What to get when you feel like throwing up?: A Comprehensive Guide to Relief

October 10, 2025 •

5 min read

Approximately half of adults experience nausea and vomiting each year, and knowing what to get when you feel like throwing up? is key for finding relief. From soothing home remedies like ginger and bland foods to effective over-the-counter medications, various options can help calm your stomach and manage discomfort.

Quick Summary

This guide explores a range of treatments for nausea, from popular over-the-counter medications for motion sickness and stomach viruses to natural remedies like ginger and acupressure. Effective hydration strategies and dietary adjustments are also discussed, along with guidance on when to seek medical attention.

Key Points

Identify the cause: The best remedy for nausea, whether OTC or natural, depends on whether it is caused by motion, a virus, or something else.
Start with hydration: Sip small amounts of clear fluids or oral rehydration solutions (ORS) to prevent dehydration, especially after vomiting.
Consider natural remedies: Ginger, peppermint, and the BRAT diet are gentle and effective for many people with mild to moderate nausea.
Choose the right OTC medicine: Use antihistamines like Dramamine or Bonine for motion sickness and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) for stomach upset.
Make dietary changes: Eat small, bland, frequent meals and avoid fatty, spicy foods and strong smells that can trigger nausea.
Know when to seek help: Severe or prolonged nausea, signs of dehydration, or presence of other serious symptoms require a doctor's visit.

Understanding Nausea and Its Causes

Nausea is an unpleasant sensation of stomach discomfort that often precedes vomiting. It can stem from a wide array of causes, including stomach viruses (gastroenteritis), motion sickness, indigestion, pregnancy, and side effects from medication. Identifying the likely cause is the first step toward choosing the most effective remedy.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications for Nausea

When home remedies aren't enough, several OTC medications can provide relief, targeting different causes of nausea. Always consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist, especially if you have other health conditions or are on other medications.

Bismuth Subsalicylate

Commonly known by brand names like Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate, bismuth subsalicylate is effective for nausea caused by gastroenteritis or indigestion. It works by coating the stomach lining, protecting it from irritants and reducing inflammation. A harmless temporary side effect can be a black tongue or stool. It should not be given to children 12 or under.

Antihistamines for Motion Sickness

For nausea related to motion sickness, antihistamines are a primary option. They work by blocking signals in the inner ear that can trigger feelings of motion sickness. Popular options include:

Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine): Available in various forms, including chewable tablets for adults and children as young as two. The main side effect is drowsiness.
Meclizine (Bonine, Dramamine Less Drowsy): Generally taken once daily and often associated with less drowsiness than dimenhydrinate. This is intended for those 12 and older.

Phosphorated Carbohydrate Solution

Available under the brand name Emetrol, this non-drowsy, over-the-counter medicine helps calm an upset stomach by relaxing the stomach muscles. It is a good choice for nausea caused by stomach upset, though it contains sugar and should be used with caution by those with diabetes.

Natural and Home Remedies

For mild to moderate nausea, many people find relief through simple, natural methods. These can often be used alongside medication, but it's wise to check with a doctor first.

Ginger

Ginger has been a trusted remedy for centuries, with studies supporting its effectiveness for nausea caused by pregnancy and chemotherapy. It can be consumed in various forms:

Ginger tea: Made by steeping fresh ginger slices in hot water.
Ginger candy or chews: A convenient option for quick relief.
Ginger ale: Best if flat and non-carbonated to avoid bloating.

Peppermint

Similar to ginger, peppermint can help soothe a queasy stomach. It can be used as a tea or inhaled as an essential oil through a diffuser. Some people find relief by simply sucking on a peppermint candy.

The BRAT Diet and Bland Foods

When you feel ready to eat, bland foods are your best bet. The BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) is a classic for a reason, as these foods are easy to digest and gentle on the stomach. Other options include crackers, clear broth, plain potatoes, or oatmeal.

Acupressure

Applying pressure to the P-6 (Nei Guan) point on the inner wrist is a long-standing practice for relieving nausea. This can be done with fingers or with specialized acupressure wristbands. The point is located between the two large tendons, about two finger-widths below the wrist crease.

Controlled Breathing

Deep, controlled breathing can help reduce anxiety and calm the nervous system, which in turn can lessen feelings of nausea. Sit or lie comfortably and focus on slow, deep inhales through your nose and exhales through your mouth for several minutes.

The Critical Role of Hydration

Dehydration can worsen nausea and lead to complications, especially if vomiting occurs. It's vital to stay hydrated, but doing so incorrectly can aggravate symptoms.

Sip, don't gulp: Take small, frequent sips of clear fluids instead of large amounts at once.
Electrolyte solutions: For cases involving vomiting or diarrhea, oral rehydration solutions (ORS) like Pedialyte are ideal for replacing lost fluids and minerals. Sports drinks can be used, but dilute them with water.
Ice chips and popsicles: These can be great for slowly reintroducing fluids.

When to See a Doctor

While most cases of nausea resolve on their own, certain symptoms require medical attention. You should see a doctor if you experience:

Nausea and vomiting lasting more than 24-48 hours.
Signs of severe dehydration (infrequent urination, dizziness, extreme thirst).
Vomit that contains blood or resembles coffee grounds.
Severe headache, neck stiffness, or confusion alongside nausea.
Chest pain or severe abdominal pain.
Nausea and vomiting accompanied by a high fever.

Comparison of Over-the-Counter Nausea Relief


Medication	Best For	Key Ingredient	Potential Side Effects	Drowsiness?
Pepto-Bismol	Stomach upset, indigestion, stomach flu	Bismuth Subsalicylate	Black tongue, black stools (temporary), stomach pain	No
Dramamine	Motion sickness	Dimenhydrinate	Drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision	Yes
Bonine	Motion sickness	Meclizine	Less drowsy than Dramamine, dry mouth	Usually less
Emetrol	Upset stomach, viral illness	Phosphorated Carbohydrate Solution	No major side effects, contains sugar	No

Conclusion

Finding the right approach for what to get when you feel like throwing up? depends on the root cause. For motion sickness, antihistamines like Dramamine or Bonine are effective. For stomach viruses and indigestion, Pepto-Bismol or Emetrol might be the answer. For milder cases, natural remedies like ginger, peppermint, or the BRAT diet can provide relief. Prioritizing slow, frequent sips of clear fluids or oral rehydration solutions is paramount to prevent dehydration, which can worsen symptoms. While most episodes are temporary, it’s crucial to know the warning signs that warrant professional medical care to address more serious underlying issues.

Best Practices and Lifestyle Adjustments

In addition to remedies and medications, certain habits can help prevent or ease nausea:

Eat small, frequent meals: Avoid an empty stomach or feeling overly full, as both can trigger nausea.
Avoid trigger foods: Stay away from spicy, greasy, or high-fiber foods that can be harder to digest.
Limit strong smells: Cooking odors and certain perfumes can worsen nausea. Eating cold or room-temperature foods can help minimize smells.
Don't lie down after eating: Stay upright for at least 30-60 minutes after meals to aid digestion and prevent acid reflux.

For more information on managing nausea, especially during specific treatments, refer to reliable health resources such as the American Cancer Society's guidance on managing nausea and vomiting during cancer care.

Frequently Asked Questions

For immediate relief, sucking on ice chips, deep breathing, or using acupressure on the P-6 wrist point can help quickly. Some find that inhaling peppermint essential oil also provides rapid relief. For medication, some antihistamines for motion sickness can work within 30-60 minutes.

Both ginger and peppermint are effective, but some research suggests ginger is more versatile and effective for different types of nausea. Both are available in teas, capsules, or candies. You can also try both to see which works best for you.

After vomiting, wait 30-60 minutes before reintroducing fluids to let your stomach rest. Then, take small, frequent sips of clear liquids like water or oral rehydration solutions (ORS) like Pedialyte to replenish lost electrolytes and fluids. Avoid large gulps, as they can cause more vomiting.

When you start feeling better, stick to bland, easy-to-digest foods. The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) is a classic choice. Crackers, plain potatoes, or clear broth are also good options. Avoid greasy, spicy, or fried foods that can irritate your stomach.

For children, hydration is key. Offer small, frequent sips of an oral rehydration solution (ORS) or diluted juice. Avoid high-sugar drinks, and for infants, continue breastfeeding or give ORS. After 8 hours without vomiting, slowly introduce bland solid foods like crackers or plain cereal.

No, antihistamines for motion sickness (like Dramamine or Bonine) target the inner ear to manage nausea caused by movement and are not effective for stomach viruses or flu. For the stomach flu, bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) is a more appropriate OTC option.

To prevent nausea, try eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding fatty and spicy foods, and minimizing strong food odors. Resting with your head elevated after eating and ensuring you stay well-hydrated throughout the day can also help prevent symptoms.