Altered Alcohol Effects
Users on Reddit report a variety of experiences regarding altered alcohol effects while taking GLP-1 medications, with many noting a significant decrease in their desire for alcohol and changes in how their body processes it.
Experiences with Altered Alcohol Effects:
Lowered Tolerance & Quicker Intoxication: Many users find their tolerance for alcohol significantly decreases. "My alcohol tolerance went way down," said one user. [24] Another warned, "Be careful. I get drunk just sniffing alcohol now! "[26] This sentiment was echoed: "It's true that when you're on sema, your alcohol tolerance can drop... You might find you get drunk faster than before. "[29]
Negative Physical Reactions: Consuming alcohol on GLP-1s often leads to unpleasant physical side effects for some.
Nausea and Vomiting: "Although not routinely consuming alcohol to begin with, my experience (for the anecdotal data pile) is that anything more than 1/2 beer or 1/2 glass of wine causes immediate mild nausea with a notable headache the next day. "[19, 20] Another user found, "I find alcohol turns my stomach so you may find you don’t want it. I get pretty nauseated immediately after a sip of alcohol. "[35] Some experience more severe reactions: "I still drink but I will warn, even 1 or 2 drinks can cause a puking episode on a bad day. "[38] and "You’ll probably end up throwing up. "[36]
Worse Hangovers: "Be prepared for the worst hangover of your life," one user cautioned. [27] Another shared, "I had two small shots of ouzo at a cookout this weekend and felt like shit the morning after. "[34]
Delayed Effects & Prolonged Intoxication: Due to slowed gastric emptying, the effects of alcohol can be delayed or prolonged. "For me, there is a delay in the effect of alcohol because of the slowed gastric emptying that Sema causes. This means: you might think you’re good after one drink, have another like you would normally and then find out 30 minutes later that the second drink was a terrible idea. "[40] Another user noted, "I have found that it takes me much longer to metabolize the alcohol out of my system since I started taking tirz, so I had to cut down. "[23] This was also observed by someone who felt they "stay drunk until noon now! "[18]
No Change or Continued Consumption: Not everyone experiences a decreased desire or negative effects. "Hasn’t effected me at all, still drink like I usually do," stated one user. [17] Another said, "I wish like hell it would make me not want to drink like it seems to do for everybody else. But I still readily have my 1-2 gin/sodas most nights. "[22]
Loss of Enjoyment: Some users find that alcohol is no longer enjoyable. "I don't get the same kind of drunk. I don't want to pound drink after drink. Kinda takes the fun out of drinking," one person shared. [39]
Potential Risks and Considerations Mentioned:
Liver Stress & Pancreatitis: Both alcohol and GLP-1 medications can affect liver function and potentially increase the risk of pancreatitis. [1, 6] A user mentioned, "if I have too much alcohol, sugar, or fried food, my stomach (or pancreas? ) will let me know about it within a few hours. "[15]
Interference with Medication Absorption: Alcohol may interfere with the absorption and effectiveness of GLP-1 medications, potentially decreasing it by 7% to 23% for AUC and 11% to 23% for Cmax, though the clinical significance is unclear. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Impact on Addictive Behaviors: Some users and even medical professionals note the potential for GLP-1s to curb addictive behaviors beyond just food, including alcohol. [7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 25, 41]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended by Users:
Hydration and Food: "Make sure to eat before you start drinking and drink water between and while you drink alcohol," advised a user. [33] Another suggested, "drink slowly and stay hydrated. "[29]
Listen to Your Body: Users emphasize paying attention to how their body reacts. "If I start to feel off while i am drinking alcohol I'll drink a ginger ale and more water and I instantly feel better," shared one individual. [33]
Skipping Doses (User-Reported, Not Medical Advice): Some users mention skipping their weekly injection if they plan to drink, for example, for a special occasion: "I personally stayed away completely except for on vacation but I would also skip my weekly injection so I could enjoy myself. "[36] Another said, "I have to go out of my way to skip a dose for a birthday cheat meal or something of that sort. "[30]
Medical experts generally recommend limiting alcohol intake to moderate levels while on GLP-1s: one standard drink per day for women and two for men.
Experiences with Altered Alcohol Effects:
- Reduced Desire and Cravings: A very common report is a diminished interest in alcohol.
Potential Risks and Considerations Mentioned:
- Hypoglycemia: Combining alcohol and GLP-1 medications can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Remedies and Preventions Recommended by Users:
- Moderation or Abstinence: The most common recommendation is to reduce alcohol intake or stop altogether.
Medical experts generally recommend limiting alcohol intake to moderate levels while on GLP-1s: one standard drink per day for women and two for men.