Can You Mix Dramamine and Alcohol?

Traveling can come with a lot of challenges, including motion sickness. If you are one of the millions who experience motion sickness, you know how miserable it can be to travel.

Many people take over-the-counter medications, including Dramamine, to prevent motion sickness. Many medical experts believe these drugs are safe for occasional use.

But what happens when you combine Dramamine and alcohol? Many people drink alcohol while traveling. Are there any potential dangers of mixing alcohol and motion sickness meds?

This article will explore the potential risks of mixing Dramamine and alcohol. You will also learn how to recognize substance abuse and how to find treatment for alcohol abuse.

Contact the South Carolina Addiction Treatment specialists now to learn about your treatment options. You may also verify your insurance or set up an intake assessment.

What is Dramamine?

Dramamine is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication. The active ingredient of Dramamine is dimenhydrinate.

People may take Dramamine to reduce the symptoms of motion sickness, including:

• Cold sweats
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Irritability
• Poor concentration
• Increased saliva
• Paleness
• Rapid breathing
• Nausea
• Vomiting

These symptoms can make travel very uncomfortable. People may also develop dehydration or low blood pressure if they vomit a lot and cannot drink fluids.

What are the Side Effects of Dramamine?

Like many medications, Dramamine can cause unwanted side effects. Dramamine’s side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and poor coordination.

Sometimes, the side effects of Dramamine can make people uncomfortable. Some people may avoid taking Dramamine because they do not like the way it makes them feel.

People may take other motion sickness medications. Or, they may do other things to reduce motion sickness symptoms. These include:

• Eating lighter foods, including crackers, fruit, and water
• Getting good sleep the night before you travel
• Leaning your head against the headrest
• Avoiding reading while traveling

Some people wonder if drinking alcohol may prevent motion sickness. It does not. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises that people who get motion sickness should avoid alcohol and caffeine.

If you do take Dramamine, it is crucial to avoid alcohol. Mixing alcohol and Dramamine can have dangerous outcomes.

What are the Effects of Alcohol?

Drinking alcohol can lead to many changes in the way you feel, think, and behave.

Some of the effects of alcohol include:

• Drowsiness
• Euphoria (intense pleasure and well-being)
• Mood changes
• Loss of inhibitions
• Impulsive behaviors
• Slurred speech
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Loss of coordination
• Memory issues
• Diarrhea
• Sensory changes

Long-term alcohol abuse can harm your physical and mental health. It can change how your body and brain work. These changes can make it almost impossible to stop drinking on your own. Most people with alcohol addiction need professional treatment to quit.

What is the Risk of Mixing Dramamine and Alcohol?

Dramamine works by affecting several bodily symptoms, including:

• Cognition
• Serotonin–related to mood and sleep
• Norepinephrine–which affects alertness
• Dopamine–related to reward and pleasure
• Pain relief
• Sleep and awake cycles

People who take Dramamine may feel drowsy, sedated, or dizzy. They may have impaired coordination.

Alcohol depresses activity in the central nervous system (CNS). Drinking alcohol can cause side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and loss of coordination.

When people mix Dramamine and alcohol, the side effects of both substances can be more potent. People who take both at the same time may feel very dizzy or sedated.

Combining Dramamine and alcohol may become dangerous. Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Extreme fatigue
• Mood changes
• Psychosis
• Hallucinations
• Excessive drowsiness
• Slurred speech

Drinking alcohol increases the risk of a Dramamine overdose. Avoid combining these substances. Seek treatment for alcohol abuse if you cannot control how much you drink.

Alcohol Abuse: Recognizing the Signs

People with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) may lose control over their drinking. Alcohol addiction is a complex condition.

People with alcohol addiction often need professional treatment and support to stop drinking safely. Here are some signs of alcohol addiction:

• You cannot control your drinking
• You frequently drink more than you planned to
• You experience cravings for alcohol
• You neglect your responsibilities, relationships, or hobbies because of your drinking
• You do dangerous things while drinking, such as driving or having risky sex
• You spend a lot of time and energy getting alcohol, drinking, and being hungover
• You lose your job, have relationship problems, or experience other extreme consequences of drinking
• If you don’t drink, you develop withdrawal symptoms (shaking, sweating, insomnia, anxiety, nausea, etc.)

If you have some of these symptoms of addiction, you must seek treatment. Getting treatment can help you have a fresh start toward a healthier future.

Find Help Now

If you or someone you love struggles with alcohol abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the South Carolina Addiction Treatment team to learn about our treatment programs. You may also verify your insurance or schedule an intake assessment.