What Anxiety Medication Doesn't Cause Nausea? A Guide to Low-Nausea Options

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Nausea is a common side effect of antidepressants, with some studies showing it affects 17% to 26% of patients [1.7.1]. If you're wondering, 'What anxiety medication doesn't cause nausea?', know that several options with a lower incidence of this side effect are available.

Quick Summary

Nausea is a frequent side effect of anxiety medications, particularly SSRIs. This guide explores lower-nausea alternatives like Buspirone and Mirtazapine, compares different drug classes, and offers strategies for managing medication-induced nausea.

Key Points

Nausea is a primary side effect of SSRIs: This is due to the stimulation of serotonin receptors in the gut [1.9.1].
Buspirone is a lower-nausea option: It has a different mechanism than SSRIs and shows a lower incidence of nausea in clinical trials [1.3.2, 1.3.4].
Mirtazapine may reduce nausea: This medication has properties that can counteract nausea, making it a better-tolerated option for some [1.4.1, 1.7.1].
Benzodiazepines have low nausea risk but high dependency: They are not a first-line long-term treatment due to the risk of addiction [1.5.2, 1.5.4].
Management strategies are effective: Taking medication with food, adjusting the dose timing, and starting with a low dose can help mitigate nausea [1.6.6].
SSRIs vary in nausea risk: Some SSRIs like Prozac and Lexapro might be less likely to cause nausea compared to others like Zoloft [1.2.2].
Nausea is often temporary: For many, medication-induced nausea subsides within a few weeks as the body adjusts [1.9.1].

The Connection Between Anxiety Medication and Nausea

Nausea is one of the most frequently reported side effects when starting medications for anxiety, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) [1.9.1]. These drugs work by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, in the brain [1.9.5]. However, the body also has a large number of serotonin receptors in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract [1.9.3]. The sudden increase in serotonin can overstimulate these receptors in the gut, leading to side effects like nausea, stomach upset, and diarrhea [1.9.1, 1.9.4]. For most people, this nausea is temporary and subsides within a few weeks as the body adjusts to the medication [1.9.1]. However, for a significant portion of users, it can persist for months, prompting a search for alternatives [1.9.1].

Medications with a Lower Nausea Profile

While no medication is entirely without potential side effects, some are known to cause nausea less frequently than the more common SSRIs.

Buspirone (Buspar)

Buspirone is an anxiolytic that works differently from SSRIs and benzodiazepines. It affects both serotonin and dopamine receptors but is not associated with the same high incidence of gastrointestinal distress as SSRIs [1.3.2]. Clinical studies report that nausea occurs in about 6-8% of patients taking buspirone, which is only slightly more frequent than with a placebo [1.3.2, 1.3.4]. While nausea is a possible side effect, it is generally considered mild and often diminishes over time [1.3.2]. One study noted that buspirone caused nausea more frequently than benzodiazepines like diazepam and alprazolam [1.3.6].

Mirtazapine (Remeron)

Often prescribed for depression, mirtazapine is also used off-label to treat anxiety and sleep issues [1.4.1]. Compared to other antidepressants like sertraline (Zoloft), nausea may be less likely with mirtazapine [1.4.1]. It has unique properties, including acting as an antagonist at the 5-HT3 serotonin receptor, which is the same mechanism used by anti-nausea drugs like ondansetron [1.7.1, 1.9.2]. While nausea is still listed as a common side effect, it is often less pronounced than with SSRIs [1.4.1, 1.4.5]. Its most reported side effects are typically drowsiness and increased appetite [1.4.1].

Benzodiazepines

This class of drugs, which includes alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan), is effective for short-term or immediate anxiety relief. Nausea can be a side effect, but it is not typically the most prominent one [1.5.4, 1.5.6]. Side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion are more common [1.5.4]. Benzodiazepines can also be used to help reduce nausea caused by anxiety itself [1.2.1]. However, they carry a significant risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms, making them generally unsuitable for long-term daily use [1.5.1, 1.5.3].

Pregabalin (Lyrica)

Used to treat epilepsy, nerve pain, and anxiety, pregabalin can cause nausea, but it is often dose-dependent and may be managed by starting at a lower dose [1.8.5]. The most common side effects are dizziness and drowsiness [1.8.2]. For some, nausea is listed as a less common side effect [1.8.1].

Comparison of Anxiety Medication Classes and Nausea Risk


Medication Class	Common Examples	Nausea Risk Profile	Key Considerations
SSRIs	Sertraline (Zoloft), Escitalopram (Lexapro), Fluoxetine (Prozac)	High [1.7.1]. Zoloft is most likely to cause diarrhea, while Prozac and Lexapro may cause less nausea [1.2.2].	Nausea is very common upon initiation but often transient [1.9.1].
SNRIs	Venlafaxine (Effexor XR), Duloxetine (Cymbalta)	High. Venlafaxine may have a higher incidence of nausea than SSRIs [1.7.1].	Similar to SSRIs, affects serotonin and norepinephrine [1.2.3].
Anxiolytics	Buspirone (Buspar)	Low to Moderate [1.3.2]. Higher than placebo but often less than SSRIs [1.3.4, 1.3.6].	Non-addictive and takes several weeks to become fully effective.
Atypical Antidepressants	Mirtazapine (Remeron)	Low. Its anti-nausea properties can be beneficial [1.4.1, 1.7.1].	Often causes significant drowsiness and increased appetite [1.4.1].
Benzodiazepines	Alprazolam (Xanax), Lorazepam (Ativan), Diazepam (Valium)	Low [1.3.6, 1.5.4]. Drowsiness is a more common issue.	High potential for dependence and withdrawal; best for short-term use [1.5.2].
Anticonvulsants	Pregabalin (Lyrica)	Moderate. Can cause nausea and vomiting [1.8.2].	Dizziness and drowsiness are very common; risk of dependence [1.8.3].

Strategies to Manage Nausea from Medication

If you are experiencing nausea, it's crucial to speak with your healthcare provider before making any changes. They may suggest several strategies:

Take with Food: Taking the medication with a small meal or a snack like crackers can help buffer the stomach [1.6.6, 1.9.3].
Adjust Timing: If you take your dose in the morning, switching to bedtime may allow you to sleep through the worst of the nausea [1.6.6].
Start Low, Go Slow: A doctor may begin with a very low dose and increase it gradually over several weeks to allow your body to adapt [1.6.3].
Stay Hydrated: Sipping cold water or clear liquids throughout the day can help manage nausea [1.6.1].
Dietary Changes: Avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy foods [1.6.3]. The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) consists of foods that are less likely to worsen nausea [1.6.3].
Try Ginger or Peppermint: Ginger and peppermint, in forms like tea or capsules, have natural anti-nausea properties [1.6.3].

Conclusion

Finding an anxiety medication that works for you without causing intolerable side effects like nausea is a process that requires patience and open communication with your doctor. While many first-line treatments like SSRIs commonly cause nausea, alternatives such as buspirone and mirtazapine present a lower risk. Benzodiazepines also have a lower nausea profile but come with risks of dependence. If nausea occurs, practical strategies like taking medication with food, adjusting the timing, or starting with a lower dose can make a significant difference. Always consult a healthcare professional to find the safest and most effective treatment plan for your specific needs.

For more information on managing side effects, you can visit GoodRx.

Frequently Asked Questions

All medications have potential side effects. However, some studies suggest that escitalopram (Lexapro) and citalopram (Celexa) are among the best-tolerated SSRIs, while buspirone is an anxiolytic with a generally mild side effect profile [1.2.2, 1.3.2].

Yes, buspirone generally causes less nausea than SSRIs. Studies show nausea rates for buspirone are around 8%, which is often lower than the rates reported for many SSRIs, especially when treatment begins [1.3.2, 1.7.1].

Mirtazapine may be a good option. Compared to many other antidepressants, it is considered less likely to cause nausea and even has some anti-nausea effects [1.4.1, 1.7.1]. However, it commonly causes drowsiness and increased appetite [1.4.1].

SSRIs increase serotonin levels not just in the brain, but also in the digestive tract. This can stimulate serotonin receptors in the gut, leading to increased GI motility and feelings of nausea [1.9.1, 1.9.4].

For most people, nausea from anxiety medication like SSRIs is temporary and resolves within one to two weeks as the body adjusts [1.9.1]. However, for some individuals, it can persist for up to three months [1.9.1].

Try taking your medication with food, adjusting the dose to bedtime, eating smaller meals, and staying hydrated. Natural remedies like ginger or peppermint may also help. Always consult your doctor before making changes [1.6.3, 1.6.6].

Nausea can be a side effect of benzodiazepines, but it is less common than other side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion [1.5.4]. In fact, they are sometimes used to treat anxiety-related nausea [1.2.1].