The most common over-the-counter pill used for sea nausea, or motion sickness, is dimenhydrinate, popularly known by the brand name Dramamine. This medication is an antihistamine that works by reducing the stimulation in the inner ear's vestibular system, which is responsible for balance. Another widely used non-prescription option is meclizine (brand names Bonine or Dramamine Less Drowsy), which is often preferred by travelers because it typically causes less sleepiness than dimenhydrinate and only needs to be taken once every 24 hours. For more severe cases, doctors may prescribe scopolamine, which is most frequently administered as a transdermal patch placed behind the ear several hours before boarding. It is crucial to take these medications before you start feeling ill, as they are far more effective at preventing the onset of nausea than treating it once the "stomach churning" has begun. In 2026, many cruisers also supplement these pills with natural remedies like ginger tablets or Acupressure wristbands (Sea-Bands) to manage mild symptoms without the side effects of dry mouth or drowsiness often associated with pharmaceutical interventions.