About 6months ago I asked my GP about the constant very painful leg cramps I was having. He suggested drinking lots of tonic water but also gave me quinine tablets if the tonic water was not effective. Gave me strict instructions not top take both! I do like tonic water, so opted for that; plus it was useful for hydration in this hot weather. I started after a few weeks to feel nauseous, but I didn’t pay too much attention as I coped well with it. During the last couple of months it was getting quite debilitating, although I was never sick. I had a chat with our very helpful pharmacist who told me I should not be having quinine anyway as it is contra-indicated for those on blood thinner and statins and told me to stop the tonic water immediately. She thinks that is what is making me have the nausea, but will see me again to review. Anyone else know about this?
I find that squash etc is much to sweet even if I dilute it well. So it’s back to God’s wine, even though our water tastes like…yuk! Best wishes, Norma
I think if you drink tonic water in excess it can cause nausea. As for interacting with anti-platelet medication, I have heard it can but whether or not it is common, I know not. I take certain supplements that can interact with Clopidogrel, so I take them every so often and not everyday, and try and take them when the half-life of Clopidogrel is waning, before I am due to take my next dose. Some interactions between two meds can be manageable but the side-effects, although not life threatening, can be unpleasant. So, trial by elimination and balance is beneficial when working out what is satisfactory for our systems. I don’t know how effective quinine is for leg cramps.
I have never heard that. Grapefruit & statins yes but not tonic & blood thinners. Hopefully your nausea disappears soon.
My dad used to take tonic water for cramps in his arms & he said it worked.
Hello @Norma751 .
Magnesium deficiency can be one cause of leg cramps. Just a thought.
Also, I found this : Quinine in tonic water: Safety, side effects, and possible benefits
Trace
Not enough quinine in tonic water to make much difference.
I would suggest magnesium to relax leg cramps.
I would suggest magnesium to anyone who has suffered a moderate - severe stroke
pando
Hi Norma and Everyone–I stopped quinine years ago, as my doctor said there were a lot of reasons not to use it.( I don’t remember what they were.) I take 100 mg magnesium(magnesium glyconate) for leg cramps and it seems to help. I get them occasionally, but not often enough to be a bother. Magnesium in proper amounts is supposed to be good for health all around and is also helpful for relaxing and sleep. I take mine in the evening. The glyconate form is not laxative.
Thanks all for very helpful replies. I have seen quite a lot of info regarding magnesium so I might give it a try. Anything to be honest, to stop the cramps and feeling so nauseous! Best wishes Norma