Chelsea Green Pharmacy
At Chelsea Green Pharmacy, we know how frustrating motion sickness can be. Whether you are flying across the world, setting sail on a cruise, or travelling by car or train, motion sickness can turn an exciting journey into an uncomfortable experience. For many people, over-the-counter medicines are enough to control symptoms, but for others, professional advice may be needed. Knowing when to seek support from our pharmacist or visit our travel clinic in Chelsea can make all the difference to how well you manage your next trip.
Motion sickness happens when the inner ear, eyes, and body send conflicting signals to the brain about movement. The result is nausea, dizziness, and occasionally vomiting. Some people are affected only occasionally, while others experience it almost every time they travel. The good news is that motion sickness can be managed effectively with the right preparation and treatment.
When Over-the-Counter Motion Sickness Tablets Are Enough
For mild or occasional motion sickness, over-the-counter medicines are usually the first line of defence. Most contain ingredients such as cinnarizine or hyoscine, which help reduce the brain’s response to motion signals. These motion sickness tablets work best when taken before travel begins, allowing the medication time to take effect before movement starts.
If you only experience mild queasiness or discomfort during travel, you may find that these tablets are all you need. They are effective for many forms of travel, including cars, planes, boats, and trains. Our pharmacists can recommend the most suitable option for your age, travel plans, and any other medication you may be taking.
For short trips, such as a few hours in a car or a ferry crossing, a single dose may be enough. However, longer journeys may require repeat dosing or a slow-release version of the medicine. Our team can advise you on the correct timing and dosage to ensure steady protection throughout your journey.
When to Seek Advice from a Pharmacist
If motion sickness is frequent, severe, or affects your ability to travel comfortably, it is worth speaking to our pharmacist for more personalised guidance. Some people find that standard over-the-counter tablets do not work as well as expected or cause side effects such as drowsiness or dry mouth. In these cases, a review of your medication and travel routine can help identify better alternatives.
You should also speak to our pharmacist if you take other medicines, have an existing medical condition, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Certain motion sickness medicines are not suitable in these situations, and our pharmacist can suggest safe options or non-medicinal strategies to help.
When to Visit Our Travel Clinic
If motion sickness regularly disrupts your holidays or prevents you from travelling, visiting our travel clinic is the best next step. Here, you can access one-to-one advice tailored to your needs. Our pharmacist will ask about your travel history, any triggers you have noticed, and how previous treatments have worked for you.
For those with chronic or severe symptoms, we may recommend prescription-strength motion sickness medicine or additional travel health support. This can include treatments that target nausea more effectively, long-lasting tablets for multi-day travel, or patches that deliver steady medication through the skin.
Our travel clinic in Chelsea is also ideal for people who experience motion sickness alongside other travel health needs. If you are preparing for an overseas trip, we can combine your motion sickness consultation with vaccine advice, malaria prevention, or other pre-travel medical services. This ensures that your trip preparation is efficient, safe, and fully guided by professionals.
Managing Motion Sickness Beyond Tablets
Medication is one of the most reliable ways to control motion sickness, but it is not the only option. Lifestyle adjustments and travel strategies can significantly reduce discomfort. Choosing a seat in the most stable part of a vehicle, such as over the wings on an aeroplane or midship on a boat, can help reduce the intensity of movement.
Keeping your eyes fixed on the horizon, avoiding heavy meals before travelling, and staying hydrated all support your body’s balance system. Some people also find that wristbands that apply gentle pressure on specific points of the wrist can reduce nausea. Our pharmacist can explain how these techniques can be used alongside medication for a more complete approach to symptom control.
Children and Motion Sickness
Children are especially prone to motion sickness because their sense of balance is still developing. If your child experiences regular nausea on long journeys, our pharmacists can recommend suitable motion sickness tablets and practical advice to make travelling easier. Not all medications are safe for younger children, so professional guidance is important before using any new treatment.
We also encourage parents to prepare light snacks, plan rest breaks for fresh air, and keep children’s focus on the horizon or distant objects rather than books or screens. Combining these small adjustments with the right medication can make family trips much more enjoyable.
The Best Time to Seek Advice
You do not need to wait until your next trip to talk about motion sickness. The best time to prepare is before you travel. Booking a consultation at our travel clinic in London allows us to discuss your travel plans, recommend suitable medication, and make sure you understand how and when to take it.
At Chelsea Green Pharmacy, we believe travel should be an enjoyable experience, not one interrupted by nausea or discomfort. Whether you need over-the-counter relief or a more personalised plan, our pharmacists are here to help you find the best solution for your journey.
Book your travel vaccines, motion sickness consultations, and holiday healthcare services with Chelsea Green Pharmacy’s travel clinic in London online or by contacting our team today.
