What is Dramamine?
Dramamine is a natural antihistamine, which reduces the effects that histamine has on the body. Dramamine is used for treating or preventing nausea, vomiting, and dizziness that are associated with motion sickness. This medication guide does not list all possible uses for Dramamine.
Side effects of Dramamine
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives or swelling to lips, face or throat - please seek medical assistance immediately!
Dramamine may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Little or no urination
- Confusion is a mood change.
- tremors, restlessness;
- a seizure (convulsions);
- Fast or irregular heartbeats
Constipation and confusion are more often experienced among older adults.
Some of the common side effects associated with Dramamine include:
- drowsiness;
- Dry mouth, nose, or throat
- constipation;
- Blurred vision
- Feeling restless or excited, especially in children
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Ondansetron, Lorazepam, Meclizine, Zofran, Benadryl, and Diphenhydramine
Warnings
Please read all the instructions on the label or package of your medication. Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, your allergies, and the medicines you are using.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to Dramamine, it is best not to use it.
If you suffer from another medical condition, such as:
- Liver or kidney disease
- Urination and an enlarged prostate
- high blood pressure;
- A history of seizures
- Blockage of the digestive tract (stomach, intestines)
- Overactive thyroid
- glaucoma;
- Asthma, bronchitis, or other breathing disorders.
Children younger than two years should not take this medicine. Ask a doctor first before giving any antihistamines to children. Misuse of antihistamines can lead to death in very young kids. Dramamine is not known to harm unborn babies. If you are pregnant, do not take this medication without consulting your doctor. It is unknown if dimenhydrinate can pass into breast milk or if it will harm a baby who is nursing. If you are breastfeeding a child, do not take this medication without consulting your doctor.
How to take Dramamine?
Do not exceed the recommended dosage or duration. Use the recommended dose and do not exceed it. Take Dramamine between 30 and 60 minutes prior to traveling or any activity that could cause motion sickness. Take Dramamine with food or without. Chew the chewable tablet before swallowing it. Tell the surgeon if you've taken Dramamine within the last few days. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You may not have a schedule for taking Dramamine, as it is only taken when necessary. If you have a regular schedule, take the missed dose as quickly as you can. If your next scheduled dosage is approaching, skip the missed dose. You should not take extra medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. In addition to extreme drowsiness, irritability, or dilated pupils, overdose symptoms can include hallucinations or seizures. An overdose in children may be characterized by irritability, restlessness, and severe drowsiness.
What should be avoided?
Avoid topical (for skin) medicines that contain an antihistamine named diphenhydramine. (commonly known as Benadryl). It is possible that Dramamine can cause blurred vision and affect your ability to think or react. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires alertness and the ability to see clearly. Alcohol consumption can have side effects when taken with this medication.
Interaction with other drug
Before taking this medication, check with your physician or pharmacist regarding all other medicines taken, such as vitamins or herbal remedies. When used together, some can have unexpected or harmful interactions; unfortunately this medication guide cannot cover them all.This medicine can have a worsening effect if taken with drugs that slow breathing or make you sleepy. Before taking Dramamine along with sleeping pills, narcotic pain medicines, muscle relaxers, or medication for anxiety, depression, or seizures, ask your doctor.
