Types of Medication for Nausea

Nausea is a sensation of an urge to vomit. It may or may not accompany vomiting. Nausea is not a condition and is mainly a symptom of underlying medical conditions such as:

• Motion sickness
• Migraine headache
• Postural orthostatic hypotension (an abnormal change in heart rate while changing the posture)
• Autonomic dysfunction (abnormality in the brain area that controls the digestive system)
• Nonulcer dyspepsia (discomfort in the stomach unrelated to an ulcer)
• Peptic ulcer disease

Certain medications can also cause nausea.

Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medicines may be used to treat nausea. OTC medications for nausea include:

• Bismuth subsalicylate: This drug works by reducing inflammation, slowing down the flow of fluids to the intestine, and killing bacteria that cause stomach upset. 
• Antihistamines: Antihistamines such as dimenhydrinate can reduce nausea associated with motion sickness or vertigo.

Prescription medications for nausea include:

• Serotonin antagonists: These drugs block serotonin’s effects on the body. Sometimes, serotonin can cause nausea to help expel the harmful substance quickly. Some examples include:
  • Ondansetron
  • Granisetron
  • Dolasetron
  • Palonosetron
• Neurokinin receptor antagonists: These drugs suppress the vomiting reflex that occurs specifically after receiving chemotherapy treatment. Some examples include:
  • Aprepitant
  • Rolapitant
  • Fosaprepitant
• Dopamine antagonists: These drugs prevent the binding of dopamine to receptors in certain areas of the brain, thereby preventing nausea. Some examples include:
  • Prochlorperazine
  • Metoclopramide
• Benzodiazepines: These drugs relieve nausea associated with anxiety and stress. Examples include:
  • Lorazepam
  • Alprazolam
• Cannabinoids: Synthetic versions of cannabinoids can reduce nausea and stimulate the appetite without making you feel high. Examples include:
  • Dronabinol
  • Nabilone

The best medication for nausea depends on the underlying condition causing it. For example, bismuth subsalicylate is the best medicine for nausea caused by stomach upset, and antihistamines are ideal for nausea caused by motion sickness and vertigo.

Common side effects of bismuth subsalicylate include:

• Black tongue
• Dark-colored stools

Common side effects of antihistamines include:

• Drowsiness
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Loss of taste

Common side effects of serotonin antagonists include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Constipation

Common side effects of neurokinin receptor antagonists include:

• Headaches 
• Dizziness
• Hypersensitivity reactions

Common side effects of dopamine antagonists include:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Involuntary muscle contractions
• Involuntary muscle movements

Common side effects of benzodiazepines include:

• Dizziness
• Difficulty with coordination
• Sleepiness

Common side effects of cannabinoids include:

• Vertigo
• Hypotension
• Uneasiness or feeling dissatisfied

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

During pregnancy, the following drugs may be acceptable to manage nausea and vomiting:

• Diphenhydramine
• Meclizine
• Dimenhydrinate
• Ondansetron
• Metoclopramide

Other drugs should be taken after weighing the benefits of the medications over the risk. Always consult your doctor before taking any medications.

Never consume alcohol with nausea medications as it increases the risk of overdose, which includes:

• Dilated pupils
• Flushing
• Severe drowsiness
• Hyperactivity
• Loss of coordination/stumbling
• Confusion
• Trouble speaking clearly
• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
• Hallucinations
• Seizures
• Coma

It is better not to consume alcohol when you take nausea medications as it can worsen dizziness.