"G.R. Patterson III" wrote:

Lynn Melrose wrote:

Is taking Dramamine and similar drugs not an option? I haven't read the
labels, but Dramamine has worked well for family members who are prone to
motion sickness.

It's certainly not an option when you exercising the privileges of your
medical certificate.

According to the AOPA medications database, the only motion sickness medicines
that are specifically prohibited are scopolamine and meclizine. You should
check with the AOPA medical hotline or an AME about others.

The absence of a drug on AOPA's medications database does not mean that it is safe
to fly while under its effects.

According to the PDR, "Dramamine may cause drowsiness. Be especially cautious
when driving, and when operating machinery." Dramamine 'Less Drowsy' has this same
warning.

FAR 91.17 says, "(a) No person may act or attempt to
act as a pilot crewmember of a civil aircraft…

(3) While using any drug that affects the person's
faculties in any way contrary to safety…"

I opine that operating as pilot in command while taking a drug that lists drowsiness
as a side-effect is contrary to safety.

The FAA says, "Pilots who are susceptible to airsickness should not take the
preventative drugs which are available over the counter or by prescription."
http://www2.faa.gov/fsdo/orl/files/advcir/P874041.TXT

AOPA says, "While pilots should avoid the use of drugs such as Dramamine to combat
motion sickness, there are a number of other options, such as the Relief Band,
manufactured by Woodside Biomedical Inc."
http://www.aopa.org/members/ftmag/ar...m?article=4016 (membership required)

AOPA also says, "Because airsickness can be so uncomfortable, getting back into an
airplane again to accumulate additional experience can be a problem for some. The
most common solution to this situation is to try some anti-motion sickness drugs so
you can experience the stimuli without getting sick, allowing you time to adapt.
These drugs should only be used when flying with an instructor. Never fly alone
while taking any of these drugs, and always try them out beforehand to see if you
have any serious adverse reactions."
http://www.aopa.org/members/ftmag/ar...m?article=2475 (membership required)

Your suggestion to consult your AME was a good one.