diverjed
Contributor
..Is the 'patch' subscription only?
The Scopolamine / Scop topic
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H2OPrincess
Guest
Yup - the scopolamine patch is currently by prescription only in the US. My doctor just called it in over the phone for me - no office visit. But....it didn't work well for me. Then again - any thing is worth a shot, right?!
diverjed
Contributor
ic. thnx.
My buddy and I now use the patch. we have had very unpleasant trips before we started using it. Our first trip with the patch was in NC with Olympus Dive center a couple of years ago. Seas were 6 foot plus all day. We were probably the only two on the boat other than the crew who was not turning green. My buddy also supplements this with Ginger capsules.
I have been using the patch now for three years with not one unpleasant incident. Same for the buddy. The down side is it does give you the "dry mouth" and for others causes some dizziness or vision blurring. Only the "dry mouth" has affected me and the buddy.
You must start wearing it the night before for it to become effective. It will last up to three days. I have had the patch come off in the water. Before applying it, clean a spot directly behind your ear with alcohol and dry throughly.
I have been using the patch now for three years with not one unpleasant incident. Same for the buddy. The down side is it does give you the "dry mouth" and for others causes some dizziness or vision blurring. Only the "dry mouth" has affected me and the buddy.
You must start wearing it the night before for it to become effective. It will last up to three days. I have had the patch come off in the water. Before applying it, clean a spot directly behind your ear with alcohol and dry throughly.
diverjed
Contributor
That's where I started experiencing my first bouts with quesy stomachs, NC diving.
Currently going to try Dremermine II, preventive maintenance
Currently going to try Dremermine II, preventive maintenance
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You have many choices in medications, and all will work best as part of a comprehensive approach to sea sickness prevention.
Here's an updated version of a piece from my Jan/Feb '00 "Ask RSD" column in "Rodale's Scuba Diving" that may prove informative:
"Sea sickness, which shows wide variation in susceptibility among individuals, is not yet fully understood. It is believed to occur when portions of the brain tasked with maintaining balance receive input from the eyes, inner ear, muscles and joints that is inconsistent and unexpected over an extended period of time.
Prevention is a first step. Avoid fatigue and get adequate rest. Eat modestly, avoiding greasy, fatty, acidic and spicy foods. Don't skip breakfast, but stick to bland foods like toast, rolls and cereal. Go easy on tea and coffee, and very, very easy on alcoholic beverages. When on the boat, don't get overheated--stay under a sunshade, don't put on your protective suit until necessary, and get in the water as soon as possible. Search out a spot low and in the center where motion is minimized, face forward, focus your eyes on a fixed object on the horizon or elsewhere, avoid unnecessary neck movements and stay out of exhaust fumes. Do not go below, read anything or look through binoculars. If you must vomit, do so freely, but not anywhere on the boat, and especially not in the marine toilet.
There are plenty of medications available, and you may wish to discuss this with your physician. Among those reported to be the most effective are meclizine and scopolamine. Prescription strength meclizine commonly comes as Antivert. Scopolamine can be delivered through a transdermal patch, Transderm Scop, orally, and as a gel applied to the wrists. The gel reportedly works faster, but not as long as the patch. Scopolamine is the US Navy's first line sea sickness drug, including for divers, and DAN approves it with a trial run. Occasionally Phenergan is recommended. It can cause very serious drowsiness, however, and is sometimes prescribed in combination with a stimulant to counteract this. The above drugs are prescription only and have reported side effects, most commonly dryness of the mouth and drowsiness. They may also cause blurred vision, dizziness and even confusion in some users, and it is recommended to carefully discuss their use with your physician, give them a trial run prior to use in conjunction with diving, and take them only according to instructions.
Over the counter (OTC) drugs include Bonine, Dramamine (Not recommended due to demonstrated adverse effects on alertness & performance), Dramamine II (Advertised as a "less drowsy" formula. As this implies, be aware that some individuals still do experience some degree of drowsiness.) and Triptone (Same active ingredient as original Dramamine, dimenhydrinate, so draw your own conclusions) . A British drug, Stugeron (cinnarizine), has been mentioned by several sources as an effective treatment (Have seen a recent research piece suggesting impairment at higher doses), but it is not yet available in the US. Those diving in such places as Mexico & the British Virgin Islands can find it. Many report these OTC medications most effective if taken at bedtime the night prior to diving, with a second dose about an hour before diving, although recommended dosage amounts should of course not be exceeded. These medications often cause significant dryness of the mouth. Stay very well hydrated.
Considering more "natural" remedies, ginger is frequently mentioned, which can be taken in powdered, crystallized or root form (recommended preparations), or as ginger snaps, ginger ale, or tea. Just make sure they contain actual ginger and not just artificial flavoring. As heartburn with the use of ginger has been reported, also pack an antacid. Others swear by wrist straps, such as 'Sea Bands,' usually wooden or plastic balls on elastic bands which are placed so as to exert pressure on an acupressure point on the inside of the wrist. There are also 'artificial-horizon' glasses. Even aromatherapy has been tried, with a combination of mandarin, peppermint, spearmint and lavender oil being recommended.
In the final analysis, you will need to discover what works best for you with the least risk, side effect, cost and inconvenience. If you take any medications, you should understand their adverse effects and carefully follow directions for use. And remember, there is one safe, sure cure: 'Sleep under a tree all day.' "
This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.
Best regards.
DocVikingo
Here's an updated version of a piece from my Jan/Feb '00 "Ask RSD" column in "Rodale's Scuba Diving" that may prove informative:
"Sea sickness, which shows wide variation in susceptibility among individuals, is not yet fully understood. It is believed to occur when portions of the brain tasked with maintaining balance receive input from the eyes, inner ear, muscles and joints that is inconsistent and unexpected over an extended period of time.
Prevention is a first step. Avoid fatigue and get adequate rest. Eat modestly, avoiding greasy, fatty, acidic and spicy foods. Don't skip breakfast, but stick to bland foods like toast, rolls and cereal. Go easy on tea and coffee, and very, very easy on alcoholic beverages. When on the boat, don't get overheated--stay under a sunshade, don't put on your protective suit until necessary, and get in the water as soon as possible. Search out a spot low and in the center where motion is minimized, face forward, focus your eyes on a fixed object on the horizon or elsewhere, avoid unnecessary neck movements and stay out of exhaust fumes. Do not go below, read anything or look through binoculars. If you must vomit, do so freely, but not anywhere on the boat, and especially not in the marine toilet.
There are plenty of medications available, and you may wish to discuss this with your physician. Among those reported to be the most effective are meclizine and scopolamine. Prescription strength meclizine commonly comes as Antivert. Scopolamine can be delivered through a transdermal patch, Transderm Scop, orally, and as a gel applied to the wrists. The gel reportedly works faster, but not as long as the patch. Scopolamine is the US Navy's first line sea sickness drug, including for divers, and DAN approves it with a trial run. Occasionally Phenergan is recommended. It can cause very serious drowsiness, however, and is sometimes prescribed in combination with a stimulant to counteract this. The above drugs are prescription only and have reported side effects, most commonly dryness of the mouth and drowsiness. They may also cause blurred vision, dizziness and even confusion in some users, and it is recommended to carefully discuss their use with your physician, give them a trial run prior to use in conjunction with diving, and take them only according to instructions.
Over the counter (OTC) drugs include Bonine, Dramamine (Not recommended due to demonstrated adverse effects on alertness & performance), Dramamine II (Advertised as a "less drowsy" formula. As this implies, be aware that some individuals still do experience some degree of drowsiness.) and Triptone (Same active ingredient as original Dramamine, dimenhydrinate, so draw your own conclusions) . A British drug, Stugeron (cinnarizine), has been mentioned by several sources as an effective treatment (Have seen a recent research piece suggesting impairment at higher doses), but it is not yet available in the US. Those diving in such places as Mexico & the British Virgin Islands can find it. Many report these OTC medications most effective if taken at bedtime the night prior to diving, with a second dose about an hour before diving, although recommended dosage amounts should of course not be exceeded. These medications often cause significant dryness of the mouth. Stay very well hydrated.
Considering more "natural" remedies, ginger is frequently mentioned, which can be taken in powdered, crystallized or root form (recommended preparations), or as ginger snaps, ginger ale, or tea. Just make sure they contain actual ginger and not just artificial flavoring. As heartburn with the use of ginger has been reported, also pack an antacid. Others swear by wrist straps, such as 'Sea Bands,' usually wooden or plastic balls on elastic bands which are placed so as to exert pressure on an acupressure point on the inside of the wrist. There are also 'artificial-horizon' glasses. Even aromatherapy has been tried, with a combination of mandarin, peppermint, spearmint and lavender oil being recommended.
In the final analysis, you will need to discover what works best for you with the least risk, side effect, cost and inconvenience. If you take any medications, you should understand their adverse effects and carefully follow directions for use. And remember, there is one safe, sure cure: 'Sleep under a tree all day.' "
This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.
Best regards.
DocVikingo
etwl99
New
I suffer from sea sickness in most of my dives and had to resort to Dramamine (as the non-drowsy variety do not work). I ant seem to find Scopoderm or whatchamacallit... the patch thingies in any pharmacies in Malaysia, Singapore or Brunei. I am not sure but I do recall hearing that it is banned. As it comes highly recommended by other divers... any idea where i can find these? I have also tried the wrist bands... some swear by it, but i was still seasick (maybe it was fatigue). Any other advice? - Bleaaaahut:
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With a prescription, Transderm-Scop may be ordered online at--->
http://www.drugstore.com/pharmacy/prices/drugprice.asp?ndc=00067434504
As for "Any other advice?," I'd advise reading the very extensive article on preventing seasickness that appears just prior to your post.
Best regards.
DocVikingo
http://www.drugstore.com/pharmacy/prices/drugprice.asp?ndc=00067434504
As for "Any other advice?," I'd advise reading the very extensive article on preventing seasickness that appears just prior to your post.
Best regards.
DocVikingo
page.crow
Guest
DocVikingo suggests ginger in many different preparations. To take that one a little further, I would suggest that ginger snaps, ginger candy and stuff like that contain very little ginger.
Herbs work if you got strong herbs.
The ginger pills are usually pretty lame. They contain very little active ginger values. Here's the easiest way to create a killer strong ginger preparation:
Go to your grocery store and buy a stock of ginger. It's cheap. While you are there, pick up a bottle of cheap vodka.
Cut the ginger in chunks and chuck it into your blender. Add the vodka. Liquify. You just created a ginger tincture of amazing potency. The vodka extracts and preserves the mixture.
Pour into a glass jar and shake this up daily for about 4-7 days.
Strain and bottle your ginger tincture. Take it with you diving and take dropperfuls or tablespoons to calm the nausea.
Now this stuff doesn't taste good alone. You could make this taste better by adding peppermint leaves to the menstrum when you blend it up. Helps with the flavor and peppermint is a powerful herb for upset stomach. How much? A handful in your blender while you are making this.
The acupuncture point DocVikingo is talking about is the Pericardium 6 point on the ventral side (palm side) of the hand. It's located at the midline of the wrist exactly at the distal crease. There's two crease lines on your wrist, the further one out is right on. My experience with this is the bands do work, pretty good. The better band uses elecrical stimulation. You can also rub the heck out of it yourself with no band whatsoever and get excellent results.
page crow DC
Herbs work if you got strong herbs.
The ginger pills are usually pretty lame. They contain very little active ginger values. Here's the easiest way to create a killer strong ginger preparation:
Go to your grocery store and buy a stock of ginger. It's cheap. While you are there, pick up a bottle of cheap vodka.
Cut the ginger in chunks and chuck it into your blender. Add the vodka. Liquify. You just created a ginger tincture of amazing potency. The vodka extracts and preserves the mixture.
Pour into a glass jar and shake this up daily for about 4-7 days.
Strain and bottle your ginger tincture. Take it with you diving and take dropperfuls or tablespoons to calm the nausea.
Now this stuff doesn't taste good alone. You could make this taste better by adding peppermint leaves to the menstrum when you blend it up. Helps with the flavor and peppermint is a powerful herb for upset stomach. How much? A handful in your blender while you are making this.
The acupuncture point DocVikingo is talking about is the Pericardium 6 point on the ventral side (palm side) of the hand. It's located at the midline of the wrist exactly at the distal crease. There's two crease lines on your wrist, the further one out is right on. My experience with this is the bands do work, pretty good. The better band uses elecrical stimulation. You can also rub the heck out of it yourself with no band whatsoever and get excellent results.
page crow DC
The "patch" may be good for some. My doctor's advice was to test it before I actually used it for diving. I'm glad I did! I had a reaction - my eyes dilated - especially the right one - I couldn't see anything. I called my eye doctor who told me they use scopolamine for dilating their patients' eyes when they need to have the eyes dilated for a number of days. He laughed and told me it probably would take 2 to 3 days before my eyes were back to normal. It took 48 hours. I'm now interested in trying the wrist band that uses electronic impulses. Glad to hear it works well!
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