Short term side effects include nausea, constipation or diarrhea, hair loss, vomiting, fatigue, mouth ulcers, skin irritation, weight gain or loss, puffiness, moodiness, poor concentration and hot flushes. These side effects can be managed with a combination of medication, and other practical remedies.

• Simple hunger often prolongs nausea. Eat small, frequent meals rather than too much at any one time. Attractively presented meals approximately half the unusual size will be more appealing (use a small plate). Enjoy snacks between meals.
• If you are likely to be waiting for a while when visiting the doctor, take a nourishing snack or drink with you.
• Chop food up into bite-sized portions to make eating less of an effort.
• Eat your main meal at the time of day when you feel best.
• Serve your favourite foods often.
• Choose foods which don’t have a strong smell. Generally foods at room temperature have a mild smell compared to hot foods. Try cold meats, chopped meats or chicken in vegetable salads, sandwiches, gelatine desserts, yoghurts, omelettes, mild, and colby, or cottage cheese, spaghetti, mashed potato.
• Try foods which are quickly and easily digested – eggs, milk puddings, crackers, soups, spaghetti or macaroni cheese, chicken in gravy, mashed vegetables, and fruit. Avoid fried or fatty foods.
• Choose fluids that provide some energy, for example, milk, and juice, cordial.
• Eat and drink slowly.
• Chew foods well to make them more easily digested.
• Relax before meals to reduce anxiety, as worry affects the appetite.
• Rest after eating.
• If possible, eat with family or friends, rather than by yourself, or try eating while watching TV or reading a magazine or newspaper to take your mind off the food.
• Limit items which fill you up and dull your appetite without being nutritious, for example, black coffee, sweets.

If over several days you are unable to eat adequate meals containing a variety of foods you may require vitamin and mineral supplements. See your doctor or dietitian.