What helps with nausea? Medication and home remedies

Nausea and vomiting are very common, and they might crop up for many different reasons. You might get sick when traveling, or sickness might happen due to something you ate or a medication that you take. This can be very uncomfortable, and you’ll likely want to feel better as soon as possible.

Most cases of nausea can be successfully managed with OTC and self-care remedies. In some cases, particularly if it’s a long-term issue, you may need prescription medications such as antiemetics.

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OTC nausea treatments

Many occasional cases of nausea can be effectively managed with OTC treatments, including medications and certain herbal supplements.

Medications

OTC antihistamines may be effective for nausea caused by motion sickness. You can typically take them 1 to 2 hours before traveling. 

Antihistamines like meclizine (Bonine), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) can help reduce your inner ear’s ability to sense motion. These medications help block the substances that signal the part of your brain that controls the vomiting response.

You might also try OTC medications like bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) to settle your stomach when you’re feeling nauseous. If you’re feeling nauseous related to acid reflux, antacid tablets like Tums might also be a good option.

Natural remedies

Ginger is one of the most commonly mentioned natural remedies for nausea and vomiting, but you may be wondering if it’s actually effective for different causes of nausea.

A 2020 study suggests that ginger may be effective for motion sickness, but researchers emphasized the need for more research.

A 2019 research review evaluated the use of ginger dietary supplements in aiding chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Results showed supplementing with ginger may be promising as an option to help manage nausea. However, researchers noted that more in-depth research is needed to better understand the benefits.

Peppermint may be another natural remedy for nausea. For example, a different 2020 study indicates that peppermint tea may help reduce nausea and vomiting in people undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. However, researchers advise that larger studies are still needed.

Aromatherapy with peppermint extract may also be a good option. A third, and different, 2020 study conducted in Iran suggests that inhaling a lemon and peppermint combination aromatherapy could be helpful for nausea during pregnancy.

And according to some research published in 2022, chewing peppermint or ginger gum may help reduce nausea linked to visually induced motion sickness (VIMS).

The research also indicates that the reason that chewing gum works is unlikely to be related to the peppermint or ginger component. Further research is advised to learn more about the relationship between chewing gum and relieving VIMS.

Prescription treatments for nausea

There are many medications that a doctor might prescribe to manage nausea and vomiting. There is no single best option — what’s best for you will depend on individual factors and the cause of your symptoms.

The umbrella term for nausea medications is antiemetics, which can refer to several different classes of medication that can work on different parts of your brain or your body to help reduce your symptoms.

Some common examples include:

• Serotonin receptor antagonists:
  • Ondansetron (Zofran) is commonly prescribed for nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and postoperative recovery.
• Dopamine receptor antagonists:
  • Prochlorperazine (Compazine) is effective for nausea and vomiting related to various conditions, including migraine and inner ear problems.
• Antihistamines:
  • Antihistamines for nausea include meclizine (Antivert), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), and promethazine (Phenergan). These are usually used for motion sickness, but some forms may help with general nausea or vertigo-related sickness. They’re often available OTC, but stronger forms will require a prescription.
• Prokinetic Agents:
  • Metoclopramide (Reglan) is particularly used to treat nausea and vomiting in cases of delayed gastric emptying.
• Corticosteroids:
  • Steroid medications like dexamethasone are sometimes prescribed to manage nausea and vomiting in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
• Cannabinoids:
  • Cannabinoids like dronabinol (Marinol) contain synthetic cannabinoids and are also used to help reduce nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy.
• Anticholinergics:
  • Scopolamine is a medication that blocks the substances that signal your brain to vomit. It often comes as a transdermal patch that you apply to your skin. Doctors prescribe scopolamine to treat nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness.

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When to speak with a doctor

Nausea and vomiting are very common, and they’re often not a cause for concern. However, in some cases, you may need to speak with a healthcare professional. You should consider seeking professional care if:

• you believe you may have an underlying condition causing nausea
• your vomiting lasts for several days
• you feel you’re becoming dehydrated
• you notice other symptoms like abdominal pain or fever

Online care for nausea

There are many reasons you might be experiencing nausea, including motion sickness, chemotherapy, and pregnancy. It may be a sign of an underlying condition, such as acid reflux.

Online care services, including Optum Perks Online Care, may make getting treatment easier. With these services, you can submit an online form answering a few questions about your symptoms, and a US-licensed healthcare professional will respond soon after to prescribe a treatment plan.

Summary

You might experience nausea and vomiting for a wide variety of reasons, including motion sickness or pregnancy. It could be a sign of an infection or a condition like acid reflux.

Nausea can often be managed successfully with OTC medications like antihistamines or natural remedies like ginger or peppermint. In some cases, prescription drugs known as antiemetics might be necessary.

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