Dramamine is an over-the-counter medication that is traditionally used to treat the various symptoms that are associated with motion sickness. These include, but are not limited to, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. However, dramamine can also be used to curb mild nausea associated with other illnesses like flu or food poisoning. But the medication isn’t good for use for every illness and it can’t be used in many situations. Like any other medication, dramamine must be used properly in order for it to be effective.
Instructions
1. Make certain that dramamine is the right medication to use for the medical situation in hand. Using any product, even an over-the-counter variety, without understanding whether or not it is advisable is ill advised. The best recommendation is to check with a physician before using the drug.
2. Follow the dosage instructions to the letter. Take only the prescribed amount (around 400 mg per day) of the medication and only at the increments established (about every 4 to 6 hours maximum). Always take the medication with a full glass of water.
3. Discover the conditions that might be further damaged by the drug. These include asthma, bladder, kidney and urinary tract ailments, glaucoma, and/or liver disease. People with an irregular heartbeat or any type of heart disease should not take this medication without prior approval by a physician. Women who are pregnant, think they are pregnant, or want to become immediately pregnant should avoid this medication at all. The same is true of mothers who are still breastfeeding.
4. Learn about the medication’s interactions with other drugs. Dramamine’s side effects may be multiplied when it is used in conjunction with alcohol or other types of drugs such as those prescribed for pain, medications prescribed for colds and allergies as well as with sedatives, antidepressants, and muscle relaxers.
5. Recognize the possible side effects of the drug. Like any medication, dramamine has potential side effects that you need to be aware of. These include, but are not limited to drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, nervousness, a change in appetite, nausea accompanied by vomiting, constipation and/or diarrhea. Some people have also reported that the medication made them restless and unable to sit or lie still. Still others report cases of dry mouth, blurred vision and a change in their normal heartbeat.
6. Avoid taking dramamine while driving or operating any type of heavy equipment or kitchen appliances. Avoid dangerous activities and sports until the effects of the medicine have worn off.
7. Store the medication properly. Dramamine should be kept in place where it will not take on moisture. It is best to store it at room temperature. Medication that becomes dried out or too moist will not work at peak performance.
8. Go to an ER immediately if more serious symptoms occur. These would include an inability to stay awake or be awakened, sudden convulsions, inability to breathe properly or at all, sudden and unexplained seizures, swelling anywhere on the body, and a sudden case of rash or hives.
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