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Nausea and effexor


Side Effects and What to Do about Them

If you have certain mental health conditions, your doctor might suggest Effexor XR (venlafaxine) as a treatment option for you.

Effexor XR is a prescription medication that’s used in adults to treat:

  • major depressive disorder
  • generalized anxiety disorder
  • social anxiety disorder
  • panic disorder

Effexor XR helps relieve the symptoms of these conditions. The drug comes as a capsule that you take by mouth once daily. If Effexor XR works for you, your doctor will likely recommend that you take it long term.

Effexor XR is an extended-release (XR) drug, which means it slowly releases the active ingredient over a prolonged period of time.

For more information about Effexor XR, including details about its uses, see this in-depth article on the drug.

Like other drugs, Effexor XR can cause mild or serious side effects. Keep reading to learn more.

Some people may experience mild or serious side effects during their Effexor XR treatment. Examples of Effexor XR’s commonly reported side effects include:

  • nausea
  • feeling tired
  • sweating*
  • constipation
  • sexual side effects

* To learn more about this side effect, see “Side effects explained” below.

Effexor XR may cause mild side effects in some people. Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with Effexor XR include:

  • nausea
  • feeling tired
  • sweating*
  • constipation
  • dry mouth
  • unusual dreams
  • loss of appetite
  • headache
  • weight gain or weight loss*

* To learn more about this side effect, see “Side effects explained” below.

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed, too. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or that bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And don’t stop using Effexor XR unless your doctor recommends it.

Effexor XR may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. See the Effexor XR medication guide for details.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Effexor XR, visit MedWatch.

In rare cases, some people may develop serious side effects from taking Effexor XR. Serious side effects that have been reported with Effexor XR include:

  • suicidal thoughts or behaviors*
  • serotonin syndrome
  • sexual side effects, such as erectile dysfunction and abnormal ejaculation
  • high blood pressure†
  • unusual bleeding
  • eye problems, such as closed-angle glaucoma
  • mania or hypomania
  • allergic reaction†‡
  • low sodium in your blood
  • seizures
  • lung problems, such as pneumonia
  • high cholesterol

If you develop serious side effects while taking Effexor XR, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

* Effexor XR has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
† To learn more about this side effect, see “Side effects explained” below.
‡ An allergic reaction is possible after using Effexor XR. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies.

You may experience more side effects in your first week of treatment with Effexor XR. But not everyone will experience side effects, and side effects can be different for each person.

You may be more likely to experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors* during the first week of treatment. If you notice symptoms, be sure to talk with your doctor.

When you first start taking a new medication, your body has to get used to it. So in the first week, you may experience more side effects. It takes about 3 days for Effexor XR to reach a consistent level in your blood. During the time that your body is adjusting, you may have a higher risk for side effects.

Side effects that you experience may also depend on other medical conditions you have or other medications you take. If you have questions about what to expect when you first start taking Effexor XR, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* Effexor XR has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Effexor XR’s side effects.

Is my risk for side effects higher the first week I’m taking Effexor XR?

It’s possible. You may experience more side effects in your first week of treatment with Effexor XR. But not everyone will experience side effects, and side effects can be different for each person.

When you first start taking a new medication, your body has to get used to it. So in the first week, you may experience more side effects. It takes about 3 days for Effexor XR to reach a consistent level in your blood. During this time that your body is adjusting, you may have a higher risk for side effects.

Side effects that you experience may also depend on other medical conditions you have or other medications you take. If you have questions about what to expect when you first start taking Effexor XR, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Are there any long-term side effects of Effexor XR?

Yes, long-term side effects of Effexor XR are possible. Examples include weight gain, weight loss, and eye problems such as closed-angle glaucoma.

It’s possible that taking Effexor XR for a longer period of time may raise your risk for long-term side effects. But this isn’t the case for everyone, as side effects of Effexor XR can vary from person to person.

If you’re concerned about long-term side effects of Effexor XR, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Do side effects from Effexor XR vary depending on the strength I take (37.5 mg, 75 mg, or 150 mg)?

It’s possible. You may have an increased risk for side effects if you’re taking a higher dose of Effexor XR. This is because there’s more medication in your body, and it may have a greater effect on you.

Effexor XR is available in strengths of 37.5 milligrams (mg), 75 mg, and 150 mg. In most cases, the maximum recommended dose of Effexor XR is 225 mg per day. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a dose as high as 300 mg per day. But this is not an FDA-approved dose.

You should always take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

If you’re experiencing side effects from Effexor XR, talk with your doctor. They may want to lower your dose to see if this helps reduce your side effects.

Will Effexor XR cause withdrawal symptoms if I stop taking it?

Effexor XR can cause withdrawal symptoms if treatment stops suddenly.

Examples of withdrawal symptoms that may occur if you stop taking Effexor XR include:

  • agitation or irritability
  • confusion
  • dizziness
  • anxiety
  • headache
  • insomnia (trouble sleeping)
  • seizures

If you’re interested in stopping your Effexor XR treatment, talk with your doctor first. They’ll likely want to decrease your dose slowly to help reduce the risk of you experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

In most cases, your doctor will decrease your dose by 75 milligrams per week until you’re not taking the drug anymore. But be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendation for decreasing your dose and stopping treatment.

Because some withdrawal symptoms may be serious, you should not stop taking Effexor XR without first talking with your doctor. They can help you safely stop your treatment.

Can side effects occur if I miss a dose of Effexor XR?

Yes, it’s possible that missing a dose of Effexor XR may cause certain side effects, including withdrawal symptoms.

If you miss a dose of Effexor XR, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip your missed dose and take your next dose on your regular schedule. You shouldn’t take two doses of Effexor XR to make up for a missed dose. Doing so could raise your risk for side effects.

How long do side effects from Effexor XR last?

It depends. Some side effects, such as nausea, may occur when you first start taking Effexor XR but may go away after you take it for a while. Other side effects, including decreased appetite and changes in weight, may last throughout your treatment.

If you’re concerned about certain side effects of Effexor XR, talk with your doctor. They can discuss your risk for these side effects and how long they may last if you do experience them. Your doctor may also be able to treat your side effects so they don’t last as long.

Learn more about some of the side effects Effexor XR may cause.

Weight gain or weight loss

Weight gain or weight loss can occur in people taking Effexor XR. But these were not common side effects reported in studies of Effexor XR.

What might help

If you’re concerned about any unexpected weight gain or weight loss you experience while taking Effexor XR, talk with your doctor. They can help determine what your next steps should be.

Sweating

You may experience sweating during your Effexor XR treatment. Sweating was one of the most common side effects that people taking Effexor XR reported in studies.

What might help

If you’re sweating more than usual while taking Effexor XR and it’s bothersome to you, talk with your doctor. They may be able to recommend ways to decrease this side effect. In some cases, they may recommend a different medication to treat your mental health condition.

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults

Effexor XR has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and in young adults (ages 18 to 24 years). A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

All antidepressant drugs carry this boxed warning about suicidal thoughts and behaviors. These side effects can occur within the first few months of starting treatment or whenever the dose is increased or decreased.

It’s important to note that Effexor XR is not approved for anyone younger than 18 years old.

What might help

It’s important that you tell your doctor if you notice any new or worsening symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior. These may include:

  • suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts
  • violence or aggression
  • anxiety or panic attacks
  • feeling restless or irritable
  • insomnia (trouble sleeping)
  • changes in behavior or mood

If you notice any of these symptoms, talk with your doctor. If the side effects seem life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

If you’re a young adult taking Effexor XR, your doctor will likely monitor you more closely during treatment for any symptoms of depression and suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

SUICIDE PREVENTION

If you think someone is at immediate risk of self-harm or hurting another person:

  • Call 911 or your local emergency number.
  • Stay with the person until help arrives.
  • Remove any guns, knives, medications, or other things that may cause harm.
  • Listen, but don’t judge, argue, threaten, or yell.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, get help from a crisis or suicide prevention hotline. Try the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.

High blood pressure

Effexor may increase your blood pressure. In clinical studies, some people who didn’t already have high blood pressure developed the condition after starting treatment with Effexor XR.

If you already have high blood pressure, Effexor XR may make it worse.

What might help

Before you start taking Effexor XR, tell your doctor about any blood pressure concerns you have or if you’re taking medication to lower your blood pressure.

If you have untreated high blood pressure, your doctor will likely want to treat it before starting your Effexor XR treatment. This is because the drug can also increase your blood pressure, which may be unsafe if your blood pressure is already high.

Your doctor will also check and monitor your blood pressure throughout your treatment.

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Effexor XR can cause an allergic reaction in some people. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

  • skin rash
  • itchiness
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

Allergic reactions can also affect the eyes. It’s important that you tell your doctor if you notice any problems with your eyes. Symptoms may include:

  • changes in your vision
  • eye pain
  • redness or swelling in or around your eye
What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest an over-the-counter oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine), or a topical product, such as hydrocortisone cream, to manage your symptoms.

If your doctor confirms you had a mild allergic reaction to Effexor XR, they’ll decide if you should continue using it.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you had a serious allergic reaction to Effexor XR, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Keeping track of side effects

During your Effexor XR treatment, consider keeping notes on any side effects you’re having. Then, you can share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful to do when you first start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things such as:

  • what dose of drug you were taking when you had the side effect
  • how soon after starting that dose you had the side effect
  • what your symptoms were from the side effect
  • how it affected your daily activities
  • what other medications you were also taking
  • any other information you feel is important

Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help your doctor learn more about how the drug affects you. Your doctor can use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Before you start taking Effexor XR, talk with your doctor about any medical conditions you have or any medications you take. They can determine if this medication may be a safe treatment option for you.

Details about this drug’s warnings are below.

Boxed warning: Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults

Effexor XR has a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and in young adults (ages 18 to 24 years). A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

If you’re a young adult taking Effexor XR, your doctor will likely monitor you more closely during treatment for any symptoms of depression and suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

It’s important to note that Effexor XR is not approved for anyone younger than 18 years old.

To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section above.

Other warnings

Effexor XR may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Effexor XR. The list below includes factors to consider.

High blood pressure or other heart problems. Before taking Effexor XR, tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure. This drug may cause your blood pressure to increase even more. Your doctor will check your blood pressure before you start treatment. If it’s not well managed, your doctor will likely recommend treating your high blood pressure before you start taking Effexor XR. Even if your blood pressure is well managed, your doctor may want to monitor you more closely during your Effexor XR treatment. This is to make sure your blood pressure doesn’t get too high.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Effexor XR or any of its ingredients, you shouldn’t take Effexor XR. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.

Bipolar disorder or mania. Effexor XR may make your symptoms of bipolar disorder or mania worse. If you have one of these conditions, your doctor may recommend a different medication to treat your condition, or they may monitor you more closely during your treatment.

Glaucoma. Effexor XR may cause an eye condition called closed-angle glaucoma. If you already have closed-angle glaucoma, Effexor XR may make your condition worse. Before taking Effexor XR, talk with your doctor about any eye conditions you have.

Liver problems. Effexor XR may cause elevated liver enzymes, which may be a sign of a liver condition. If you already have a liver problem, Effexor XR may make your condition worse. Before you start treatment with Effexor XR, tell your doctor about any liver conditions you have.

Kidney problems. Effexor XR is removed from your body through your kidneys. If your kidneys aren’t working properly, your body may not be able to get rid of the drug as quickly as it should. This can cause levels of the drug to build up in your body, which can raise your risk for side effects. If you have any kidney problems, talk with your doctor before taking Effexor XR. They can determine if this drug is safe for you to take.

Seizures or convulsions. Effexor XR may raise your risk for seizures. If you have a seizure condition or have had seizures or convulsions before, Effexor XR may raise your risk for seizures even more. Talk with your doctor about whether Effexor XR is safe for you to take.

Low sodium in your blood. Effexor XR can decrease the amount of sodium in your blood. If you already have low sodium levels, this can be dangerous. Low sodium levels can cause confusion, fatigue, seizures, and even coma. If you have low sodium levels in your blood or have had this condition before, tell your doctor before taking Effexor XR.

High cholesterol. Effexor XR may cause your cholesterol levels to increase. If you already have high cholesterol, this drug can make it worse. Talk with your doctor to see if this drug is right for you.

Bleeding problems. Effexor XR may raise your risk for bleeding. If you have any conditions that could also cause bleeding problems, or if you’re taking medications that may affect your blood, tell your doctor before taking Effexor XR. They may recommend a different medication for you, or they may monitor you more closely throughout your treatment.

Alcohol use and Effexor XR

You should not drink alcohol while taking Effexor XR. Alcohol may raise your risk for certain side effects from Effexor XR.

If you have concerns about avoiding alcohol during your Effexor XR treatment, talk with your doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Effexor XR

Below are details about using Effexor XR during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Pregnancy

It’s not known if Effexor XR is safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking Effexor XR.

Breastfeeding

Taking Effexor XR while breastfeeding is not recommended. Effexor XR passes into breast milk, and it may affect a child who is breastfed. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about your options.

Effexor XR may be an effective treatment for certain mental health conditions. But some people may experience side effects with this drug. Most side effects are mild, but some may be serious.

It’s important to discuss potential side effects with your doctor before taking Effexor XR so you know what to watch for. Here are some questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • How should I treat any side effects that I experience?
  • Do I have a higher risk for side effects based on my other medical conditions?
  • What should I do if I become pregnant while taking Effexor XR?

To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.

Q:

If I’m taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), how long should I wait between stopping the MAOI and starting treatment with Effexor XR so that I don’t experience side effects?

Anonymous

A:

A: If you’re taking Effexor XR with an MAOI such as the antidepressant Nardil (phenelzine) or the antibiotic Zyvox (linezolid), you should not take these medications within 7 days of stopping Effexor XR unless your doctor recommends it. It’s also important that you stop taking an MAOI at least 2 weeks before starting your Effexor XR treatment.

Before you stop taking any medications, be sure to check with your doctor first.

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Side effects of venlafaxine - NHS

Like all medicines, venlafaxine can cause side effects in some people, but many people have no side effects, or only minor ones.

Some of the common side effects of venlafaxine will gradually improve as your body gets used to it.

Common side effects

These common side effects of venlafaxine happen in more than 1 in 100 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them:

Feeling sick (nausea)

Try taking venlafaxine with or after food. It may also help if you avoid rich or spicy food. If it carries on, tell your doctor.

Sweating and hot flushes

Try wearing loose clothing and using or a fan, where possible. If there is no improvement after a week, speak to your doctor.

Headaches

Make sure you rest, and drink plenty of fluids. It’s also best to avoid drinking too much alcohol. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller.

Headaches usually go away after the first week of taking venlafaxine. Talk to your doctor if they last longer than a week or are severe.

A dry mouth

Chew sugar-free gum or sugar-free sweets.

Feeling dizzy

If venlafaxine makes you feel dizzy when you stand up, try getting up very slowly or stay sitting down until you feel better. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit until you feel better.

Do not drive, ride a bike or use tools or machinery if you feel dizzy.

Feeling sleepy

Do not drive, ride a bike or use tools or machinery if you're feeling sleepy. Cut down the amount of alcohol you drink as this will make you feel more tired. If this symptom does not go away after a week or two, ask your doctor for advice.

Being unable to sleep (insomnia)

Take venlafaxine first thing in the morning.

Constipation

Get more fibre into your diet such as fresh fruit and vegetables and cereals, and drink plenty of water. Try to exercise, for example, by going for a daily walk or run. If this does not help, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.

If this advice does not help and any of these side effects bother you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

It's not common, but some people (less than 1 in 100) may have serious side effects when taking venlafaxine.

Book an appointment with your doctor if:

  • you gain weight or lose weight without trying
  • you have changes in your periods such as heavy bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between periods

Call your doctor or contact 111 now if:

  • you get constant headaches, long-lasting confusion, weakness, or frequent muscle cramps – these can all be signs of low sodium levels in your blood you have feelings of overwhelming happiness (euphoria), excessive enthusiasm or excitement, or a feeling of restlessness that means you cannot sit or stand still
  • you have unexplained muscle pain or weakness
  • the whites of your eyes or skin turn yellow, although this may be less obvious on black or brown skin – this can be a sign of liver problems
  • you have any changes in your eyesight, like blurred vision or dilated pupils
  • you cough up blood or have blood in your pee
  • you have black or red poo, or blood in your vomit – these can be signs of bleeding in the stomach
  • you are bleeding from the gums, or have bruises that appear without a reason or that get bigger
  • you get shortness of breath, or a fast or irregular heart beat
  • you have thoughts about harming yourself or ending your life

Go to 111. nhs.uk or call 111.

Immediate action required: Call 999 now if:

  • you get chest pain or pressure in your chest, shortness of breath, or a fast or irregular heart beat

Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to venlafaxine.

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E now if:

  • you get a skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
  • you're wheezing
  • you get tightness in the chest or throat
  • you have trouble breathing or talking
  • your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling

You could be having a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.

Long-term side effects

For most people, venlafaxine is safe to take for a long time and there are no lasting effects.

A few people may get sexual side effects, such as problems getting an erection or a lower sex drive. In some cases these can continue even after stopping the medicine. Speak to your doctor if you are worried.

Other side effects

These are not all the side effects of venlafaxine. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.

Information:

You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.

Visit Yellow Card for further information.

Page last reviewed: 10 February 2022
Next review due: 10 February 2025

What are the best medicines to help prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery?

Why do people experience nausea and vomiting after surgery?

Nausea or vomiting are common side effects of general anesthesia, medicines that make people unconscious and reactive so they don't move or feel pain during surgery.

Most adverse effects of general anesthesia, including nausea or vomiting, occur immediately and resolve within a few hours, although in some cases the nausea may last up to a day. If patients continue to experience nausea or vomiting, this may prolong their hospital stay and they may experience other unwanted effects or complications. nine0005

Postoperative nausea and vomiting most commonly experienced by women, people taking opioid pain medications, people with motion sickness (note: "seasickness"), and those who have experienced nausea and vomiting after previous surgeries.

Medicines for the prevention of vomiting

Antiemetic medicines are used to prevent nausea and vomiting. These medicines are used before or during anesthesia.

Antiemetic drugs are grouped into six main classes based on how they work. A combination of drugs from different classes works more effectively in some cases. nine0005

Why did we prepare this Cochrane Review?

We wanted to find out which medications are best for preventing vomiting in patients after surgery and causing the fewest side effects. Some unwanted effects of antiemetic drugs are: headache, constipation, movement disorders such as tremors, drowsiness, irregular heartbeat, and wound infection.

What have we done? nine0004

We searched for studies looking at the use of antiemetic drugs in adults during general anesthesia to prevent vomiting after surgery.

We searched for randomized controlled trials in which the decision about the intervention people received was made at random. This type of research tends to provide the most reliable evidence about the effects of an intervention.

nine0003 Search date

We have included evidence published up to November 2017; in April 2020, we found 39 additional studies not yet included in the analysis.

What we found out

We found 585 studies with a total of 97,516 participants who received antiemetic drugs before or during general anesthesia. The people included in the studies were most likely to experience nausea and vomiting after anesthesia, of which 83% were women and 88% were taking opioid pain medication. Most of the studies were conducted in Asia, Europe or North America. nine0005

These studies assessed the number of people with nausea and vomiting in the first 24 hours after surgery, or the number of adverse effects, or both. Most studies have compared drugs (either alone or in combination) with a dummy (placebo).

We compared all treatment options with each other using a mathematical method called network meta-analysis.

What are our main results and the reliability of these results? nine0004

Compared with placebo, 10 of 28 single drug treatments and 29 of 36 drug combination treatments prevented vomiting within the first 24 hours after surgery (282 studies). Combinations of antiemetic drugs generally worked better than drugs alone. However, aprepitant, casopitant, and fosaprepitant worked alone as well as most antiemetic drug combinations. Fosaprepitant had the best effect in monotherapy, followed by casopitant, aprepitant, ramosetron, granisetron, dexamethasone, tropisetron, ondansetron, dolasetron, and droperidol. nine0005

We believe that aprepitant, ramosetron, granisetron, dexamethasone and ondansetron prevent vomiting. We are moderately confident that fosaprepitant and droperidol can be effective, but this result may change as more evidence becomes available. We are uncertain about the effectiveness of casopitant, tropisetron and dolasetron.

Not all studies looked at serious, life-threatening adverse effects. We are uncertain about the number of reports of these effects with antiemetics and whether the incidence of serious, life-threatening adverse effects with antiemetics was similar or less than placebo (28 studies). nine0005

Among the top drugs with the strongest evidence for preventing vomiting, granisetron and ondansetron probably had little or no effect on the occurrence of adverse effects compared to placebo, while dexamethasone and droperidol may cause fewer side effects, than placebo. We are uncertain about the adverse effects of aprepitant and ramosetron (61 studies). We did not find any studies looking at adverse effects of fosaprepitant. nine0005

We are less certain about the adverse effects of other antiemetic drugs because we found little reliable evidence about them. Our results for adverse effects are likely to change as new evidence becomes available.

Terminals

We have found that in people at risk, some antiemetic drugs are effective in preventing vomiting after general anesthesia. Among the best antiemetic drugs with strong evidence were aprepitant, ramosetron, granisetron, dexamethasone and ondansetron, followed by fosaprepitant and droperidol. nine0005

However, we did not find enough reliable evidence regarding potential adverse effects to reliably rank these drugs according to their tolerability.

Translation notes:

Translation: Ekaterina Shipova. Editing: Yudina Ekaterina Viktorovna. Russian translation project coordination: Cochrane Russia - Cochrane Russia, Cochrane Geographic Group Associated to Cochrane Nordic. For questions related to this translation, please contact us at: [email protected]

What nausea warns about. Society news

“But if this condition accompanies you for a long time, you should not delay the visit to the doctor. Only a doctor can find out the cause, because this symptom is given by diseases of almost all organs, ”says Lena Kubaeva, , a therapist at the regional hospital of St. Joasaph .

Looking for someone to blame

But before you contact a specialist, think about whether you yourself are involved in the occurrence of these unpleasant sensations. So, what can be the cause of nausea attacks? nine0005

Medication

If you are taking medication, do not be too lazy to pick up an annotation. As a rule, among the side effects one of the first points is nausea.

“It happens that a patient has been taking a drug for a long time, but the last time he bought a drug from another manufacturer in a pharmacy, and this can affect his well-being,” warns Lena Kubaeva. “Doctors also talk about dose-dependent nausea, when the concentration of the active substance changes, but the patient, whom the pharmacist did not warn, does not know about this and, out of habit, continues to take, for example, one tablet, although the dose of the active substance has doubled.” nine0005

See also

Why people get sick and how to deal with it 07 Nov 2020 14:12

Photo: shutterstock.com
Health watchdog. What pain can tell

Many people get sick from antibiotics, antifungals.

“For neurogenic disorders, doctors prescribe vasodilator drugs that are taken in courses. Many patients have seen for themselves that they cause nausea and dizziness,” says Lena Alekseevna.

But, as a rule, the treatment is over - the discomfort also disappears. If they are difficult to tolerate, you should consult a doctor to change the drug.

Vitamins

During the period of the coronavirus threat, vitamin D came out on top in popularity. It is prescribed by doctors, for preventive purposes it is taken on its own, and in very decent doses. Many still cannot stop and do not associate the nausea that has begun with it.

"Vitamins D, E, A - fat-soluble preparations. For their processing, more bile is needed, because this is fat in its pure form. And this is a constant burden on the liver. Therefore, it is better to underdose vitamins than to drink in excessive amounts, the doctor warns. - If they are taken for a long time, then, without waiting for negative consequences, it is necessary to take a blood test for vitamin D content once a month. And then it will become clear whether you need it. And if so, at what dose. nine0005

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Workout

For many, nausea during exercise comes as a shock. It seems like you are doing everything for your health, but for some reason your body is against it. As a rule, the causes lie in nutrition, lack of blood sugar or dehydration.

“People with diabetes know how nausea and shaking when blood sugar levels rise. But the same sensations arise when it decreases, and even in absolutely healthy people. During training, glucose is needed for muscle work, so its level in the blood drops, hence dizziness and nausea, ”explains the doctor. nine0005

Patients with diabetes are well aware of this, and it is not for nothing that they are allowed chocolate before going in for sports. It will also help healthy people, but it is best to have a snack an hour before training. This is enough so that physical activity does not affect well-being.

“There are also individual reasons. Someone in training may react negatively to lack of sleep, nervous shocks, a sharp drop in pressure, ”Lena Alekseevna warns.

Stress

Bad news, conflict - and an acute attack of dizziness.

“Nausea is caused by too intense production of gastric juice, increased work of the excretory system in a stressful situation,” says the doctor.

The fact that stress has a negative impact not only on the nervous system, but also on all human organs is now well known. Depression, in turn, changes the brain's response to stress, suppressing the work of the organs responsible for a balanced hormonal background. In this case, nausea may be accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. nine0005

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A riddle for doctors

Sometimes constant nausea, despite the fact that all organs and systems are healthy, becomes a mystery to doctors.

“Once my patient was a young man who went through literally all the specialists from a gastroenterologist to a psychiatrist. Everyone claimed that he was healthy, but he constantly complained of nausea. Someone thought that he simply did not want to work. The reason turned out to be an allergy to dairy products, which he loved very much. As soon as they were excluded from the diet, the problem was gone, ”recalls Lena Kubaeva. nine0005

Another case from a doctor's practice. In a 30-year-old patient, no obvious reasons for nausea were also found. After long examinations, magnetic resonance imaging showed an aneurysm of cerebral vessels. After the medical intervention, the discomfort also disappeared.

A symptom of many diseases

But in the vast majority of cases, nausea is caused by an illness, doctors of almost all clinical specialties face this symptom.

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