Clomid, the brand name of the medication clomiphene, is prescribed to stimulate ovulation or increase sperm production to achieve pregnancy. Although people who use this medication typically tolerate it well, adverse reactions to the medication may occur in some. Many of these adverse reactions are mild and temporary, but any side effect that is persistent or bothersome should be reported to a doctor.
Ovarian Enlargement
An enlargement of the ovaries is the most common side effect of Clomid, according to the popular medication website Drugs.com. This adverse reaction was found in 13.6 percent of women taking Clomid during clinical trials. Although a slight enlargement of the ovaries is not usually a problem, there is a chance of a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) occurring. OHSS is a serious medical condition and includes other symptoms like severe stomach pain and enlargement, nausea and vomiting, diarreha and weight gain, according to the popular health website eMedTV.com. If these symptoms are present, contact a doctor to be checked for OHSS immediately.
Vasomotor Flushes
Vasomotor flushes, also commonly referred to as "hot flashes," are sudden feelings of heat that usually affect the upper half of the body only. This was another common side effect of Clomid, with 10.4 percent of women in clinical trials experiencing this reaction. However, the product information sheet for Clomid states that this side effect is usually not severe and will disappear after the medication is discontinued.
Stomach Pain or Bloating
Abdominal or pelvic discomfort, distention, or bloating also occurred in some people while taking Clomid, occurring in 5.5 percent of people during clinical trials. If the reaction is mild, it usually is not a cause for concern and should go away on its own as the body gets used to the medication or the medication is stopped. However, any severe or sharp abdominal pain should be reported to a doctor immediately, warns eMedTV.com.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting also can occur when taking Clomid. Clinical trials indicated that 2.2 percent of people experienced this side effect.
Breast Discomfort
Tenderness, sensitivity or pain in the breasts were another side effect experienced by some women taking Clomid in clinical trials. This reaction occurred in 2.1 percent of women.
Vision Changes
Blurred vision or other changes in vision also can occur when taking Clomid. This reaction occurred 1.5 percent of time in clinical trials and can be potentially dangerous and irreversible if not treated immediately, according to the Clomid product information sheet. If vision changes occur, discontinue the medication and call a doctor immediately.
Headaches
Another common side effect of Clomid is headaches. This occurred in 1.3 percent of people in clinical trials. eMedTV.com also suggests that there may be specific link between Clomid and migraine headaches, but this has not been proven.
Abnormal Bleeding
Spotting in between periods or abnormally heavy menstrual periods also may occur while taking Clomid. However, this condition is the rarest of the most common side effects, occurring only 1.3 percent of the time in clinical trials.
