Dramamine Abuse | Effects, Risks, & Signs Of Dimenhydrinate Addiction

Dramamine abuse can cause drowsiness, headache, dry mouth, blurry vision, constipation, urinary incontinence, and changes in heart rate.

Dramamine, also known as Gravol in Canada, is a brand name over-the-counter medication for motion sickness. Taking Dramamine as directed can reduce nausea, dizziness, and vomiting caused by motion sickness. Dimenhydrinate is the generic name for Dramamine and Gravol.

Dramamine can be a subject of over-the-counter drug abuse, due to its high availability and abuse potential. If Dramamine is a subject of illicit drug use, your risk of serious side effects may increase.

Effects Of Dramamine Abuse

Dramamine can be abused recreationally for its sedative effects. In high doses, dimenhydrinate can also cause hallucinogenic effects. Dramamine may be sold on the illicit drug market as “dime,” “dime tabs,” “drams,” and other street names.

Forms of Dramamine abuse may include taking Dramamine in amounts higher than the recommended dose, mixing Dramamine with other substances, and crushing, snorting, or injecting Dramamine pills. 

Side effects of dimenhydrinate abuse may include:

• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• constipation
• blurry vision
• urinary incontinence
• tremors
• changes in mood
• irregular heartbeat
• hallucinations
• euphoria

These effects may come from reduced amounts of the chemical histamine in the body. Side effects can be more severe in higher doses of Dramamine.

Risks Of Dramamine Abuse

Abusing Dramamine to get high can affect your physical and mental health. These side effects may include:

Dramamine Overdose

You can experience a Dramamine overdose if you take large doses of the drug at once. Signs of a Dramamine overdose may include:

• irregular heartbeat
• difficulty breathing
• seizure
• dilated pupils

Your risk of overdose may increase if you take opioids or drink alcohol along with Dramamine. If you see or experience these signs in yourself or a loved one, call for medical help immediately.

Drug Addiction

The long-term addictive potential of Dramamine may require additional study. Patients may experience dysphoria and reduced mood when they are not getting high on Dramamine.

Case studies on patients exhibiting withdrawal symptoms of dimenhydrinate are uncommon. In these case studies, however, potential withdrawal symptoms have included:

• vomiting
• diarrhea
• excessive sweating
• irritability
• drug cravings

These symptoms can contribute to a long-term addiction, where you are unable to stop taking Dramamine despite continued health problems.

Signs Of Dimenhydrinate Addiction

If a family member or loved one is addicted to Dramamine, they may exhibit visible signs of their mental health struggles. Signs of Dramamine addiction may include:

• changing social groups
• decline in work or school productivity
• changes in mood or health
• Spending lots of time thinking about, buying, using Dramamine

Your family members and loved ones may be at risk of substance abuse and addiction surrounding Dramamine. 

Dedicated inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment centers offer a safe environment for drug rehab and recovery. To find out how we address OTC antihistamine abuse, contact us today for information on our treatment options.