Fast Facts: Antinauseants

Antinauseants can be purchased over-the-counter without a prescription. It is classified as an antihistamine and is a drug also known as dimenhydrinate (commonly known as gravol, dramimine, traveltabs, pms-dimenhydrinete).

The primary purpose of Dimenhydrinete is to depress the central nervous system to prevent motion sickness or treat nausea. However, it has been reported as a drug often abused by adolescents to get "high". It is a sedative drug that causes:

Short Term Use: Lower doses **Possible Side Effects Associated With Safe Use**

• excitation and nervousness
• drowsiness
• reduced blood pressure
• mild euphoria
• constipation or diarrhea
• frequent urination
• impaired concentration
• muscle pain
• impaired co-ordination
• blurred vision
• tightness in the chest
• infrequent tremors
• dryness of the respiratory passages
• loss of appetite

Short Term Use: Higher Doses **Side Effects Associated With Misuse/Abuse**

• intensification of low dose effects
• sleep
• lethargy
• sedation
• toxic psychosis
• seizures
• muscle twitching
• confusion
• abnormal heart-beat
• convulsion
• mood swings
• depression
• abnormal blood pressure
• death

Little is known about the effects of regular high dose abuse. However, a tolerance for the drug does occur with prolonged use, thus causing the intended effects of the drug to diminish. Because Dimenhydrinete affects the central nervous system, it should not be used with alcohol.

Dimenhydrinete and Pregnancy

Although there are no known dangers to an unborn child, it is recommended that no mother take any drug before consulting her physician.

Dimenhydrinete and the Law

There are no legal implications to using Dimenhydrinete.

For additional information, please contact one of the following Addictions Services Offices.