point is that you may or may not be more prone to sea sickness
now that you're older.

That said, my doctor prescribed a 36 day supply SCOPOLAMINE. More than
enough for this summer. (may seem like a lot but I'm going to ask my crew to
have this cleared with his doctor as well.)

What has been the experience of others with this Motion Sickness Patch??

For myself and everyone I've talked to, the response has been good.
Because it's more expensive than other remedies, I haven't used it as
much as Dramamine pills (not a recommendation, BTW, just what happens to
be in the ship's medical locker most often). The side effects were not
as bad as I had expected.

In reading the warning sheet that came with it, I see we might experience
drowsiness, headache or dry mouth. The drowsiness would be of concern to me
if both of use will be using these patches.

This wasn't a problem for me, but everyone is different. I'd recommend
giving it a try for a day or two just to see how you react before
heading up to Alaska. That way you still have time to get a different
prescription should you have problems with it.

As far as drug interactions, I'd ask your Physician -and- your
Pharmacist and make sure you tell them all the drugs you're taking
(including dietary suppliments, vitamins, etc.). I've found that
sometimes the Pharmacist is at least as up to date on drug interactions
as my Physician and often has more time to discuss it with me.

Have a great cruise, I'm jealous!

--

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