Thinking about taking Zofran for nausea?

DaveandKim08 · October 2014

I am about 8wks3ays and the nausea has gotten almost unbearable, it started last Friday and has been pretty much constant. I've only thrown up once, a smell triggered it. But for the most part I am just constantly nauseous and I have to force myself to eat. It's been like this for almost a week and I am starting to get depressed. My nurse recommended Zofran...I read a little but about it. Apparently it blocks serotonin, which is our 'mood balancing' chemical. Somehow that helps with mausea, which is interesting. I am nervous about taking this: 1. How will it effect the baby? 2. Will it make me more depressed?
Anyone out there familiar with this?

Thanks.

paintdadanta · October 2014

I've taken Zofran on numerous occasions and never had any issues other than slightly drowsy. My OB said it's safe to take during pregnancy and trust me she is picky about meds that others usually ok.

rachelmeganm · October 2014

I was prescribed it for my nausea and it has been my saving grace! My nurse called it in after I told her what was going on - that I was getting sick every day and not able to function. I trust my doctors office not to prescribe anything harmful to the growing baby. I can't speak to the depression piece, but wish you luck and relief!

matiekae · October 2014

It can also add to constipation. So if you're already experiencing that you may want to add a stool softener if you dr is ok with that.

iheartpancake · October 2014

I tried to tough it out, but after two weeks of totally disabling nausea, I finally broke down and had to take it. I hadn't had water for four days so my doctor said take it or go to the hospital. I have tried my darndest to research this stuff, but I can't find any really reliable resources on it. There's some obscure studies that say it can cause an increase in the likelihood of cleft palette, heart defects, and kidney issues. There are, of course, studies to refute that. The way I see it is this stuff was a godsend for me. I think not being able to eat and drink is worse than the medicine itself. I think you'll be surprised at how little you have to take. I have only been taking 4mg a day, with the occasional 8mg day here and there. I didn't have to take it at all yesterday. I think once you're on it for a few days you can figure out the worst part of the day for you and plan around that. I also haven't really noticed any changes in feeling depressed or anything. That was long winded, hope that helps!

DaveandKim08 · October 2014

Thanks ladies, this all helps. I am going to get some. I trust my Doctor and hopefully I won't have to take much. I just can't afford to keep missing work.
I will post an update after I take it...I am sure everything will be fine.

Thanks again.

wdwrocksmysocks · October 2014

matiekae said:

It can also add to constipation. So if you're already experiencing that you may want to add a stool softener if you dr is ok with that.

This!! I took it during my first pregnancy and just started it for this one. I've started taking magnesium to help get things going again. It definitely helps, though! Good luck and hope you start feeling better soon.

mamahawk12 · October 2014

There have been some alarming studies recently linking zofran to birth defects. My doctor won't even prescribe it anymore. Just make sure you do 100% of the research and feel comfortable before taking it.

kelseygaona · October 2014

I have been taking it and it has helped tremendously! My SIL had to take it during her pregnancy and all was well! I very much trust my doctor and not getting any nutrients is far worse for the growing baby! Once I take one it seems to last quite some time and does not make me drowsy at all.... and I am very sensitive to any medication! (I used to pop an exedrine when I needed to clean and it would have me wired up for hours! Lol) o

NoeliaV · October 2014

@mamahawk12

You and I had a bit of this convo the other day. The MW I saw today suggested I stick with the phenegran for nighttime (if needed) and gave me diaglesis (sp?) for daytime. She wants me to try that first, and if I'm not happy with it, then she'll prescribe Zofran. But, yeah, certainly not prescribing zofran as a first course any longer.

OP-- if you decide to go with the Zofran (talk to your physician about your options, though), then be sure to do the colace with it as well. Zofran can be very constipating. Good luck!

mamahawk12 · October 2014

NoeliaV said:

@mamahawk12
You and I had a bit of this convo the other day. The MW I saw today suggested I stick with the phenegran for nighttime (if needed) and gave me diaglesis (sp?) for daytime. She wants me to try that first, and if I'm not happy with it, then she'll prescribe Zofran. But, yeah, certainly not prescribing zofran as a first course any longer.

Good luck with the Diclegis! I took it for the first time last night (supposed to take it before bed) and while I feel a lot better today, I was a total zombie this morning - I felt really weird/out of it. I still feel a bit cloudy and it's nearly 1:30. I'm hoping it just takes my body a few days to adjust to the antihistamine because otherwise, it's been a miracle!

NoeliaV · October 2014

@mamahawk12

I hope you adjust soon! I don't think I have room to be anymore of a zombie :P I'm trying to hold out for Thanksgiving to try it, but it's hard to not cave with the samples sitting in my purse!

kmp157 · October 2014

I second diclegis....its a category a and help in so far without the constipation side effects. I was already tired so dont notice much difference.

aada0615 · October 2014

mamahawk12 , I took Diglegis before bed last night, felt pretty decent this morning until around 10am, took another one and could barely keep my eyes open.... which is a bummer because I feel better than I have but not sure I can take it during work : ( Zofran wasn't doing much for me besides making me constipated...

shanaUW · October 2014

Zofran was my lifesaver! My husband dragged my sick self into the doctor on Monday because I was ready to check myself into the loony bin with so much nausea. They assured me Zofran was safe and within 8 hours I felt like a whole new person. Constipation is the only side effect, although I was already struggling with that.

janetsoy · October 2014

Zofran only managed to constipated me. Diclegis is working so far. Taking before bed and wears off around 3pm the next day.

DaveandKim08 · October 2014

Thanks ladies - I am getting some samples of Diclegis instead of Zofran from my nurse. I'll post an update with how it goes...

wegrowsheep · October 2014

It only takes the edge off for me, and keeps me from puking. Doesn't keep the nausea or dry heaves away though.

laceyd03 · October 2014

Last pregnancy my doc wrote me zofran as soon as I said nausea. . I didn't take it til the second trimester cuz i am always worried about taking anything while the baby is developing. . This pregnancy the doc told me to take vit b6 as they no longer recommend zofran as an initial agent.. havent been able to find plain b6 yet but hoping itll help. Puked in a patient's bathroom the other day during rounds!

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