Nausea and vomiting occur most often after the first treatment. There is a tendency for the nausea to be persistent but less intense as treatment progresses. Some patients have less nausea and vomiting if they do not eat for several hours before treatment. For others the reaction may be the same whether they have eaten or not. For some people certain smells or odors can cause nausea.
Some people begin to feel nauseated or vomit before a treatment session begins.
This is called anticipatory nausea and is caused by anxiety or recalling past experiences. Relaxation techniques may be helpful for reducing this. It may be helpful to eat light, easily digested foods and avoid sweet, spicy, or fatty foods. Saltine crackers and herbal teas may be well tolerated. It is important to drink plenty of fluids.