Hangovers are unpleasant and unwelcome after-effects of drinking alcohol. Symptoms can include headaches, fatigue, light sensitivity, nausea, muscle aches, and dehydration. Fortunately, there are a few treatments that may help reduce hangover symptoms. One of these treatments is travel sickness tablets, which can be found at most pharmacies. But do travel sickness tablets actually work for hangovers?
What Are Travel Sickness Tablets?
Travel sickness tablets are over-the-counter medications used to prevent or reduce nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness. The active ingredient in most travel sickness tablets is dimenhydrinate, also known as Dramamine. Dimenhydrinate is an antihistamine that is also used to treat allergies, motion sickness, and vertigo. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical messenger responsible for nausea and vomiting.
Can Travel Sickness Tablets Help with Hangovers?
Travel sickness tablets can help relieve some hangover symptoms, especially nausea and vomiting. Since dimenhydrinate is an antihistamine, it can reduce nausea and vomiting caused by histamine, which is released during a hangover. However, it is important to note that travel sickness tablets are not a cure for hangovers and should not be used as a substitute for drinking in moderation.
Are Travel Sickness Tablets Safe to Take for Hangovers?
Travel sickness tablets are generally safe to take for short-term relief of hangover symptoms. However, they should not be taken if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any other medications. It is also important to note that dimenhydrinate can cause drowsiness, so it is important to take it with caution and not operate heavy machinery or drive while taking it. If you are taking travel sickness tablets for hangovers, it is best to take the lowest dosage possible and not exceed the recommended dosage.
Alternatives to Travel Sickness Tablets for Hangovers
There are several other treatments that may help reduce hangover symptoms. These include drinking plenty of water or electrolyte-rich fluids, eating a meal high in complex carbohydrates, and getting plenty of rest. Taking a multivitamin may also help replenish lost nutrients. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may also help reduce headaches and muscle aches, but it should never be taken with alcohol, as it is toxic to the liver. Lastly, drinking coffee or tea may help reduce fatigue and light sensitivity.
Conclusion
Travel sickness tablets can help relieve some hangover symptoms, especially nausea and vomiting. However, they should never be taken if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any other medications, and they should not be used as a substitute for drinking in moderation. Alternatives to travel sickness tablets for hangovers include drinking plenty of water or electrolyte-rich fluids, eating a meal high in complex carbohydrates, getting plenty of rest, taking a multivitamin, and drinking coffee or tea. If you choose to take travel sickness tablets for hangovers, it is best to take the lowest dosage possible and not exceed the recommended dosage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are travel sickness tablets?
Travel sickness tablets are over-the-counter medications used to prevent or reduce nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness. The active ingredient in most travel sickness tablets is dimenhydrinate, also known as Dramamine.
Do travel sickness tablets work for hangovers?
Travel sickness tablets can help relieve some hangover symptoms, especially nausea and vomiting. However, they should not be used as a substitute for drinking in moderation.
Are travel sickness tablets safe to take for hangovers?
Travel sickness tablets are generally safe to take for short-term relief of hangover symptoms. However, they should not be taken if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any other medications.
Are there any alternatives to travel sickness tablets for hangovers?
Alternatives to travel sickness tablets for hangovers include drinking plenty of water or electrolyte-rich fluids, eating a meal high in complex carbohydrates, getting plenty of rest, taking a multivitamin, and drinking coffee or tea.
Can I take travel sickness tablets every day for a hangover?
No, it is not recommended to take travel sickness tablets every day for a hangover. If you choose to take travel sickness tablets for hangovers, it is best to take the lowest dosage possible and not exceed the recommended dosage.
Can I take travel sickness tablets if I am pregnant?
No, it is not recommended to take travel sickness tablets if you are pregnant.
Can I drink alcohol while taking travel sickness tablets?
No, it is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking travel sickness tablets.
How long do travel sickness tablets take to work?
Travel sickness tablets usually take about 30 to 60 minutes to take effect.
Can travel sickness tablets be taken with other medications?
No, it is not recommended to take travel sickness tablets with other medications.
What are the side effects of travel sickness tablets?
Common side effects of travel sickness tablets include drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, dizziness, and blurred vision.
What is the recommended dosage of travel sickness tablets?
The recommended dosage of travel sickness tablets is 50-100 mg every 4-6 hours, not to exceed 400 mg per day.