⚠️ Important: VisitMyHarbour has no connection with any manufacturer or distributor of Biodramina. This article is based on personal experience and observations only.
Many sailors will recognise the scenario: the boat leaves harbour, the sea state builds – and the uncomfortable symptoms of seasickness begin.
Common Seasickness
For many people, seasickness is limited to the first 24 hours at sea, particularly at the start of a season.
Usual coping strategies include:
- Staying on deck in the fresh air.
- Resting or sleeping if possible.
- Avoiding alcohol the night before departure.
- In most cases, symptoms subside after a short time, and the voyage becomes enjoyable.
- Over-the-counter remedies sometimes provide relief, but often time alone is the best cure.
Severe or Prolonged Seasickness
In some cases, seasickness does not pass after one, three, or even five days. This can be distressing and debilitating, leading to:
- Severe dehydration (if fluids cannot be kept down).
- Extreme weakness.
- Risk of requiring hospital treatment (in one case, I saw a sufferer placed on an IV drip).
- Chronic seasickness should be treated seriously. It can discourage people from sailing altogether, as few would willingly endure repeated episodes.
Biodramina – An Overseas Remedy
⚠️ Caution: Do not purchase Biodramina online unless you have already verified the genuine product in Spain, as counterfeit medicines are common.
From my own experience and observation, one product that has consistently helped in severe cases is Biodramina (available sin cafeína or con cafeína ).
Availability:
- Widely available over the counter in Spanish pharmacies (farmacias).
- Sold without prescription for over 60 years.
- Cost: typically under €5 per pack.
- Not available for sale or prescription in the UK.
Effects:
- Both versions can cause drowsiness (even the caffeine-containing one).
- Anecdotally, some sailors use con cafeína for adults and sin cafeína for children in appropriate dosages.
A common practice is to take one tablet the evening before departure, then another in the morning, often followed by rest during the first hours at sea.
Effectiveness:
- Based on my own experience, Biodramina has been effective in some severe cases where UK remedies have failed.
- It may restore appetite, energy, and enjoyment of longer passages.
Obtaining Biodramina
- Can be purchased directly in Spain at any farmacia.
- Travellers often bring back small quantities for personal use only.
- Large purchases may raise questions; it is advisable to buy only a few packs at a time and explain the intended use if asked.
- Importation rules may apply, and it is not legal to sell Biodramina in the UK.
Medical / legal disclaimers: This information does not constitute medical advice.
Before taking any medication, including Biodramina, you must:
- Read and understand the patient information leaflet, including dosage and contraindications.
- Consider possible interactions with other prescribed medicines.
- Seek advice from a qualified medical professional if in doubt (for example, by showing the information leaflet to your doctor).
- Check current UK regulations regarding the importation of medicines.
- Bringing back small amounts for personal use may be permitted, but exceeding those limits could cause legal problems.
Mild seasickness usually passes with time and basic remedies. Severe, persistent cases can be dangerous and disheartening. While Biodramina (available in Spain) has been effective in some cases, it is not licensed in the UK. Anyone considering its use must do so responsibly, with full awareness of medical and legal implications.