Emerging treatments

Dexamfetamine

Dexamfetamine may increase the effectiveness of hyoscine or antihistamines by counteracting the sedative side effects of these medications, but there are concerns that the combination could further impair decision-making and motivational behavior.[18] Although this treatment regimen has been used as a motion sickness prophylactic in military and space programmes, it is unlikely to be made available to the general travelling public until an effective analogue, free from adverse effects, is developed. 

5-HT1 agonists (triptans)

5-HT1 agonists (e.g., sumatriptan) are used for the treatment of migraine. The rationale for their use in treating motion sickness is that depletion of serotonin (5-HT) provokes migraine and enhances susceptibility to symptoms of motion sickness in people without migraine.[37] In addition, 5-HT1 agonists have been shown to be effective against motion sickness in animals.[46][85]​ Rizatriptan has been shown to reduce susceptibility to motion sickness in people with migraine who have vertigo as a symptom (vertiginous migraine).[86][87]

Intranasal hyoscine

Intranasal hyoscine sprays offer an even faster route and, with higher (alkaline) pH buffered formulations to promote absorption, peak blood levels may be achieved in minutes.[88][89] One study has shown that low-dose intranasal hyoscine reduced motion sickness induced by a rotating drum.[90] However, another study found that while intranasal hyoscine was effective at reducing motion sickness, the time to maximal concentration was long compared with other intranasal drugs and previous studies of intranasal hyoscine.[91]

Acupressure

Stimulation of the pericardium 6 (P6) acupressure point by fingers, bracelets, or electrical stimulation can prevent the nausea and vomiting of motion sickness.[60][61] The P6 point is found between the tendons of the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis muscles, 3 patient finger breadths away from the flexor crease on the wrist.

Non-invasive brain stimulation

Modulating brain activity in the frontal and parietal regions, which are key components of the vestibular network, through transcranial alternating current stimulation or transcranial direct current stimulation, has shown promising results in reducing susceptibility to motion sickness.[92]​[93]​[94]​[95]​

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