Stomach Churning / Gagging
Users on Reddit describe experiences of stomach churning and gagging while on GLP-1 medications, often as part of broader gastrointestinal distress that includes nausea and vomiting.
Experiences with Stomach Churning / Gagging:
Another user on a compounded GLP-1 mentioned, "I started on a compound and had a lot of side effects. Nausea, gagging, exhaustion, headaches. "[2]
A user described severe initial side effects: "When I started, it was hell. I was so nauseous all the time... I threw up a lot- it slows your gastric emptying, so you have to be very careful about what you eat. 3 weeks in, I tried to eat a lettuce-wrapped burger from Carls Jr. That burger sat in my stomach for about 48hrs before coming back up the way it came. "[3]
Describing a particularly bad experience, a user stated: "I’m on it for the second time now, first try I did a year ago did not end well as I seem to be very sensitive to it (Saxenda) and got super sick after just a week and had to stop. Had the worst bloated tummy I’ve ever had while throwing up and having diarrhea 😞 I remember wanting to stab myself in the stomach to get some relief 😵💫"[10]
A user with Crohn's disease shared their experience with tirzepatide (compounded Mounjaro): "I’m always had issues with nausea but when I started tirzepatide and changed doses, and honestly just a lot of time, it’s been out of control... I vomit a lot. "[11]
One user on oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) reported: "The nausea was constant, I had the worst brain fog, and even though I could only consume maybe 500-600 calories a day (thanks to the stomach upset and the delayed emptying effect, oh and the constant trips to the bathroom. Who would wanna eat food after that), I actually gained weight. "[12]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
Careful eating: "it slows your gastric emptying, so you have to be very careful about what you eat. "[3] Another user learned through "Trial and error... that there is no \"push thru it\" on overeating... If I ignore the (stop eating now), I get sick. Ive been told it slows your digestion and it honestly feel like it just sits there in your throat, just at the bottom. "[5]
Medications:
Zofran (Ondansetron) and Phenergan: A user with severe nausea and vomiting mentioned, "I’ve started wearing a scopolamine patch and taking TONS of zofran and phenergan. "[11]
Pepto-Bismol: For sulfur burps that led to vomiting, one user found relief with "Pepto-Bismol cherry chewables. Like a godsend stg. Chewed 4 I have had no sulpher burps since and my bathroom problems have been remedied. "[4]
Hydration and Electrolytes:
One user emphasized the importance of hydration: "What I have really noticed though is that when I drink a ton of water (around 135 ounces), I don’t have a lot of side effects. I thought the hydration aspect was a bit overblown, but no, it’s definitely true and very important for your kidneys as well! "[9]
Dosage Adjustments:
A user with dysautonomia who experienced severe sickness on a higher dose of Zepbound reported that after going off the med and restarting at a lower dose (2. 5mg, then 5mg), "it's going well. " They also noted being "extremely sensitive to meds. Usually, a low dose works best for me no matter the med. "[6]
Another user with fibromyalgia who experienced amplified side effects, including nausea, stated, "It’s only been a few weeks and I had to start doing half doses twice a week just to get the starting dose in my system. "[7]
Switching Medications:
One user who experienced being "way too sick to my stomach" on Semaglutide switched to Tirzepatide and found it better. [8]
It's important to note that some users experience severe gagging and vomiting that leads to dehydration and ER visits. [13] One user also mentioned that the GIP component in tirzepatide (like Mounjaro and Zepbound) might have an anti-nausea effect, which could be relevant for those experiencing gagging due to nausea.
Experiences with Stomach Churning / Gagging:
- One user reported, "I feel a little gaggy the couple days after I take my dose.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
- Dietary Adjustments:
- Avoiding certain foods: "My only side effects have been when I have eaten the wrong food.
It's important to note that some users experience severe gagging and vomiting that leads to dehydration and ER visits. [13] One user also mentioned that the GIP component in tirzepatide (like Mounjaro and Zepbound) might have an anti-nausea effect, which could be relevant for those experiencing gagging due to nausea.