Cancer treatments can often cause nausea and vomiting, and to help manage this, doctors prescribe anti-nausea medicines. These drugs work in different ways and can be very effective, but like all medications, they can also come with side effects. Most side effects are mild and go away quickly, but knowing what to expect and when to speak up is important.
Some anti-nausea medicines, like serotonin blockers (e.g., ondansetron), can cause headaches or constipation. Steroids such as dexamethasone, often used alongside chemotherapy, might lead to trouble sleeping, mood changes, or mild discomfort during injection. These side effects usually improve when the medicine is stopped.
Other medications, like antihistamines (e.g., lorazepam or cyclizine), may make you feel sleepy, while drugs like metoclopramide or prochlorperazine can, in rare cases, cause muscle twitching, especially in younger people. Domperidone might lead to a dry mouth or, rarely, uncontrolled movements. Newer options like aprepitant may cause fatigue, headaches, or constipation, and olanzapine can cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Always tell your doctor or nurse if you notice any side effects. They can usually help by adjusting your medication or offering something else.
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