Paxlovid and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Fre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 31, 2022

For COVID-19 "Female, 73, overall good health. Vaccinated with 3 boosters. COVID symptoms were sore throat, coughing fits, painful stuffed-up nose, body aches, etc. Little to no fever after 1st day. I took Paxlovid in hopes of getting over COVID faster. COVID symptoms have gradually lessened, but Paxlovid side effects are almost worse than COVID. Terrible taste, almost constant nausea plus diarrhea, and just not feeling good in a different way from COVID. Starting day 3 and not sure I can stick with it. Paxlovid feels poisonous."

• Reg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 9, 2022

For COVID-19 "I had manageable common symptoms: sore throat, fever, chills, headache, nausea, but all mild-ish. But I’m over 50, and my doctors thought I should take it to clear the virus and prevent it from getting worse. I'm double vaxed and double boosted. I also had the metallic taste, it actually felt like I was breathing vapors. It knocked me out, and I woke up feeling like I was in the Matrix pods, sweating on fire and in a panic. It felt so much worse than my symptoms. I tried one more dose, and same thing. I’ve stopped and am hoping I can get back on track. I should have trusted my gut that my vaccinations were enough. I do think it’s worth trying if you are unvaccinated or feeling really horrible."

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2022

For COVID-19 "It’s been 5 days since I stopped this horrible drug, and I’m still plagued with nausea, a horrible metallic bile taste in my mouth, and no appetite. I regret taking this awful medicine, it has been a nightmare."

• han...
• August 27, 2024

For COVID-19 "Today was my first day taking Paxlovid after testing positive for COVID and have been very sick for about two days now. The first time I took the dose, within 15 minutes, I had this awful metallic taste like an old copper penny. LOL. I found sipping on some chicken broth with salt helped tremendously. Also had the aches and pains and nausea. I am going to continue to take it and hopefully the side effects will be less after a couple of days."

• Cyn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 9, 2022

For COVID-19 "I had the infamous sore throat on April 21 and tested for Covid immediately. It was negative. On April 24, I woke up sick and tested positive for Covid, three days after the first symptom and a negative test. I was sick for several days, followed by a week of feeling pretty good. However, on May 4, I woke up sick again and tested positive for Covid again, and have stayed sick since, six days. After the first day of being sick again, I asked my doctor to prescribe something for it, as it was my second go-round and I was a little frightened. He prescribed Paxlovid. I really don't like the taste in my mouth but was sort of used to it, as it tastes somewhat like a dental rinse I had to use when I got implants. Yuck, but endurable. I have continued to have sinus pain and headaches through the entire treatment, it doesn't seem to have impacted that. And I have had some mild nausea. I threw up once. I've kept taking it because they say to, but I've been tempted to just stop. I appreciate everyone sharing."

• 121...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 17, 2022

For COVID-19 "I started Paxlovid on day 5 of symptoms due to asthma. Within an hour of taking my first dose, I had the horrible bitter/metallic taste in my mouth. The first day went on without a hitch, and I woke up the second day with virtually no Covid symptoms. By the end of the second day of taking Paxlovid, however, I became extremely nauseous and started vomiting and had diarrhea. All I could do is lay still in bed because every movement made me want to retch. Ultimately, my doctor and I decided I should discontinue the Paxlovid after day two. I could have dealt with the horrible taste, but not the vomiting and upset GI."

• Lac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2023

For COVID-19 "I'm 64, fully vaxxed, and boosted twice. Started to feel tired on Wednesday, the Friday I woke in the night with diarrhea and cramping, which I had all day along with the fatigue. Just thought it was a tummy bug until I lost my sense of taste. So took a test, and it was positive (quite a faint line though) on Thursday evening. Got a telehealth appointment and some Paxlovid and took the first dose at 8:30 pm. Woke up during the night with a very bad taste in my mouth, which continued for the whole 5 days I was taking it. However, woke the next morning feeling much better overall apart from still being tired. Other side effects include a little nausea and loss of appetite in the first few days, and a bit of heartburn on the last day. Took my last dose this morning, and honestly, I feel back to normal apart from some residual tiredness and a bit of an achy back. Just now tested negative for COVID, so let's hope it stays that way."

• Nan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 20, 2024

For COVID-19 "I'm taking Paxlovid, and the metallic taste is definitely off-putting. My symptoms are fatigue, mental fog, coughing, and headaches. The foggy brain was the worst experience, almost indescribable. The mental fog, coughing, and headaches are gone. Feeling unwell is one of the side effects, and that is what I am feeling on day 3. I had one experience of nausea. I will finish all 5 days of the prescription in the hopes that I never become cloudy-headed again and that I don't get long Covid. I agree with many of the reviewers: stay with it. I have not had this year's immunization but have all of my boosters up to date."

• LMR...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 25, 2022

For COVID-19 "My entire house came down with COVID the 2nd week of May. Ages 3-38. I decided to take Paxlovid because I am compromised. The taste I had in my mouth after the first night dose was awful, comparable to drinking acetone. Not much helps it either. It actually even made it so I smelled exactly what I tasted. Day 2, severe diarrhea, Imodium seems to help some. I've also been really nauseous and have absolutely zero appetite. I'm halfway through this medication and I am undecided if I'll continue. My symptoms from COVID started as GI issues, severe body pains, and the worst migraine ever. By day 4 (when meds were started), I started to develop upper respiratory issues along with a wet cough. After dose 1, the respiratory stuff was gone. Now, I wait to see if I'll end up with Paxlovid rebound. It's definitely a good medication for those who would otherwise be hospitalized, but it's not for everyone."

• Sid...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 24, 2022

For COVID-19 "My side effects from Paxlovid were worse than COVID. Besides the disgusting, constant metallic/bitter taste in my mouth, I had insomnia, nausea, and vomiting. What food I could keep down went right through me. I thought after the first dose (6 pills) I was feeling better, but I honestly think it was a placebo effect. I am stopping the medication and letting COVID run its course, it can’t be worse than the Paxlovid side effects."

• kim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 15, 2023

For COVID-19 "I am 60, and symptoms and tested positive on a Monday and steadily went downhill with increasing COVID symptoms: fever almost at 101, cough, sneezing, congestion, body aches, etc. Remdesivir was recommended by my doctor due to potential drug interactions and fewer side effects. You can stop reading here and seek Remdesivir if it’s available in your area, because I lasted 3 days on Paxlovid, and it started out nicely, vicious sore throat gone in hours, then COVID symptoms diminished over the next 24 hours despite no sleep, as Paxlovid stops COVID from replicating in 19-22 hours, per my MD. However, day 2 became very tough with nausea, bad stomach ache, loose stools, more insomnia, and everything only worsened on day three. Extreme abdominal cramps and pain with burning diarrhea made it almost impossible to continue. A day later, no COVID symptoms back yet, but stomach still upset with lower GI issues."

• KCQ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 13, 2023

For COVID-19 "Just finished my last dose. So glad of that. It leaves a horrible taste in your mouth and made me feel nauseated. The second day I took it, I puked horribly. It also gave me the runs for the last three and a half days of taking the medication, and it left me with a burning bum. Small price to pay to ease the symptoms of COVID. Paxlovid may give you complications with your kidneys and/or liver, I'm hoping that's not going to be an issue for me."

• Unh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 1, 2022

For COVID-19 "Had a terrible experience with this drug. My primary care doctor prescribed it on the 1st day of testing positive as I am 71 and have a history of bronchitis. Within 4 hours of the 1st dose, I had a violent nausea attack and couldn’t keep it down. The metallic taste was horrible. I found a functional doctor who prescribed Ivermectin for me, and it worked like a charm. No aftereffects at all. The pharmacist who filled the Ivermectin prescription had taken it himself for COVID and highly recommended it. My COVID was gone in 5 days. There are options out there."

• cda...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 5, 2022

For COVID-19 "I was only able to withstand three doses of Paxlovid due to severe and debilitating nausea and multiple bouts of vomiting. This is a serious medication and should be treated as such. I will say that after only two doses, I noticed a significant improvement in COVID symptoms, however, it was completely overshadowed by aforementioned nausea and vomiting. There's little doubt this pill is very effective at treating COVID, but it needs to be more tolerable. Nausea subsided approximately 36 hours after I took my third (and final) dose. COVID symptoms came back some, but trending in the right direction. My advice would be to get the prescription if you qualify, but wait as long as you can (up to 5 days after first symptoms) before starting it to see if your symptoms improve on their own first. The infamous 'bitter taste' is real and can be quite severe. The onset was exactly 30 minutes after the first dose and dissipated 24 hours after the final dose."

• Sma...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2023

For COVID-19 "Given Paxlovid on day 2 of my Covid. I was so sick with every symptom you can have, with the worse being muscle pain, fever, severe sore throat, the worst headache I have had, cough, and congestion. Within 24 hours, I felt 80% better. Yes, the taste is horrible and had some nausea, but nothing compared to the symptoms of Covid. I 100% recommend this medication."

• Boo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2022

For COVID-19 "Tested positive Monday, went to the doctor Tuesday. Mostly had a low fever, chills, body aches, and a cough, so not too bad. Was prescribed Paxlovid, as well as an inhaler and anti-nausea medicine. I'm on day 2 of taking it and never in my life have I had such a disgusting taste in my mouth from a medication. Heck, I could even smell the nasty metallic smell as well. Nothing seems to help get rid of or mask it. I do feel a bit better and debating whether or not to continue taking such a foul, disgusting medicine. I'd rather take the regular form of amoxicillin that I took as a kid over this stuff any day. Pfizer should have waited to release this and not so quickly like they did. They also knew of the horrible side effects (i.e., nasty taste/smell, nausea, muscle pain, and diarrhea) yet didn't put it on the box."

• KKM...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 19, 2022

For COVID-19 "I started my first dose of Paxlovid Tuesday after being diagnosed with COVID. My symptoms were fatigue and what felt like a bad sinus infection. I’ve taken a total of 4 doses of Paxlovid, and while some of my COVID symptoms have improved, I’m having side effects from the medicine, including a metallic taste in my mouth that I could deal with, but the pain in my stomach, diarrhea, nausea, and how bad overall it’s making me feel I can’t deal with. I think that 4th dose will be my last. I saw some others had stopped, I was curious how the rest of their COVID went."

• AAH...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 29, 2023

For COVID-19 "I started taking Paxlovid on day two of testing positive for Covid. Within hours of taking it, I started to feel less achy and could feel its effects working. I have GI issues normally, so Covid kicked my butt, where I was more nauseous than I have ever experienced in my life. Paxlovid, for me, did have some nausea effects, but not to the extreme I was feeling just a few days before, and yes, a metal taste in your mouth, but not horrible. After taking 2 full packets (morning and night doses), I started to feel almost 100% better. There is still some grogginess, and the overall unwell feeling comes and goes, but taking this has truly helped! I would absolutely recommend. I am not vaccinated, and this is my second time around with Covid. When I had it last year, this medication was not available to me, so I am extremely thankful to have it this time around. You will get better! Hang in there."

• Atr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 6, 2023

For COVID-19 "Ugh. So this is my second time having COVID, and I have long COVID symptoms from the first time. I also have asthma, and so my doctor prescribed Paxlovid. The good is my COVID lung and throat symptoms were gone within 24 hours, but the side effects are miserable. Nausea, headache, sweats, stomach ache, and a horrible taste in my mouth. And I’m on the renal dosing. I am happy I can breathe, but this medication is miserable."

• Anonymous
• December 27, 2022

For COVID-19 "Diagnosed with COVID on 12/24/22. Started using Paxlovid. Today is Day #3 of the 5-day regimen, and I’m done. Worst nausea and stomach pain of my life, and severe headache. Good news is COVID respiratory symptoms are gone. Hopefully, I’ve taken enough of this powerful drug to end the COVID."

• KLe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 12, 2022

For COVID-19 "First week high school started, my daughter felt a bad headache and sore throat, tested positive for COVID on 8/27. She had very mild symptoms and fully recovered on 9/1. Also on 9/1, my wife tested positive. I tested positive the next day on 9/2. Both my wife and I had mild symptoms of headache, cough, scratchy throat, and tiredness. Due to my weight and being over 50, I was qualified for Paxlovid. I started the first dose on 9/4 (2 days after testing positive). I still had mild symptoms when I started the medicine. After 48 hours, on the night of 9/6, most of my symptoms were gone and I felt almost back to normal. I continued to finish the Paxlovid. Tested negative on 9/10. My wife is healthy and didn't take Paxlovid. She also experienced mild symptoms, but 3 days after testing positive, she got bad nausea, dizziness, and vomited a few times. That made her really weak. She had to call her doctor and got a prescription for nausea and vomiting. She fully recovered and tested negative on 9/10."

• Jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 2, 2022

For COVID-19 "I started Paxlovid on the day I was diagnosed, which was within 18 hours of the fever beginning. I took my fifth dose a couple of hours ago. The horrible, chemical-like taste that comes up my throat and back of my nose is almost intolerable. It makes me gag, cough, and feel nauseated. The back and sides of my tongue have the most bitter taste."

• Jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 2, 2022

For COVID-19 "I started Paxlovid on the day I was diagnosed, which was within 18 hours of the fever beginning. I took my fifth dose a couple of hours ago. The horrible, chemical-like taste that comes up my throat and back of my nose is almost intolerable. It makes me gag, cough, and feel nauseated. The back and sides of my tongue have the most bitter taste."

• Sid...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 14, 2023

For COVID-19 "From day one, nausea and severe diarrhea, stomach pains after taking dose. Also, not sure why my doses had 6 pills a day, 3 in the morning and 3 at night, and other Paxlovid boxes had only 4 a day, 2 in the morning and 2 at night. Either way, the treatment seems worse than the COVID."

• Reg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 27, 2022

For COVID-19 "When COVID first hit my system, I was very ill. Nauseous, with puking, and extreme body ache, with trouble sleeping as my stomach would wake me. The Paxlovid was given to me the day after my positive test, 5 days after my initial exposure. I am also a heavy smoker. The Paxlovid seems to be doing a great job for me. Just discussing my symptoms and their severity with others has let me know that Paxlovid seems to be doing its job. Other than a not-super-pleasant taste, or even feels like your mouth is coated, nothing of noticeable side effects. Without food greatly increased the bad taste, but again my flu symptoms have been extremely mild and are roughly equal to having a bad allergy day. Aches, runny nose, I tire easily. I took as prescribed, missing one dose in the middle. It’s been 6 days since my positive test, and I am hoping I can show a negative result by tomorrow."