Best way to keep from getting carsick in the Dolomites

Dramamine Non-Drowsy formula

I come from a long line of gray in the gills travelers. I use a special pair of wrist bands that have a little plastic knob that presses into the wrist. One of the brands is Sea Bands. They work great for me.

I have also discovered that if i get start to get warm i get queasy quicker, so cracking a window is imperative . Also looking out the front window at the long view is better than the quickly changing side view.

You could try to limit driving the passes. It's mostly the beginnings and ends, meaning the large elevation changes that occur quickly, that have an abundance of the switchbacks. There are parts that "level out" but still have turns.

The patches you are referring to contain the drug scopolomine. It can have some serious side effects. And the patches aren't meant for short term use. Each patch is a timed release that lasts for 3 days.

From another thread, I believe your daughter is an adult? You and she may find Meclizine to be of benefit. This is it's generic name. Brand names include Bonine and Dramamine NonDrowsy. It's available OTC in any US pharmacy. Not available in Canada. Not sure of it's availability in Europe.

It would probably be best for her to discuss this with her doctor. Or at the very least, with your regular pharmacist.

I think the first two responses are likely to help your daughter, but if you want some additional ideas:

I had the same problem as a child. I found that lying down made a huge difference. I now suspect that it wasn't the body position that mattered but the fact that I wasn't looking out the window, with my eyes constantly refocusing. If lying down isn't practical, suggest that your daughter close her eyes. Breathing deeply and slowly helps me to some degree as well.

I suggest that the driver try not to vary his speed too much. Even as an adult I sometimes feel a bit queasy on mountain bus trips if the driver speeds up a lot on the straightaways and slows down as he swings into the curves.

I used to get motion sick on flights and would take Bonine. It worked fine, but it made me very sleepy for a day. I would try another option.

I agree with the comment of maintaining the same speed. Also, having cold water to drink and the window open for some cool air might help, too.

Thanks, everyone. I didn't think a whole lot about this until we were in the mountains this past weekend and my daughter was getting carsick - and that was just small mountains. Of course, we hadn't taken anything for it, either.

I remember taking just 1/2 a bonine when on a boat one time, and it helped without making me sleepy. Guess we could start with that, and get the bands and the ginger candy :)

That being said, and wanting to see the amazing views, is there one pass that's better than the others in terms of twisty roads?

Thanks!

we drove many of the passes there last month. the roads are extremely windy. the road into badia/villa from the north is OK though.
the suggestions by doric8 and worth trying. I know EXACTLY what you will be contending with.
my suggestions, ( for what they are worth) get her to sit in the front, and watch the road ( as if she was driving) keep the a/c going in the car ( keep cool). try the wrist bands ( you can buy them cheap at some shops, but fit them correctly, as they rely on pressure points on the inside of your wrists)
you sit in the back , but in the middle seat, so you can also see the road ahead.
have plenty of stops, there are some pull over areas, get out and have breaks.
you can try ginger tablets etc?
the scenery is spectacular.
I hope this helps

I remember taking just 1/2 a bonine when on a boat one time, and it
helped without making me sleepy. Guess we could start with that, and
get the bands and the ginger candy

Theresa, I would have more than one remedy on hand for SURE. Neither the bands or ginger work for me at all so if you go that route, take along an oral OTC drug (non-drowsy Dramamine or other) too. Give it and the other methods a road test before the trip.

I'm curious: as this apparently isn't a new problem for her, what does she currently do for carsickness?

I agree that 1/2 tablet of anti-nausea medication might be sufficient. But I use (regular) Dramamine and can't claim that a half dose prevents the drowsiness.

And yes to fresh air. I had a big problem on a glass-bottomed boat in the Florida Keys when I hadn't taken any Dramamine. Eyes constantly refocusing as the distance to the bottom changed--very, very bad). I retreated to the open deck, closed my eyes and breathed deeply, and I survived the trip.

I assume your daughter is well aware that at least some anti-nausea medications are supposed to,be taken before symptoms appear.

Glennlorainer - thanks! We'll be fighting each other for the front seat :) I do plan on stopping a LOT! Also, I'll try the ginger tablets. My husband liked ginger candies when we were on a ship.

And, Kathy - this was actually the first time since she was a kid that she'd mentioned being carsick, so not sure if it's a new problem, or not......

Thanks again to everyone-
Theresa