Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
Cyclic vomiting syndrome is a condition that causes you to vomit many times in a row for no known reason. It is important to prevent dehydration and other serious complications from repeated vomiting. Work with your healthcare provider to manage or prevent episodes.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Return to the emergency department if:
- You see blood in your vomit or your bowel movements.
- You have sudden, severe pain in your chest and upper abdomen after hard vomiting or retching.
- You have swelling in your neck and chest.
- You are dizzy, cold, and thirsty, and your eyes and mouth are dry.
- You are urinating very little or not at all.
- You have muscle weakness, leg cramps, and trouble breathing.
- Your heart is beating much faster than normal.
- You continue to vomit for more than 48 hours.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- You have frequent dry heaves (vomiting but nothing comes out).
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Migraine medicine may be used to prevent or stop migraine headaches. This may be given if you have migraines or are at risk because of a family history of migraines. You may need to take this medicine to prevent migraines or to stop a migraine that has started.
- Antinausea medicine may be needed to control your nausea.
- Medicine may be given to control the amount of acid your stomach makes.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Prevent or manage episodes:
- Avoid triggers. Certain foods can trigger episodes, such as chocolate, cheese, and monosodium glutamate (MSG). Caffeine can also trigger an episode. Your healthcare provider or dietitian can help you identify foods that trigger an episode. This will help you create meal plans to avoid those triggers. Other triggers include too much exercise, motion sickness, or being in hot weather too long.
- Drink more liquids as directed. Vomiting can lead to dehydration. It is important to drink more liquids to help replace lost body fluids. Ask your healthcare provider how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. Your provider may recommend that you drink an oral rehydration solution (ORS). ORS contains water, salts, and sugar that are needed to replace the lost body fluids. Ask what kind of ORS to use, how much to drink, and where to get it.
- Eat smaller meals, more often. Eat small amounts of food every 2 to 3 hours, even if you are not hungry. Food in your stomach may decrease your nausea.
- Control stress. Stress or anxiety can trigger an episode. Find ways to relax and manage your stress. Get more rest and sleep.
- Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol may upset or irritate your stomach. Too much alcohol can also cause nausea and vomiting.
- Do not use marijuana (cannabis). Repeated use of marijuana over a long period of time (chronic use) can cause episodes. This is called cannabis hyperemesis syndrome. If you have an episode caused by marijuana use, a hot shower may relieve your symptoms. Ask your healthcare provider for information if want to quit using marijuana and need help quitting.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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Treatment options
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