It is important to realize that there are many effective therapies for this problem. As an oncology nurse for twenty years and now as an acupuncturist I see many cancer patients experiencing nausea. I would like to discuss the many ways in which the symptoms of nausea and vomiting can be controlled. The amount of nausea a person experiences varies from patient to patient and from drug to drug. Chemotherapy agents cause these side effects by triggering the vomit center in the brain.
Medications known as antiemetics can help to control the stimulating of the vomit center.
Many antiemetics are given prior to treatment and continued on prescribed intervals. Sometimes an antiemetic is given for three days. Most antiemetics have the tendency to make you drowsy or feel mildly sedated. Use caution when waking from sleep. There is a greater tendency to lose your balance.