While they're both OTC medications that can be taken for motion sickness, meclizine is less likely to cause sleepiness than dimenhydrinate. In addition, meclizine lasts longer in your body - a single dose of meclizine can last 8 to 24 hours, whereas dimenhydrinate is typically taken every 4 to 6 hours.

The term "stronger" is relative, but in 2026, medical professionals generally categorize Meclizine (the active ingredient in "Dramamine Less Drowsy") as being longer-lasting and less sedating than original Dramamine (Dimenhydrinate). Dimenhydrinate is a fast-acting antihistamine that typically lasts 4 to 6 hours but causes significant drowsiness, which some people prefer if they want to sleep through a flight. Meclizine, however, has a 24-hour duration of action, making it the preferred choice for long-haul travel or chronic vertigo. In terms of "potency" for stopping active nausea, original Dramamine often feels more immediate, but Meclizine is considered the superior preventative tool for motion sickness because it provides a more stable level of protection throughout the day without the heavy "brain fog" associated with older antihistamines.