What side effect is commonly associated with antiemetics?

Antiemetics are medications designed to prevent or alleviate nausea and vomiting. A common side effect associated with these medications is dizziness and drowsiness. This occurs because many antiemetics work by acting on specific receptors in the brain that help control the vomiting reflex, but in doing so, they can also influence other central nervous system functions, leading to sedation or altered levels of consciousness.

This side effect is particularly noticeable with first-generation antihistamines and certain dopamine antagonists, which are frequently used as antiemetics. As a result, individuals taking these medications are often advised to exercise caution with activities requiring mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, due to the potential for dizziness and drowsiness. The other options listed, such as increased energy, are not typically associated with antiemetics, and nausea or diarrhea may occur in some cases but are less common as direct side effects compared to dizziness and drowsiness.