Nausea

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Rated

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Summary

Nausea is an uncomfortable feeling you get that makes you feel sick.
It can happen for many reasons, like indigestion, motion sickness, or stress.
You can manage nausea by avoiding triggers and using anti-nausea meds.

Nausea: essential info
Causes
What are my options?
FAQ

Reviewed on January 02, 2025. by

Dr. Joseph Palumbo

Senior Medical Adviser

Registered with NPI (No. 1043478878)

Next review due on January 02, 2028

Last updated on January 01, 2025

Find the nausea treatment that’s best for you.

We’ve got a range of options, and our clinicians can help you find the one that’s best for your body and your budget.

Meclizine

In stock

Antihistamine tablet that treats nausea. Can be taken an hour before your journey for motion sickness.

Starting at $79.95

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Metoclopramide

Rated

(11)

In stock

Tablet available in three different strengths, that works in the brain to reduce nausea.

Starting at $99.95

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Dramamine

Dimenhydrinate

Out of stock

Tablets for nausea of various causes, including motion sickness, taken every four to six hours.

Starting at $79.95

Out of stock

What is nausea?

Nausea is the feeling you get when you think you might throw up. Sometimes it leads to vomiting, but not always. The best way to describe it is as an uncomfortable feeling in your throat and stomach, where you feel an urge to puke.

It can be caused by lots of things, like migraines, food poisoning, viruses, pregnancy, or even car, boat, or plane rides (motion sickness). Nausea can also be a side effect of treatments like chemotherapy.

Who gets nausea?

Anyone can get nauseous, and most people have experienced it at least once. Sometimes we know why it’s happening, and other times it’s a surprise.

If you have migraines with “aura,” nausea can be a symptom. You might feel nauseous during early pregnancy (morning sickness). You can also get nauseous when you’re carsick or seasick (motion sickness).

How common is nausea?

It’s pretty common to feel nauseous occasionally, especially in situations that trigger it, like being on a boat or having a stomach bug. Since it can be caused by so many things and often goes away quickly, it’s hard to say exactly how often it happens. (A lot of the time, people get nauseous, it passes, and they don’t even see a doctor about it.)

Morning sickness (nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy) is very common. Estimates range from 50%^[1] to 70%.^[2]

Nausea is more common in people taking certain medications or with specific health conditions. For example, if you’re having chemo, you’re more likely to feel nauseous as a side effect. Some pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can also cause nausea.

Treated trusted source:

American Pregnancy Association. (2019). Morning Sickness.
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Morning Sickness with Pregnancy: Causes, Treatment & Prevention.

This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Joseph Palumbo on January 02, 2025. Next review due on January 02, 2028.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

What medications are there for nausea?

There are many different types of anti-nausea meds, including antihistamines and anticholinergic agents. They work in similar ways to treat nausea but have different ingredients.

Nausea treatments usually work by blocking nausea signals or how your brain interprets them. These drugs often work on receptors in the vomiting center of the brain, making them less sensitive to chemical messages. This helps to stop the chemical transmission that causes the uncomfortable feeling, relieving symptoms of nausea.

There are other treatments for nausea that work in the gut to help food move through it faster. You’ll usually only take these short term, and they’re better for nausea caused by digestive issues or migraine.

Is there a ‘best’ treatment for nausea?

Not really. There are a few different treatments available. The best one for you depends how severe your nausea is and what’s causing it.

Dopamine-blocking treatments can help treat nausea caused by medication, morning sickness, or vertigo. Antihistamines can be helpful for nausea caused by motion sickness. Anticholinergics are useful for nausea caused by gut problems.

If you’re not sure which treatment is best for you, we can help you find the best option.

Does nausea always need treatment?

Not always. Avoiding triggers can help reduce nausea. For example, if you get motion sickness, don’t read in a moving car. If you get nausea with migraines, taking steps to prevent migraines can help. This might include getting enough sleep or avoiding certain foods.

But nausea medication can help if your symptoms are caused by something unavoidable, like travel, morning sickness, or certain medications. See a doctor if you’re frequently nauseous without a clear cause.

How we source info.

Nausea: FAQ

Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

What natural remedies can help with nausea?

Answer:

While natural remedies might work for some people, you should speak to a doctor before trying any of them, especially if you’re pregnant or have underlying health problems. Some common natural remedies include:

Ginger: Ginger has shown to be effective in reducing nausea, especially for motion sickness.^[1]

Peppermint: Peppermint can soothe an upset stomach and reduce nausea.^[2]

Acupuncture: There’s a little evidence to show that acupuncture can be helpful for managing nausea, particularly postoperative nausea and vomiting.^[3]

Are there different types of nausea?

Answer:

The feeling of nausea itself is pretty distinct, but there are different causes. For example, food poisoning often causes both nausea and vomiting. This kind of nausea can come on suddenly and be severe.

Nausea from a migraine might not lead to vomiting but can last a while. Motion sickness can cause nausea but this might come on more slowly and not lead to vomiting.

How long does nausea last for?

Answer:

It can depend pretty heavily on what’s causing it. For mild cases, it might subside within a few hours. But for more severe cases, like when it’s caused by food poisoning or certain medical conditions, it could last for several days. If your nausea persists or worsens, let your doctor know.

Can you get side effects from nausea treatment?

Answer:

Nausea medication can cause some side effects. Drowsiness is a common side effect of many different types. Others might cause headaches, constipation, or trouble sleeping. Most side effects go away quickly and aren’t harmful. But if you do experience side effects, tell your doctor.

If you're worried about side effects or have had them before, we can help you find a solution that works for you.

Can I prevent nausea from happening?

Answer:

While you can’t always prevent nausea, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

Avoid triggers: Sounds simple, but if you know certain foods or situations trigger your nausea, try to minimize your exposure to them.

Eat small, frequent meals: This can help prevent indigestion and other stomach-related issues.

Stay hydrated: Dehydration can exacerbate nausea. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.

Manage stress: Stress can contribute to nausea, practice relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing.

Get enough sleep: Good sleep can help regulate your body’s functions, including digestion.

Treated trusted source:

Lien, H.-C., et al. (2003). Effects of ginger on motion sickness and gastric slow-wave dysrhythmias induced by circular vection. American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, 284(3), pp.G481–G489.
Mohr, C., et al. (2020). Peppermint Essential Oil for Nausea and Vomiting in Hospitalized Patients: Incorporating Holistic Patient Decision Making Into the Research Design. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 39(2), p.089801012096157.
Streitberger, K., Ezzo, J. and Schneider, A. (2006). Acupuncture for nausea and vomiting: an update of clinical and experimental studies. Autonomic Neuroscience: Basic & Clinical, 129(1-2), pp.107–117.

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