Dexamethasone and Nausea: What Users Say

• Mot...
• October 4, 2019

Dexamethasone for Asthma "I was given this med for asthma from a virus that my inhaled steroids weren’t helping with. I was given a one-time dose of 10 mg, and though it worked for my breathing, the rest of my body is a mess. I have had severe elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, headache, rigor shakes, muscle spasms in the arms and legs, faintness, cold sweats, increased urination, severe exhaustion, muscle weakness, heartburn, increased anxiety, cloudy headedness, nausea, and an intolerance for anything physical beyond just walking. I am a fit 42-year-old woman with no other health issues, and this has been blowing my mind that I could get this sick. I did go to the ED, and I was told that it can cause these symptoms. The worst part is that because it’s long-acting, it can take a week from your last dose for it to be cleared out. So I was told to rest and drink fluids until time passes. The good news is, I can breathe. The bad news is, it has been a nightmare for the rest of my body."

• Sti...
• April 18, 2012

For Nausea/Vomiting, Chemotherapy Induced "I had tried Zofran and Ativan, to no avail. I had dreadful vomiting and nausea from the chemotherapy and was losing weight as everything I ate came back up again. But once I was prescribed the dexamethasone, I was able to get both the nausea and vomiting under control and start eating again. It worked well for me!"

• Han...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 6, 2023

"I was given this medication when I was diagnosed with COVID. This medication should've never been prescribed to me because of my underlying hyperthyroid disease. I took this medication for 5 days in the hospital and 5 days at home. This medication gave me intense side effects such as: hoarse throat, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, insomnia, nausea, suicidal ideation, hallucinations, manic episodes, mood swings, aggression, lack of appetite, heart palpitations, and muscle spasms. After calling my doctor, he apologized and said these are rare side effects and only affect 5% of users. Clearly, these side effects affect more than 5% of users, and the FDA really should reevaluate this medication. My symptoms lasted well over 72 hours, which was what my doctor said they would last. I have no memory of everything that happened, I just know the mental trauma from thinking you’re going crazy is not worth it at all."

• Lin...
• December 29, 2014

For Nausea/Vomiting, Chemotherapy Induced "When I started chemo again for the third time, I was surprised that I had a lot more issues with nausea and loss of appetite, and also fatigue than I did with the other chemos. The previous times I only had 2 days of loss of appetite. Now I was experiencing 4-5 days of stomach upset, acid reflux, and extreme fatigue. My chemo is Carboplatin and Gemzar. I tried other nausea medicines that weren't very effective or made me very drowsy. The Dexamethasone 4 mg dose - 1 pill in the morning, did the trick. My doctor also gave me a pill for indigestion. I could eat anything and wasn't tired. I know I can't stay on it for very long, but I hope it will be OK for the next 9 weeks I have left of chemo."

• Red...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 15, 2019

For Inflammatory Conditions "I am on dexamethasone 4 mg, twice a day. I am on day 5 of 7. The last 2 days I have been nauseous, hot/cold, and fatigued. However, my condition seems to have improved (carpal tunnel/ulnar neuropathy)."

• Jas...
• July 12, 2014

For Eczema "I was suffering from disabling diarrhea and nausea from a strong chemotherapy while I was hospitalized. After taking one 4-milligram size of this pill, I felt completely better!! Night and day!! More please.. if I can ride these through what are anticipated to be the worst medical days of my life.. I'd call it a miracle pill for me.."

• Bea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 8, 2023

For Nausea/Vomiting, Chemotherapy Induced "I am taking the night before and morning of five 4 mg tablets for chemotherapy. I feel like I am getting clean energy to get through the 5 hours of chemo spread out every 3 weeks. Helps me rest and maintain energy to get cleaned up after. I have PCOS, and my glucose has been 150 or 170 in the morning for no food-related reason, so I think it raises my sugars. I'm not diabetic and do take metformin for PCOS. Have had a hysterectomy and was diagnosed with endometriosis-ovarian cancer. Does not affect any anxiety or cravings/appetite. I am able to snack, not eat a big meal, and maintain my energy and helps keep nausea away, so I want to drink and stay hydrated, and I have not had nausea for two sessions so far. I am seeing benefits from it and am thankful!"

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 9, 2023

"I had 2 root canals, and the pain afterward was severe, so my dentist prescribed dexamethasone to relieve swelling, pain, and inflammation. I’ve had a headache, upset stomach, and the worst case of the jitters. Food doesn’t taste right, and I’m nauseated. I wish I’d been warned of the side effects. I will never agree to take this medication again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 10, 2023

For Allergic Rhinitis "On Monday at 4 pm, I couldn't sleep and was extremely anxious and nauseated. I experienced the worst pain in my lower legs. Now, on Wednesday morning, I woke up shaking so badly that I had to run to the bathroom. I have been experiencing explosive diarrhea and nausea to the point of vomiting. I feel too faint to stand up and am very anxious. I also feel incredibly thirsty, as if I am dying of thirst. My blood pressure and sugar levels are through the roof."

• Sai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 4, 2022

For Nausea/Vomiting, Chemotherapy Induced "I'm given 8 mg IV dexamethasone prior to chemo. You are then prescribed dexamethasone 4 mg orally at breakfast and lunchtime post-chemo for 3 days. The first time I took it, I thought I was losing my head - the headache was mind-blowing, unrelieved by paracetamol. Never again, I’ll put up with the nausea. My weight also ballooned, and I couldn’t stop eating. Dreadful stuff!!"

• Wes...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 19, 2024

"I was prescribed this to reduce nausea from chemotherapy and also to give me more energy and lift my spirits. I do have nausea but never vomited, I am not sure about the energy, and the lifting of my spirits seems dose related. At 4 mg, I tend to feel good, at 2 mg, not so great, and at 1 mg, fine I guess. However, it tends to impact my sleep negatively, and at the higher doses, increases my hunger and gives me severe heartburn. I really am conflicted about this drug and was told it was mostly just for symptom relief and to use it only as I felt necessary."