Dimenhydrinate (Dimenhydrin) Review

Dimenhydrinate is a medication for motion sickness. It is an over the counter drug that is generally stronger and more potent than other drugs of its kind. It is made from two drugs, diphenhydramine and 8-chlorotheophylline. Diphenhydramine is a drug that battles nausea and vomiting, but it has extreme sedative effects. That’s why 8- chlorotheophylline was combined with it; this drug is somehow related to caffeine and shares its stimulant properties. By combining Diphenhydramine and 8- chlorotheophylline researchers were able to make a strong drug that fights motion sickness and doesn’t have any drowsy after effect. Dimenhydrinate is also fast acting; it is activated fifteen minutes to an hour after it is first ingested. It is often the motion sickness drug of choice for its powerful effects and its quick action.

Dimenhydrinate is actually used recreationally, and is sometimes abused for its hallucinogen effects. By taking far more than the prescribed dosage one can achieve a hallucinogenic state and intense delirium. People have described auditory and visual mirages that occur. Of course, this will have a negative effect on your health and is absolutely not recommended by doctors since the required dosage far exceeds the suggested amount. Most people loose control of their limbs and their sense of balance, which can be dangerous in the wrong place. Any Overdose is dangerous, and Dimenhydrinate is no different. It often leads to myocardial infarction, heart disorders, coma and even death.

When used in the proper amount the drug still causes some side effects. These side effects are: dry mouth, hyperactivity in children, dysphoria, insomnia, anxiety, and urinary retention. The serious side effects to the drug only come when the drug is taken in overdose. This drug is perfectly safe as long as it is taken in the prescribed dosage.

Dimenhydrinate is still a drug, despite its over the counter status. It can react badly with other drugs such as streptomycin, and tobramycin, antidepressants like amitriptyline, amoxapine, desipramine or Norpramin, doxepin, protriptyline, trimipramine, antihistamines, cough and cold medications, strong pain relievers or muscle relaxants, sedatives, anxiety medications, and medication for irritable bowel disease. Consult your doctor before taking Dimenhydrinate. You should make sure that other medication that you’re taking doesn’t interfere with Dimenhydrinate.

You should also consult your doctor if you’ve had epilepsy, seizures, difficulty breathing, emphysema, or urinary problems. If you’ve had these issues then taking Dimenhydrinate might exacerbate the health problems that you’ve encountered. Disclose your entire medical history to your doctor just to make sure that everything is safe and working well together.

Children older than 12 and adults may take it every 4-6 hours while children under 12 are supposed to take it every 6-8 hours. Children under the age of 2 should not take it at all. Dimenhydrinate is sold under the names Dramamine, Dramamine Chewable and TripTone. Remember that alcohol makes the side effects of Dimenhydrinate worse and also makes a person drowsy. Please refrain from drinking alcohol while on Dimenhydrinate. Also remember to follow the suggested prescription faithfully. Even over the counter drugs can be abused and can harm you if taken in large amounts.