Motion sickness happens when the brain gets conflicting signals from the eyes, inner ear and body. The classic triggers — boat trips, winding mountain roads, reading in a car, and long-haul flights — all put the inner ear in motion while the eyes see something still. The result is nausea, cold sweats, sometimes vomiting. It is unpleasant but not dangerous, and pharmacies stock several proven options.
Here is a plain comparison of what is on the UK pharmacy shelf in 2026, how quickly each works, and who should not take them.
The three main families
Hyoscine hydrobromide
The oldest and best-studied motion sickness medicine. An anticholinergic that dampens the inner ear signal.
- Tablets (Kwells, Joy-Rides): take 20 to 30 minutes before travel, lasts six hours.
- Patches (Scopoderm 1 mg): stick behind the ear five to six hours before travel, lasts up to 72 hours. Prescription-only in the UK.
- Main side effects: dry mouth, blurred vision, drowsiness.
- Avoid if: glaucoma, prostate problems, severe constipation, or taking other anticholinergic medicines (including some bladder and Parkinson's drugs).
- Children: Joy-Rides are licensed from age four; check pack.
Cinnarizine (Stugeron 15 mg)
An antihistamine with anti-motion sickness and anti-dizziness effects.
- Take two hours before travel, lasts six to eight hours.
- Less sedating than promethazine but still avoid driving.
- Licensed from age five.
- Useful for people who get seasick on ferries or cruises where hyoscine's short duration is awkward.
Promethazine
Older sedating antihistamines such as promethazine (Avomine, Phenergan) are effective but very sedating.
- Take one to two hours before travel.
- Lasts 8 to 12 hours.
- Good for overnight ferries and flights where sleeping through is the goal.
- Causes heavy drowsiness for hours after waking — do not drive the next day.
- Not recommended for children under two for sedation purposes.
Quick comparison
| Medicine | Onset | Duration | Main side effect | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyoscine tablets | 20-30 min | ~6 hours | Dry mouth | Short car or plane trips |
| Hyoscine patch | 5-6 hours | Up to 72 hours | Dry mouth, blurred vision | Cruises, multi-day travel |
| Cinnarizine | ~2 hours | 6-8 hours | Mild drowsiness | Ferries, winding roads |
| Promethazine | 1-2 hours | 8-12 hours | Heavy sedation | Overnight travel, bad sufferers |
What about ginger?
Two reviews published in recent years found ginger reduces nausea better than placebo and is comparable to some OTC medicines, without drowsiness. Ginger capsules, chews or natural ginger ale may suit pregnant women or people who cannot take antihistamines. Evidence is moderate — worth trying but do not rely on it alone for known severe motion sickness.
Acupressure wristbands
The evidence for wristbands stimulating the P6 acupressure point is mixed. Some trials show modest benefit, others none. They are cheap, non-drug, and harmless — reasonable to try alongside other measures.
Behavioural tricks that work
- Sit where motion is least: front seat of a car, over the wing on a plane, midships on a boat.
- Look at the horizon.
- Keep the head still against a headrest.
- Avoid reading, screens, heavy meals, and alcohol.
- Open a window for fresh air; fix your gaze forward.
- In children, frequent small snacks and regular breaks help more than medicine for mild cases.
Who should see a GP
Occasional travel sickness does not need medical review. See a GP if:
- Motion sickness is suddenly new in an adult who never had it before.
- It is severe and frequent, interfering with work or travel for your job.
- Symptoms happen without obvious motion (could suggest vestibular problems).
- You are pregnant and want something reliable — several options including cyclizine need prescription.
Combining medicines
Do not combine hyoscine with another antihistamine without pharmacist advice — side effects stack. Do not take travel sickness medicine with alcohol. If you are already on sedatives, antidepressants, or medicines for Parkinson's disease, check with the pharmacist before buying anything off the shelf.
Finding a pharmacy
Every community pharmacy stocks the products above and will talk through what suits your trip. Use PharmSee's pharmacy directory to find one.
Sources
- NHS: Motion sickness
- NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries: Motion sickness
- British National Formulary: hyoscine, cinnarizine, promethazine
- Cochrane Reviews: Ginger for nausea