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If you tend to develop motion sickness, you probably know some simple steps to reduce the upset stomach, dizziness and cold sweats that can be caused by this common problem. For example, when traveling by car, you may insist on driving or sitting in the passenger seat. On a ship, it’s best to stare at the horizon or close your eyes (see “Is there a way to avoid motion sickness?” for more information).
“For a long time, nausea was thought to be due to a conflict of sensory signals coming from vision, the inner ear and other senses. Now, most experts believe it’s also caused by a mismatch between what your brain predicts how your body will move and what actually happens,” explains Dr. Richard Lewis, neurologist at the Harvard affiliate Massachusetts Eye and Earwho specializes in balance disorders. Because these normal brain responses are quite complex, preventing and treating nausea has proven difficult, he says. Let’s look at a summary of the treatments available today.
Wrists: Produces pressure or jerks
There are two types of devices that stimulate the median nerve inside the wrist, which is thought to reduce nausea signals to the brain. Acupressure wristbands are made of a stretchy fabric and have a small, hard, plastic button that presses on a specific point on the inside of the wrist. They are available at a price that usually starts at just over 10 euros a pair. Electric wristbands or neuromodulation wristbands look like exercise bands and are made of silicone or nylon. They deliver low intensity electrical impulses to the inside of the wrist and their price is noticeably higher.
Because the brain’s physiological responses are quite complex, preventing and treating nausea is difficult.
However, the evidence for the effectiveness of these belts is mixed. “There is a general consensus that any benefit users feel from these wristbands is probably a placebo effect,” says Dr. Lewis. However, some people find acupressure wristbands useful. Since they’re safe and cheap, they might be worth a try, he adds.
Anti-nausea glasses?
These glasses include four frames, two in front of your eyes and two on the sides, and either contain clear lenses or come without lenses. The frames are tubular and inside they contain a blue liquid, which moves with the movement of the user’s environment, e.g. of the car or ship. “The idea behind these glasses is that they create an artificial horizon, which gives a better sense of how your body is oriented in relation to gravity,” explains Dr Lewis. In theory, your brain uses this information to minimize nausea.
Do they work? A 2026 study, which compared anti-nausea glasses with a dummy pair of glasses (the same glasses but without the liquid), found that neither the real nor the dummy glasses relieved symptoms. (To induce nausea, the 30 participants took part in a virtual reality program designed to simulate riding a bumpy motorcycle at an amusement park.) As with wristbands, Dr. Lewis suspects that occasional reports of a positive effect from the glasses are due to a placebo effect. However, it doesn’t hurt to try them out, especially since some cost less than 10 euros.
Medicines for nausea
Medicines to prevent or treat nausea are very effective, but they can have side effects. “Most work by suppressing balance signals that the inner ear sends to the brain,” explains Dr. Lewis. They include over-the-counter antihistamine tablets, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), meclizine, and the prescription drug promethazine. A common side effect is drowsiness.
Another option is a prescription scopolamine patch, which is placed behind your ear four hours before you travel. Because the actions last up to 72 hours, the patches are popular with people who take cruises. Common side effects are dry eyes and mouth, blurred vision and headache. The patch can also raise body temperature and 2025 o US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). published a warning about serious heat-related complications from scopolamine patches. Most occurred in children under 17 and adults 60 and over. Anyone with heart, cognitive, or eye problems should talk to their doctor before using this drug.
In December 2025, the FDA approved tradipitant, a tablet that helps prevent vomiting caused by nausea. This drug targets a specific brain receptor associated with vomiting, but its effectiveness in pure nausea is not clear. The drug may cause drowsiness and headache.
Is there a way to avoid nausea?
About one in three people experience motion sickness. Try the following tips when traveling by car:
Sit in a forward-facing seat.
Stay still – avoid moving your head, shoulders, hips and knees.
Focus on the horizon or a stationary object if possible.
Avoid reading.
Take controlled, conscious breaths and try to sit where fresh air is coming in.
You are listening to pleasant music.
Try candies or chewing gum with ginger or mint.
Note: The goal of Harvard Health Letter is to interpret medical information for the general reader in a timely and accurate manner. Its contents are not intended to provide personal medical advice, which should be obtained directly from a physician.
