Overview
Nausea is a common symptom in patients with gastrointestinal issues. However, it could be due to psychological factors as well. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor to narrow down the type of nausea that you are experiencing so that the underlying cause can be treated. The brainstem is responsible for controlling the feeling of nausea and vomiting and regulates it according to the body’s needs. Nausea is basically a symptom, not a disease itself, and at times, can be very helpful in making a patient aware of an underlying concern, such as a gastrointestinal problem or an infection. What is the best medicine for nausea?
What is the best anti-nausea medicine?
Since nausea can be caused by different reasons, it’s often difficult to deduce which is the best medication for nausea without a thorough review from a doctor. For example, antihistamines such as Dimenhydrinate can block receptors in the ear, treating motion sickness and nausea as a result. Similarly, Metoclopramide, commonly known as Reglan, promotes stomach motility, reducing nausea caused by indigestion.
While most medications can be easily found over the counter, it is recommended that patients consult doctors first since, to find the best otc nausea medicine, you need to know the underlying cause first.
For patients with persistent nausea or nausea due to severe causes such as post-surgery, severe gastroenteritis, or chemotherapy, more potent prescription medicines for nausea, such as Ondansetron, can be used. Since these medications are more potent than your usual OTC anti-nausea medications, side effects can be expected, which is why a physician will thoroughly assess your condition before handing out the prescriptions.
How do anti-nausea medications work?
- Antihistamines such as Meclizine work by blocking histamine receptors, thereby preventing nausea and vertigo in those prone to motion-sickness
- Serotonin antagonists such as Ondansetron work by blocking serotonin receptors in the GI. Serotonin plays a key role in inducing the feeling of nausea.
- Dopamine antagonists like Domperidone or Motilium promote gastric motility and block dopamine receptors in the brain’s paresis center.
- Cannabinoids such as Dronabinol can be used to treat nausea in case other standard medications have failed.
- Benzodiazepines such as Lorazepam have antiemetic properties, which combine with its sedative power to dissipate the feeling of nausea.
- Vitamin B6 is crucial in treating nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy.
When to consult a doctor?
Although nausea is hardly a cause for concern at times, there are some signs that a patient must always look after if they are going through episodes of nausea
- Nausea persisting for more than two days
- Blood in vomit
- Abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Fever
- Anxiety or stress
- Recent head injury
- Sudden weight loss
FAQs about medicine for nausea
Anti-vomit medications such as Motilium or Ondasteron and certain antihistamines can treat spells of extremely uncomfortable nausea. However, it is best to consult a doctor to get the best anti-nausea medication for your condition.
There is no one-size-fits-all medication to prevent nausea or vomiting in adults; however, several over-the-counter and prescription medicines are available, which can be used after consulting a medical expert.
