No Getaway from Motion Sickness: More than a Third of Women Worry about It, But Most Do Nothing

Travel Expert Colleen Lanin Offers Women Advice for Making the Most of Summer Travel

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Jun 09, 2014, 11:00 ET

TARRYTOWN, N.Y., June 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Whether it's packing the car for a road trip or getting ready to cruise to an exotic locale, motion sickness – a common condition that affects millions of people – is one thing women don't need to bring on their vacations this summer. Unfortunately, according to a new national survey issued by Dramamine^®, the looming threat of motion sickness will have many women re-thinking their travel plans this season.

Dramamine? Motion Sickness Relief for prevention and treatment of nausea, vomiting and dizziness associated with motion sickness (PRNewsFoto/Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc.)

More than half of women (54 percent) suffer from motion sickness, and the majority of them (86 percent) agree that it can spoil travel plans. The survey revealed that more than one third (35 percent) of women often think about changing plans due to the possibility of someone in their family getting motion sickness – either themselves or their children. For example, the majority of those who had been on a cruise (77 percent) were very concerned, at some point, that their motion sickness symptoms might ruin the trip. In spite of their aggravation and worry, it seems the majority of women (57 percent) are not taking any measures to prevent motion sickness.

To help women make the most of their summer travel plans, Dramamine^® and Colleen Lanin, author of "The Travel Mamas' Guide" and founder of TravelMamas.com, have joined forces to offer simple tips and clear up some myths and misconceptions about motion sickness.

"Even the most experienced traveler can experience motion sickness, whether traveling by car, plane, or boat, and too many people just suffer through it," said Lanin. "But the good news is, with a little bit of preparation and some simple tips, you don't have to let it spoil your plans to get away this summer."

Lanin's tips include:

Be Prepared: Pack Dramamine^® on every trip, and take it about an hour before traveling to prevent the symptoms of motion sickness.
Enjoy the View: If you're prone to motion sickness, don't read in the car or on your flight. Instead, listen to music or talk with your travel mates as a distraction.
Rule the Road: When on a road trip, volunteer to be the driver. You're less likely to get motion sickness when you're focused on the road.
Unplug: Put down your phone, tablet or portable video game, all of which can trigger motion sickness.
Zone Out: Take a nap. By closing your eyes, you're removing the visual stimuli that could potentially cause motion sickness.

"Despite the potential impact motion sickness can have on travel plans, many sufferers don't do anything to prevent or treat it, or do so with the wrong products or ineffective methods," said Steve Smith, Brand Director, Oral Care and Digestive Health at Prestige Brands, Inc., maker of Dramamine^®. "In fact, more than half of motion sickness sufferers we surveyed had no idea there is an effective way to prevent it altogether."

One of the biggest barriers to preventing or treating motion sickness among those prone to the condition is uncertainty about treatment methods. Many sufferers – 65 percent – believe that motion sickness medications will cause side effects such as constipation and blurred vision. And despite the frequency of motion sickness among children, about one-third of moms (31 percent) rarely or never give their children anything to prevent it. A staggering 73 percent incorrectly think that Dramamine^® is only safe for adults, when in reality, it is the leading over-the-counter motion sickness relief brand for adults and children ages two to 12.

The most effective way to prevent and treat motion sickness is with over-the-counter medicine. Dramamine^®, America's number one over-the-counter brand for treatment of motion sickness, offers a range of products – including Dramamine^® Less Drowsy and Dramamine^®for Kids – that help prevent and relieve symptoms including nausea, dizziness and vomiting.

For more information visit www.Dramamine.com or www.facebook.com/dramamineescape.

About the Survey
The online consumer survey was conducted between April 30 and May 8, 2014 among a national sample of 2,500 women over the age of 18 who either suffer from motion sickness and/or have children who suffer from motion sickness. The survey was developed and sponsored by Dramamine^® with fieldwork provided by Toluna Online using its national consumer panel.

About Dramamine^®Dramamine^® is America's number one over-the-counter product for the treatment of motion sickness, helping to prevent and relieve nausea, dizziness and vomiting associated with the condition. It is the only leading brand for motion sickness formulated for children 2 years and over and adults.

Dramamine^® comes in four formulas, including Dramamine^® Original Formula, Dramamine^® Less Drowsy, Dramamine^® for Kids, and Dramamine^® Chewable, and is available at most mass merchandisers, drug stores and grocery stores throughout the United States and now online at www.drugstore.com and www.amazon.com.

About Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc.
Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc. markets and distributes brand name over-the-counter and household cleaning products throughout the U.S., Canada, and certain international markets. Core brands include Chloraseptic® sore throat treatments, Clear Eyes® eye care products, Compound W® wart treatments, The Doctor's® NightGuard® dental protector, the Little Remedies® and PediaCare® lines of pediatric over-the-counter products, Efferdent® denture care products, Luden's® throat drops, Dramamine® motion sickness treatment, BC® and Goody's® pain relievers, Beano® gas prevention, Debrox® earwax remover, and Gaviscon® antacid.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140609/105986

SOURCE Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc.