You’re feeling sick. So sick you can’t even get off the couch, stuck watching daytime TV. You need it to stop. There is a lot of conflicting information out there as to what you should be taking. Two big names, Motilium (domperidone) and Gravol (dimenhydrinate), both say that they can make you feel better; but can which is better?
A doctor would say it depends on your symptoms. The common person who is feeling nauseous, or is vomiting, doesn’t realize that it mostly likely won’t last that long. You will get the bug out of your system, and your body will start to recuperate. However, in some cases, you won’t stop throwing up; you will become so weak you can’t choose a new movie anymore. It is in this case that your doctor can either give you injectable or suppository Gravol, or prescribe you Motilium.
Both drugs have antiemetic properties, which will ultimately help you start to feel better. Choosing your antiemetic also depends on why you are feeling bad in the first place. The flu, food poisoning, motion sickness and other milder symptoms should be treated with over the counter Gravol. Just keep in mind that it may make you sleepy (not necessarily a bad thing on a long car ride). Gravol is also available in an injection and as a suppository. These are prescribed with severe vomiting, as tablet-form Gravol will not stay in the stomach long enough to be absorbed into the stomach.
Motilium, as a prescription drug, is often given to hospital or out- patients recovering from anesthesia (postoperative nausea), or for the treatment of gastroparesis, which it was created for. Gastroparesis is a stomach motility condition, where the stomach does not properly digest food, and move it into the intestinal tract. Motilium helps this by blocking the actions of dopamine, which, among other things, regulates digestion, especially feelings of nausea and vomiting.Motilium has been approved for gastrointestinal disorders in theUnited States, but can be bought online for a discount.
Gravol is available over the counter, and works by controlling the “vomiting centre” of the brain. Nausea sufferers can usually expect their symptoms to lessen within an hour of taking Gravol. However, it is not a long term fix. Motilium is often prescribed for radiation therapy patients, postoperative nauseas or for patients with a chronic nausea issue.
If you are unsure which antiemetic you should be taking, always talk to your doctor. They will be able to explain to you how and what specific drug you should be taking to alleviate your personal symptoms. Both Motilium and Gravol are prescribed by your doctor for your specific body weight and symptoms, so be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.