Weight-loss Medications and Nausea

The following is an excerpt from the Mayo Clinic Press book The Mayo Clinic Diet: Weight-Loss Medications Edition.

As with most medications, weight-loss drugs may come with side effects. Many of the effects are mild and temporary. It’s common for these concerns to improve with time as your body adjusts to changes in your diet, how much food you eat and your calorie levels. It may take from a few days to a few weeks to begin to see a reduction in symptoms. You can avoid or minimize many common side effects by working with your health care team to ensure that you take the correct dose of the medication, are eating a well-balanced diet and drinking enough water. If you’re using the Mayo Clinic Diet digital platform, you can find tips, recipes and meal plans there created specifically for people who are taking prescription weight-loss drugs.

Nausea is the most common side effect of many weight-loss medications. The good news is these unpleasant sensations are often short-lived and go away once your body has adjusted to the medication and you’ve learned how to eat when on medication. Overeating while taking these medications can lead to nausea.

If you’re experiencing severe nausea or uncontrolled vomiting and you’re unable to drink fluids or eat food, reach out to your health care team immediately.

To help avoid nausea, here are some steps that you can take:

+ Eat smaller meals and don’t skip meals.

+ Eat bland foods such as oatmeal, toast or yogurt.

+ Avoid high-fat meals, such as fried foods, and foods with strong odors.

+ Eat slowly.

+ Drink water or ginger herbal tea throughout the day between meals.

+ Don’t lie down after a meal.

+ Get some fresh air.

+ If you’re vomiting, stop eating for a few hours and focus on hydration using electrolyte-containing drinks. If the vomiting persists, contact your health care team or visit your closest urgent or emergency care facility.

+ If you have bothersome nausea while on a consistent dose of medication, consider discussing the nausea with your health care team before moving up to a higher dose.