First New Motion Sickness Drug in 40 Years Now Available

For the first time in over 40 years, the 65 to 78 million Americans who experience motion sickness have a new way to fight back against nausea and vomiting during travel.

NEREUS (tradipitant) became commercially available across the United States this month, marking a historic breakthrough for a condition that affects up to 30 percent of adults during everyday travel by car, plane, or boat. The FDA approved the medication in December 2025 after two major clinical trials conducted on the open sea proved its effectiveness.

The new prescription drug works differently than older options. It blocks neurokinin-1 receptors in the brain, interrupting the pathway that causes vomiting when your eyes, inner ear, and body send conflicting signals about motion.

Motion sickness has plagued humans throughout history, from Napoleon's soldiers suffering debilitating nausea on camels during the 1798 Egyptian campaign to nearly 70 percent of astronauts experiencing space adaptation syndrome since the 1960s. On D-Day in 1944, thousands of Allied paratroopers endured violent air sickness during turbulent flights before reaching Normandy.

Dr. Mihael Polymeropoulos, CEO of Vanda Pharmaceuticals, calls this an important milestone for travelers and families. "We are excited to make this innovative therapy available through both traditional pharmacy channels and our new direct-to-consumer platform," he said.

Patients can order NEREUS directly through nereus.us with a valid prescription or pick it up at retail pharmacies nationwide. The direct-to-consumer portal offers the medication for $85 per dose, a significant discount from the standard list price of $255.

The treatment requires just one or two capsules taken about an hour before travel. The most common side effects include drowsiness, headache, and fatigue.

The Bright Side

This breakthrough demonstrates that even conditions considered minor nuisances deserve scientific attention and innovation. For decades, motion sickness sufferers relied on the same limited options while researchers focused on other areas.

The two pivotal trials, Motion Syros and Motion Serifos, tested NEREUS under real-world conditions on actual sea voyages rather than just in laboratories. This practical approach ensured the medication would work when travelers need it most.

The availability of a direct-to-consumer platform also breaks new ground, making it easier for people to access treatment without multiple doctor visits. This convenience factor could help millions who previously avoided treatment or suffered through trips unnecessarily.

After four decades of waiting, people planning their next cruise, flight, or road trip finally have a modern solution to an ancient problem.