Key takeaways:
Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) tablets and scopolamine (Transderm Scop) patches are medications that can help prevent motion sickness. Scopolamine is prescription only, while Dramamine is available over the counter.
Dramamine and scopolamine work best when you take them early. Both medications are similarly effective at preventing motion sickness.
There are many ways to save on motion sickness medications. Dramamine and scopolamine are available as lower-cost generics. GoodRx can help make your prescription more affordable.
Save on related medications
Feeling queasy while traveling by car, boat, or another form of transportation is a common symptom of motion sickness. It happens when your brain gets mixed signals from what you see and what your body feels.
These triggers affect some people more than others. If you experience motion sickness often, there are steps you can take to help manage it. Several prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications can prevent motion sickness.
Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) and scopolamine (Transderm Scop) are two go-to motion sickness medications. But is one better than the other?
Spoiler alert: There’s not one clear winner. Here’s a rundown of both options to help you decide which one may be a better fit for you.
How do I use Dramamine for motion sickness?
Dramamine is an OTC antihistamine that helps prevent and treat motion sickness. It works best when taken about 30 to 60 minutes before starting an activity that causes motion sickness.
You can find Dramamine at most pharmacies and supermarkets, as well as online and in places like gas stations and airport kiosks. It’s available as both a brand-name and generic medication in standard and chewable tablets. Adults and children ages 2 and older can take it.
The typical Dramamine dosage for adults and kids ages 12 and older is 1 to 2 tablets (50 mg to 100 mg) by mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed. For children under 12, the dose depends on age, so make sure to follow the instructions on the package label. And kids under 2 should take Dramamine only if their pediatrician says it’s OK.
If you have questions about how to take Dramamine, you can ask a pharmacist.
Good to know: Dramamine Less Drowsy contains meclizine, another antihistamine. This is a different antihistamine than dimenhydrinate, the active ingredient in regular Dramamine. Meclizine is less likely to cause drowsiness than dimenhydrinate.
How do I use a scopolamine patch for motion sickness?
Scopolamine is a prescription-only medicated patch that you apply to your skin. It belongs to a group of medications called anticholinergics, and it is available as both a brand-name and generic product. Scopolamine helps prevent nausea and vomiting from motion sickness. But it typically isn’t used to treat symptoms after they start.
If a healthcare professional has prescribed a scopolamine patch to help prevent motion sickness, follow these five tips to get the most out of your treatment:
Apply the patch behind your ear. Make sure to apply it at least 4 hours before starting an activity that causes motion sickness. If you have long hair, it’s a good idea to tie it up to prevent the patch from getting stuck to your hair.
Know that each patch lasts up to 3 days. If you need treatment for longer — such as during a cruise or a long car trip — you’ll need to apply a new patch. Make sure to take off the old patch before putting on a new one.
Don’t cut, bend, or fold the patch before using it. This can release the medication too quickly and increase the risk of side effects.
Proper patch disposal is important. Fold the used patch in half so the sticky sides stick together. Then throw it away in a trash bin out of reach of children and pets.
After handling a scopolamine patch, make sure to wash your hands with soap and water. If the medication gets in your eyes, it can cause blurry vision.
Good to know: Kids and teens under 18 should avoid using scopolamine patches. The same goes for adults ages 60 and older. Mental health side effects and hyperthermia (high body temperature) are more likely in these populations. But they’re still rare.
How effective are Dramamine and scopolamine patches?
Dramamine and scopolamine patches are only partially effective for treating motion sickness. They’re more effective for preventing motion sickness. Taking them before travel or another trigger can help stop symptoms before they begin.
They tend to work even better when you combine them with simple strategies, such as:
Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and smoking
Avoiding eating large or filling meals
Staying hydrated while traveling
Traveling when well rested
Stopping for rest breaks during travel if possible
Avoiding reading or watching a video screen in a moving environment
Sitting toward the front of a car or bus instead of the back
Focusing your eyes on a fixed spot during your travel
Minimizing your head and body movement during travel
Controlling your breathing
A healthcare professional may recommend Dramamine or scopolamine if you’ve had motion sickness before or if these strategies aren’t enough. The best option for you will depend on factors such as your age, how often you get motion sickness, and how long you’ll be traveling.
How long does it take Dramamine or scopolamine patches to kick in?
It takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour for Dramamine to kick in.
It takes scopolamine a bit longer to start working — about 4 hours. That’s why you want to apply the patch at least 4 hours before doing an activity that can cause motion sickness.
If you have questions or concerns about how long it takes for these medications to start working, ask your prescriber or pharmacist.
Which is better at preventing motion sickness: Dramamine or scopolamine patches?
One isn’t necessarily better than the other. Scopolamine patches are considered as effective as Dramamine at preventing motion sickness.
But both medications can cause side effects, which may affect your choice. Common ones include dry mouth, drowsiness, and blurry vision. Some research suggests that scopolamine is more likely to cause dry mouth than Dramamine.
Accessibility also plays a role. Scopolamine patches require a prescription, but each patch lasts up to 3 days. This can be a convenient option if you prefer not to take pills.
Dramamine is available OTC and easy to find. But since it’s a tablet, you may need to take it more often.
Good to know: Adults 65 and older may be more sensitive to motion sickness medications. They’re more likely to experience side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth, so extra caution is recommended.
Can you take Dramamine and use a motion sickness patch together?
You should avoid taking Dramamine and using a scopolamine patch together. The combination may raise the risk side effects such as:
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Confusion
Blurry vision
Dry mouth
Do other medications or supplements prevent or treat motion sickness?
You have other options for preventing motion sickness. Some other antihistamines can also help, including:
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Chlorpheniramine
Meclizine
Promethazine (Promethegan)
Ginger is another option. It’s a natural supplement used for nausea and vomiting, but some studies show it may help with motion sickness too.
If you’re interested in these other medications and supplements, ask your healthcare team for more information. They can provide advice on selecting a product, including how they stack up to Dramamine or scopolamine.
It’s also a good idea to keep a current list of your prescription and OTC medications. Your pharmacist and prescriber can screen for interactions with motion sickness medications and supplements.
How to save on Dramamine and scopolamine
Dramamine and scopolamine are available as brand-name medications. But you can also find them as lower-cost generics. GoodRx can help you navigate ways to save on your prescription.
Save with GoodRx: GoodRx can help you save over 30% and 70% off the average retail price of the generic versions of Dramamine and scopolamine, respectively. Generic Dramamine’s price at certain pharmacies is as low as $9.57 for 30 tablets with a free GoodRx discount. Generic scopolamine’s price at certain pharmacies is as low as $45.50 for ten 3-day patches with a free GoodRx discount.
Dramamine is widely available OTC. The average retail price for 30 tablets is about $, but specific prices vary by location.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. It’s safe to take Dramamine at recommended doses while pregnant. But it’s a good idea to check with your prenatal care team before trying new medications or supplements.
Adults and kids ages 12 and older can take Dramamine every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Don’t take more than 8 tablets (400 mg) in 24 hours.
Kids under 12 can take Dramamine every 6 to 8 hours as needed. But the maximum number of tablets they can take in a day depends on their age and the selected product. And kids under 2 should take Dramamine only if their pediatrician says it’s OK.
You can take Dramamine with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, try taking it with food the next time.
Yes. It’s safe to take Dramamine at recommended doses while pregnant. But it’s a good idea to check with your prenatal care team before trying new medications or supplements.
Adults and kids ages 12 and older can take Dramamine every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Don’t take more than 8 tablets (400 mg) in 24 hours.
Kids under 12 can take Dramamine every 6 to 8 hours as needed. But the maximum number of tablets they can take in a day depends on their age and the selected product. And kids under 2 should take Dramamine only if their pediatrician says it’s OK.
You can take Dramamine with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, try taking it with food the next time.
The bottom line
Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) and scopolamine (Transderm Scop) are medications that help prevent motion sickness. Dramamine comes as an over-the-counter tablet, while scopolamine is a prescription-only, medicated patch. They’re similarly effective at preventing symptoms, and they tend to cause comparable side effects. Talk to your prescriber or pharmacist about which motion sickness medication may be the better option for you.
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References
American Geriatrics Society. (2026). Beers Criteria for potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults. Guideline Central.
Bryant Ranch Prepack. (2026). Scopolamine patch- extended release [package insert].
Leung, A. K. C., et al. (2019). Motion sickness: An overview. Drugs In Context.
MedlinePlus. (2026). Dimenhydrinate.
Medtech Products. (2025). Dramamine Original Formula- dimenhydrinate tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.
Nunes, C. P., et al. (2020). Clinical evaluation of the use of ginger extract in the preventive management of motion sickness. Current Therapeutic Research, Clinical and Experimental.
Riad, M., et al. (2023). Scopolamine. StatPearls.
Spinks, A., et al. (2011). Scopolamine (hyoscine) for treating and preventing motion sickness. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
Takov, V., et al. (2023). Motion sickness. StatPearls.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2026). FDA adds warning about serious risk of heat-related complications with antinausea patch Transderm Scop (scopolamine transdermal system).
