When you’re going on holiday, make sure you take enough of your regularly prescribed medication to last the holiday, plus a few days’ extra in case of any delays.
If you’re flying, it’s advisable to carry the medication in its original boxes or containers with the original labels. You might choose to take a copy of the prescription from your doctor.
Taking your prescribed medicine with you is especially important if you suffer from chronic conditions such as diabetes or asthma. Missing doses can lead to complications and poorer health.
It can be difficult to obtain your medication during a holiday if you forget it, particularly if you’re going abroad. Even if the location does offer your medication or an alternative, it may be formulated differently which can lead to confusion over dosage and timing.
Missed doses can be particularly problematic for those who take medications for mental health. Withdrawal symptoms from antidepressants are notoriously difficult.
If you need advice on medication while you’re on holiday, you may wish to visit anytimedoctor.co.uk. Anytime Doctor offer a confidential alternative to the NHS.
Allergy medications
An estimated 1 in 4 people suffer hay fever in industrialised countries.
If you’re a hay fever sufferer and going away during the spring or summer months, you’ll want to take your antihistamines (e.g. cetirizine or loratadine) or intranasal corticosteroids (e.g. Flonase, which is available both by prescription and over the counter).
Medications like cetirizine are widely used because they are non-drowsy. Some nasal sprays combine antihistamine and corticosteroid properties to better treat symptoms.
Although substances like pollen are usually harmless, they can trigger a reaction in your immune system. Antibodies to the allergen are made, then they bind to specific cells, and then if those cells come into contact with the allergen again, they respond by releasing histamine. Histamine leads to those pesky sneezing and itchy eye symptoms.
Don’t let your holiday be ruined by hay fever!
Motion sickness medication
If you’re flying or travelling by boat, motion sickness medication could be the most valuable thing you pack. If you know you’re susceptible to motion sickness, make sure you bring your medicine.
More long-term solutions to prevent symptoms include taking vitamin B-6 (which also offers a range of benefits including helping with anxiety).
You may wish to try 5-HTP and magnesium to help raise serotonin levels. Low serotonin levels have been linked with motion sickness and migraines.
These supplements can also help with other ailments. 5-HTP is often used for sleep problems, and magnesium is used for sleep, digestion, and anxiety.
You could consider investing in acupressure bands, which can also relieve nausea. This option is unlikely to present side effects and doctors recommend it for motion sickness and vomiting during pregnancy.
These solutions can all help with nausea and offer alternatives to regular motion sickness medication.
To sum up
Taking your prescription medication with you on holiday ensures the continuity of care for chronic conditions, and also prevents any difficulties in obtaining medicine abroad.
Thinking about what medicine you might need while you’re away, including antihistamines and motion sickness medicines, can help you enjoy your holiday.
