Praxis Medical Insights

Est. 2024 • Clinical Guidelines Distilled

Made possible by volunteer editors from the University of Calgary & University of Alberta

Last Updated: 8/27/2025

Motion Sickness Treatment Options

Pharmacological Treatment Options

  • Meclizine is commonly used for peripheral vertigo and motion sickness symptoms, according to the American College of Medical Toxicology 1

Second-Line Options

  • Prokinetic antiemetics such as metoclopramide can be useful adjuncts for managing nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness, as recommended by the American Academy of Neurology 2
  • Prochlorperazine may be used for short-term management of severe nausea or vomiting in patients with motion sickness who are severely symptomatic, as suggested by the American College of Medical Toxicology 3

Special Considerations

  • Vestibular suppressant medications should be used for short-term management rather than long-term treatment, according to the American College of Medical Toxicology 1, 3

Pitfalls and Caveats

  • Long-term use of vestibular suppressant medications can interfere with natural adaptation to motion, as warned by the American College of Medical Toxicology 1
  • Medications primarily treat symptoms rather than addressing the underlying sensory conflict, as noted by the American College of Medical Toxicology 3

REFERENCES

1

Management of Non-BPPV Peripheral Vertigo [LINK]

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

3

Role of Prochlorperazine in Vertigo Treatment [LINK]

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025