Dealing with drug side effects

January 2004     View PDF     En español

Nausea and vomiting

Feelings of nausea and the urge to vomit vary greatly among people. The two symptoms often occur together. Certain medications used to treat HIV or related conditions can cause nausea. (See the Drug Side Effects Chart to identify drugs that may commonly cause nausea.)

Persistent vomiting can lead to serious medical problems, like dehydration, chemical imbalances and even tearing of the esophagus (throat). Call your doctor if you vomit repeatedly throughout the day or if nausea or vomiting is persistent and/or interferes with your ability to take your medication.

Tips for nausea and vomiting

• The BRAT Diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast) helps with nausea and diarrhea.
• Leave dry crackers by your bed. Before getting out of bed in the morning, eat a few and sit in bed for a few minutes. This can help reduce nausea.
• Try some peppermint, chamomile or ginger tea—they can calm the stomach.
• Sip cold carbonated drinks like ginger-ale, 7-Up or Sprite. They can help avoid nausea.
• Avoid hot, spicy, strong-smelling and greasy foods.
• If vomiting occurs, replenish fluids with broth, carbonated beverages, juice, Jell-O or popsicles.
• Talk to your doctor about the benefits/risks of anti-nausea medications (such as Compazine, Marinol, Ativan, Tigan, Zofran and Phenergan).