What can you take for nausea relief? 28 nausea medications and remedies

In this article:

• How to get rid of nausea
• Medications
• Home remedies
• Fastest ways to get rid of nausea
• When to see a doctor

In this article

• How to get rid of nausea
• Medications
• Home remedies
• Fastest ways to get rid of nausea
• When to see a doctor

We’ve all felt nauseated before, whether from getting car sick, eating something unpleasant, or taking medicine on an empty stomach. Nausea—the sensation of an upset stomach that can sometimes lead to vomiting—is not an enjoyable feeling. Thankfully, there are nausea medications and home remedies to relieve symptoms of nausea, even during pregnancy.

RELATED: How to treat nausea in pregnancy

How to get rid of nausea

“Nausea can be prompted by a wide variety of circumstances such as motion or sea sickness, certain medications, emotional distress, intense pain, food intolerances, drinking too much alcohol, overeating, and early pregnancy,” explains Dr. Sunitha Posina, MD, an internist in Stony Brook, New York.

There are two primary ways to treat nausea: anti-nausea medication and home remedies. Medications work in a variety of ways, depending on which drug you take. One way anti-nausea drugs work is by blocking receptors that trigger nausea. Another way is to coat and calm the stomach. Some nausea medicines may also speed up the movement of food through the stomach.

Nausea medication 

Anti-nausea meds work in a variety of ways. One of the most popular over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for nausea, Pepto Bismol, contains an active ingredient called bismuth subsalicylate. “Bismuth subsalicylate works by protecting your stomach lining and reducing excess stomach acid to ease any discomfort,” Dr. Posina says.

Dramamine is an antiemetic, which means it prevents vomiting. It is used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. It is an antihistamine that works by blocking receptors in your brain that trigger nausea. “It may cause drowsiness, so opt for the non-drowsy formula if that is a concern,” Dr. Posina suggests. Many antihistamines are used to treat nausea because they can reduce the sensation of nausea from motion sickness.

Emetrol, another popular OTC medication, works immediately by calming the stomach. Emetrol has fewer common side effects than Dramamine. 

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We have created a list of the most popular prescription and OTC antiemetic medicines on the market. 

Best anti-nausea medications
Medication	OTC or Rx?	Safe during pregnancy?	SingleCare coupon
Zofran (ondansetron)	Rx	No evidence of risk, but the data is conflicting	Get coupon
Promethegan (promethazine)	Rx	Risk cannot be ruled out	Get coupon
Phenergan (promethazine)	Rx	Risk cannot be ruled out	Get coupon
Reglan (metoclopramide)	Rx	No evidence of risk	Get coupon
Compro (prochlorperazine)	Rx	Safety has not been established	Get coupon
Ativan (lorazepam)	Rx	Evidence of risk	Get coupon
Dramamine (dimenhydrinate)	Rx & OTC	No evidence of risk	Get coupon
Bonine (meclizine)	Rx & OTC	No evidence of risk	Get coupon
Atarax (hydroxyzine)	Rx	Safety has not been established	Get coupon
Emetrol (phosphorated carbohydrate)	OTC	No evidence of risk	Get coupon
Transderm Scop (scopolamine)	Rx	Risk cannot be ruled out	Get coupon
Driminate (dimenhydrinate)	Rx & OTC	No evidence of risk	Get coupon
Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate)	OTC	Risk of fetal harm	Get coupon

Home remedies for nausea relief

There are many popular home remedies you can try to help alleviate nausea. Here is a list of some of the most helpful home treatments.

Bland foods 

“Consume clear fluids like water, Jell-O, or broth, and gradually introduce bland food, like crackers or plain bread, as tolerated,” suggests Dr. Lili Barsky, MD, a cardiologist at Aurora Health Care, to calm the stomach and relieve nausea symptoms. “Avoid heavy, greasy, sweet, or spicy foods,” she adds. Eating bland foods is also helpful if you frequently experience heartburn. A bland diet is easy to digest and can help reduce stress on the GI tract. Eating smaller, more frequent meals may also help, aiding digestive health. 

RELATED: What to eat when you have the flu

Cannabinoids

One of the first discovered medical benefits of cannabis was the treatment of nausea. A study suggests that some cannabis products can relieve nausea within five minutes. In fact, over 96% of the study’s participants felt relief from nausea within an hour. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two cannabinoid receptor agonists for patients receiving chemo to help alleviate nausea: Marinol (dronabinol) and Cesamet (nabilone). In addition to their anti-nausea properties, cannabinoids can also stimulate a person’s appetite. CBD oil can also be used as a natural solution for nausea.

Ginger

Ginger is one of the safest home remedies for nausea during pregnancy. Taking one gram of ginger each day is an effective way to control nausea and vomiting in pregnant women across multiple studies. Ginger was also shown to be effective in reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting. There are multiple ways to ingest ginger, including ginger tea. Most drugstores sell ginger capsules, but ginger candy is also an option. For children with nausea, ginger ale is a popular drink to help relieve symptoms. 

Lemons 

Inhaling a lemon scent can significantly reduce nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. This can also help alleviate chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in some cases. A study showed that lemon aromatherapy reduced nausea and vomiting following chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. In another report, a lemon solution decreased tasting sensations in a chemotherapy patient, reducing anticipatory nausea and vomiting, which is nausea and vomiting caused by triggers (smell, taste, or sight). Lemon juice or water can also aid digestion.

Staying hydrated 

Dehydration can cause an electrolyte imbalance, leading to nausea and vomiting. In one study, patients who received proper hydration before an operation had a significant reduction in postoperative nausea and vomiting. Proper hydration is important and can help alleviate nausea and vomiting symptoms. Vomiting can also increase the risk of dehydration, so it is important to rehydrate after vomiting. A sports drink or electrolyte liquid can help to replenish hydration quickly. However, caution should be taken when rehydrating after vomiting because it could potentially trigger more vomiting. 

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy can quickly relieve nausea symptoms. Peppermint oil aromatherapy is effective against nausea. One study found that postoperative patients with nausea had their perception of nausea decreased by 50% when using peppermint oil aromatherapy. Lemon aromatherapy may have similar effects to peppermint oil, and both can be used in combination. Cardamom aromas, which have had positive benefits on chemotherapy patients, and lavender and orange blossom essential oils have also been found to decrease nausea and vomiting. 

Acupressure

Acupressure is an alternative therapy. Similar to acupuncture, acupressure involves applying pressure to specific points on the body. There is evidence that acupressure can help alleviate stomach issues. One study found that acupressure on the wrist, either manual or via a wristband, was effective in reducing nausea and vomiting in children undergoing chemotherapy. Additionally, manual pressure on the wrist was found to be more effective than wearing a wristband. 

Apply a cool compress

Nausea or vomiting, especially in motion sickness, is often accompanied by a drop in a person’s temperature. The theory is that the body lowers its temperature to give it a better chance of fighting whatever is making it sick. To compensate, a person with motion sickness may feel uncomfortable and hot, even with a reduced temperature. This may further worsen nausea. Applying a cold compress can help reduce this discomfort and alleviate nausea symptoms. 

Vitamin B6

Taking vitamin B6 has been shown to help chemotherapy patients and pregnant women experiencing morning sickness. Vitamin B6 has been shown to reduce nausea and vomiting during pregnancy as effectively as chamomile and ginger. 

Herbal tea

Herbal tea is a nausea remedy because it can help soothe an upset stomach. Lemon, ginger, and peppermint teas are good options, as these herbs are effective for nausea. These hot drinks will help settle an upset stomach.

Sit up to avoid crunching the stomach 

Lying down too soon after eating, usually within a few hours, can increase the risk of heartburn, which can increase the chances of vomiting. When feeling nauseous, it may be best to sit upright without crunching to avoid placing unnecessary pressure on the stomach. 

Sleeping position

If nauseous, it may be best to sleep upright and on the side. If acid reflux is the leading cause of nausea or vomiting, it is recommended to sleep on the left side. If vomiting has occurred, it is important to sleep on the side rather than the back. This is because lying on one’s back may increase the risk of choking on any vomiting that may occur while sleeping. 

Vomiting 

Sometimes the way to get over feeling nauseous is to vomit. In some situations, a person may only need to vomit once or twice to feel relief. This may be the case with food poisoning. However, this should not be forced by a healthcare professional unless necessary. Necessary reasons to force vomiting include ingesting poison or another emergency. There are many dangers of self-induced vomiting, so it is important to let vomiting occur naturally.

Controlled breathing

Controlled breathing can help alleviate stress and nausea. Breathing exercises have been found to decrease chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Breathe in slowly until your lungs are filled with air. Then hold the air in for up to 7 seconds (or as long as you can) and release it very slowly for about 8 seconds. It is important to be mindful of your body and limitations when doing this, as there is a risk of hyperventilation if you do breathing exercises too rapidly. With practice, breathing exercises get easier. 

Cool air 

As mentioned previously, the body may feel unpleasantly warm when nauseous, especially with motion sickness. Cool or fresh air exposure may help reduce this uncomfortable side effect of nausea. Opening a window or using a fan may help improve air circulation.

Fastest ways to get rid of nausea

Controlled breathing can immediately eliminate nausea, but this technique may take practice to master. Additionally, acupressure on the wrist can alleviate nausea within seconds to minutes. Inhaling aromatherapy, such as peppermint or lemon essential oils, can also help to relieve nausea within minutes. 

Is it nausea or something else? When to see a doctor

“Nausea may often have a benign cause, but can also be a harbinger of something dangerous,” Dr. Barsky says. “If nausea persists, recurs, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms, one should consider seeking medical attention.”

If you have the following symptoms in addition to nausea, seek medical advice immediately:

• Chest pains
• Dehydration
• Severe abdominal cramping
• Blood in vomit
• Severe headache
• High fever
• Confusion
• Blurred vision or visual changes
• Dizziness 
• Weakness

The combination of these symptoms with nausea can be an indicator of a more serious condition, including kidney failure, meningitis, a heart attack, intracranial pressure due to a concussion or traumatic brain injury, vestibular disorders, carbon monoxide poisoning, or exposure to other toxins.

Keep in mind that nausea is also a symptom of COVID-19. If you’re unsure what’s causing your nausea and if any of the following symptoms accompany it, it’s best to speak with your healthcare provider to rule out COVID-19:

• Cough
• Fever
• Chills
• Body aches
• Headache
• Lethargy or fatigue
• Loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Diarrhea

 

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