Side effects of dramamine

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Side Effects of Dramamine

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 impair daily activities, making it important for users to be cautious when engaging in tasks that require alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery.

Abuse and Hallucinogenic Effects

Dramamine has been noted for its potential for abuse due to its hallucinogenic-like effects when taken in high doses. Individuals seeking these effects may consume large quantities of the drug, which can lead to toxic reactions. However, the severity of these reactions can vary, and in some cases, individuals may not experience severe toxicity despite high doses . The dosage is a critical factor in determining the likelihood and severity of toxic side effects.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

While not directly related to Dramamine itself, its use as an adjunct treatment in certain medical conditions has highlighted its role in managing gastrointestinal symptoms. For instance, in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis with para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS), Dramamine has been used to alleviate intolerable gastrointestinal symptoms caused by the medication. However, it is important to note that while Dramamine can be effective in this context, it does not completely eliminate these symptoms for all patients .

Conclusion

Dramamine is generally well-tolerated, with drowsiness being the most common side effect. However, its potential for abuse and the resulting hallucinogenic effects at high doses pose significant risks. Additionally, while it can help manage gastrointestinal symptoms in specific medical treatments, its effectiveness can vary. Users should be aware of these potential side effects and use the medication as directed to minimize risks.

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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·

28citations

·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.

1953·

2citations

·L. Leonard

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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