Getting hit with nausea is annoying and can derail your whole day. Whether it’s a short stomach bug, side effects from meds, pregnancy, or motion sickness, you want clear, useful steps to feel better fast. Here’s what to try right away, what medicines help, and when to call a doctor.
Start simple. Sip small amounts of clear fluids—water, weak tea, or an oral rehydration drink—every 10–15 minutes. Dehydration makes nausea worse. Try ginger: ginger tea, ginger candies, or 250–500 mg ginger capsules can reduce queasiness for many people. Peppermint tea or inhaling peppermint oil may calm your stomach too.
Eat bland, dry foods if you can—crackers, toast, or a banana. The BRAT approach (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) is gentle and often helps after vomiting. Avoid fatty, spicy, or acidic foods until you’ve recovered.
Acupressure wristbands that press on the P6 point (inner forearm) help some people, especially for motion sickness. Sit upright, breathe slowly, and get fresh air if possible; lying flat often makes nausea worse.
Over‑the‑counter options: dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or meclizine are good for motion sickness. Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto‑Bismol) can help mild upset stomach and diarrhea. Antacids or H2 blockers can ease nausea from heartburn or acid reflux.
Prescription choices: ondansetron (Zofran) is commonly used after surgery or chemo and works well for severe vomiting. Metoclopramide and domperidone (Motilium) increase stomach emptying and may help gastroparesis‑related nausea. Each drug has possible side effects—drowsiness, dizziness, or rare movement problems—so talk to a doctor before starting them.
Be careful mixing meds. If you’re on heart or psychiatric drugs, check interactions—some antiemetics change heart rhythm or interact with antidepressants. Pregnant? Don’t start regular meds without talking to your provider; certain options are safer in pregnancy than others.
If nausea follows a new medication, ask your prescriber about dose changes or alternatives. Several articles here cover alternatives to common meds (like Motilium and others) and safe ways to buy or switch medications online.
When to see help: if you can’t keep fluids down for 24 hours, show signs of dehydration (lightheaded, very dark urine), have severe abdominal pain, bloody vomit, high fever, or neurological symptoms like severe headache or confusion, get medical care promptly. For pregnant people, persistent vomiting that prevents normal eating needs quick review—treatment options differ in pregnancy.
Prevention tips: eat small, regular meals, avoid strong odors, avoid lying flat after eating, and take motion‑sickness meds before travel. Keep a small supply of ginger candies or crackers when you travel or face known triggers.
Try one or two remedies at a time and watch how your body responds. If simple measures don’t work, a short chat with your pharmacist or doctor can point you to the safest, most effective option for your situation.
