Dramamine side effects

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Side Effects of Dramamine (Dimenhydrinate)

Common Side Effects: Drowsiness

One of the most frequently reported side effects of Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) is drowsiness. This sedative effect is commonly experienced by users and is often the only side effect noted in clinical settings . The drowsiness can be significant enough to impact daily activities, making it important for users to be cautious when engaging in tasks that require alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery.

Hallucinogenic Effects from Abuse

In cases of abuse, individuals have used Dramamine to achieve hallucinogenic-like effects. While not all instances of abuse result in toxic reactions, the potential for such outcomes exists, particularly at higher dosages . The hallucinogenic experiences reported highlight the risk of misuse and the importance of adhering to recommended dosages to avoid severe side effects.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Dramamine has also been used to alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms caused by other medications, such as para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) used in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis. While it is effective in relieving these symptoms for some patients, it is not universally effective. The gastrointestinal side effects can be severe enough to cause patients to discontinue their primary medication without reporting it .

Conclusion

Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) is generally well-tolerated, with drowsiness being the most common side effect. However, misuse can lead to hallucinogenic experiences and potential toxic reactions. Additionally, while it can help alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms caused by other medications, its effectiveness varies among individuals. Users should adhere to recommended dosages and be aware of the potential side effects to ensure safe use.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) abuse: hallucinogenic experiences with a proprietary antihistamine.

Dosage is a critical factor in determining toxic side effects from antihistamine abuse, with some cases resulting in no toxic reactions.

Case Report

1972·

27citations

·R. Malcolm et al.

The American journal of psychiatry·

DOI

Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) as an adjunct to PAS (para-aminosalicylic acid) in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Dramamine is useful in relieving intolerable toxic symptoms in patients taking PAS with NaHCo3, but not in those caused by sodium PAS, with drowsiness as a common side reaction.

Observational Study

1953·

2citations

·L. Leonard

Diseases of the chest·

DOI

Control of vestibular toxic effects of streptomycin by dramamine.

Dramamine effectively relieves dizziness and may prevent toxic effects of streptomycin on the vestibular apparatus during streptomycin therapy.

1950·

3citations

·L. Titche et al.

Diseases of the chest·

DOI

Influence of alcohol and dramamine, alone and in combination, on psychomotor performance.

Alcohol and Dramamine alone can decrease psychomotor performance, but their combination significantly reduces performance.

Non-RCT

1967·

12citations

·P. Tang et al.

Aerospace medicine·

DOI

Effect of Dramamine on the Objective Electrical Vestibulogram

Dramamine's mechanism in preventing motion sickness symptoms is very specific, with a rise in the absolute threshold at 0.20 cps.

RCT

1964·

5citations

·E. Dzendolet

Perceptual and Motor Skills·

DOI

Comparison of scopolamine hydrobromide and dramamine in the treatment and prevention of airsickness.

Dramamine and scopolamine hydrobromide both effectively treat and prevent airsickness in flight training students, with minor side effects suggesting further research on dose and protracted flight prevention.

1950·

0citations

·J. D. Boland et al.

The Journal of aviation medicine

Further studies on the control of vestibular toxic effects of streptomycin by dramamine.

Dramamine can effectively reduce the toxic effects of streptomycin on the vestibular apparatus when administered together.

1951·

1citation

·L. Titche et al.

Diseases of the chest·

DOI

Mechanisms and abuse liability of the anti-histamine dimenhydrinate.

Dimenhydrinate (DMH) is an over-the-counter anti-emetic drug with potential abuse for non-medical purposes, including euphoric sensations and hallucinations, and its anxiolytic or anti-cholinergic effects.

2002·

68citations

·A. Halpert et al.

Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews·

DOI

The acute effects of Dramamine on uterine contractability during labor.

Intravenous Dramamine significantly increases uterine activity during labor, primarily due to increased frequency of contractions.

RCT

1976·

1citation

·B. Shephard et al.

The Journal of reproductive medicine

LVIII The Effects of Dramamine upon Cochlear Function and the Vestibular Responses to Turning in Normal Subjects

Dramamine effectively reduces motion sickness and vertigo in Meniere's symptom complex, and may also be useful in modifying vertigo and nystagmus after otosclerosis surgery.

1950·

6citations

·J. Winston et al.

Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology·

DOI

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