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Your
Medications are part of your travel bag of tricks. Whether
prescriptive medications, or "lifestyle-enhancing"
medications that make travel easier, medications can take the form
of pills, patches, herbal remedies, and other,
"alternative" forms. Remember that many powerful
medications have their origins in the very plants we use for
"alternative, herbal" remedies.
Remember,
every drug, whether over-the-counter or prescription, has potential
side effects. Taking any medication, including over-the-counter
medications, can have serious repercussions for infants and
children, pregnant women, or individuals with allergies, medication
conflicts, and other contraindications. Consult your doctor if you
have any questions at all. (I am not a doctor)
The following is a modest roundup of many of the drugs commonly used
by travelers to aid in air travel. We've also included a collection
of tips and resources for further inquiry and background.
Economy-Class Syndrome and Aspirin
Once considered a lowly headache medicine, aspirin has come to be
seen almost as a miracle drug, with new applications found all the
time. Given the recent furor over "economy class
syndrome," or the development of blood clots on long-haul
flights where movement is restricted, the blood-thinning capacities
of aspirin make it the perfect antidote for routine use on long-haul
flights. Even aspirin has its risks; always consult a doctor.
Sleeping Medications
Sleeping on a plane is a true challenge - cabin noise rivals that of
concerts, seats are small and hard, there are constant
interruptions. Many turn to medications to help them sleep away
hours spent in flight.
Jet Lag
Melatonin has also gained popularity as a cure for jet lag, but
nothing has the buzz that has surrounded ENADA (the commercial name
for NADH, an over-the-counter vitamin B supplement).
ENADA has been credited with everything from curing jet lag to
increasing memory and test scores. One testing subject told 20/20
"I feel great. I feel wonderful. I feel alert." (At least
she didn't start singing "I feel pretty"...) Take a look
at our Jet Lag. page.
Motion Sickness
Motion sickness is a complex condition, more a jumbling of the
senses than a medical condition as we usually think of them. Motion
sickness is caused by irregular and abnormal motion that disturbs
the organs of balance located in the inner ear, as well as
discordant signals from your eyes and balance mechanisms. As they
get more out of concert, nausea, dizziness, headache, and cold
perspiration set in.
The Patch: Transderm Scop
(scopolamine) is a small circular patch you stick behind your ear
that reduces the nerve activity in the inner ear, thereby reducing
motion sickness.
Ginger: I haven't tried this, but ginger apparently has motion
sickness applications. Doses range from 250 to 500 milligrams every
six hours. See your herbal store for more information. Ginger also
affects blood clotting, so travelers using blood thinners or those
who suffer from hemophilia should avoid ginger without consulting a
doctor.
Preventing Sinus and Ear Infections
Sinus and ear infections are a common side effect of air travel.
From WebMD: "A decongestant
tablet or nasal spray (not one containing an antihistamine)
administered 30 minutes before flight can help prevent sinus and ear
infections, which often occur as a result of air travel; fliers with
colds or allergies are especially susceptible."
Tips and Resources
Label all Drugs.. Your best bet here is to leave all drugs in their
original containers to avoid confusion. It also helps prevent loss
of the drugs, or having them spill out of your bag or pocket where
children or animals might find them.
Know Generic Names.. Brand names may vary internationally, so you'll
want to know the generic names of all your medications. See our
guide to healthcare abroad for
more information.
Read the Label.. Most drugs are labeled with all risks,
contraindications, and side effects. Read the label carefully on all
drugs.
Think Ahead.. Do you have to drive a car away from the airport? Do
you have a difficult connection? Consider avoiding sedatives. Think
ahead to the next stage of your trip when taking any drug that might
affect your alertness or motor skills.
What's your ultimate destination? Your medication may need to be
stored in a particular temperature range, or its effectiveness may
be compromised by extreme heat.
Consult your doctor.. I know, we've already said this; you can't be
too careful.
Bring Your Own.. Pack your own; skin care, brand name, and birth
control medications can be difficult to find at some destinations.
Additionally, standards of quality and safety vary internationally.
Immunizations..See our guide to
immunizations needed before traveling.
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