Blood Pressure Changes (Hypotension or Hypertension)
Users on Reddit have reported a variety of experiences with blood pressure changes while taking GLP-1 medications, including both decreases (hypotension) and increases (hypertension), as well as instances where blood pressure remained unaffected or improved due to weight loss.
Experiences with Blood Pressure Changes:
A user described their experience: "My first few weeks, I was having a lot of weakness and more faintness than usual and just more scatterbrained than usual for me. My doc had me check my blood sugar and blood pressure multiple times a day. For me personally, the issue was my blood pressure tanking out and cardio-doc adjusted my meds. "[10]
Another user with low BP issues before starting the medication said, "Yes, I do struggle with low BP issues from time to time but I would say overall there's probably been an improvement. "[2]
One user who felt sick on the medication noted, "I felt like I was going to pass out almost every time I stood up. " This was accompanied by other side effects, and their BP, usually low, was in Stage 2 Hypertension while on the med, which is an unusual response. [3]
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure):
Conversely, one user who usually had very low BP reported that while on the medication, their BP "was almost always in Stage 2 Hypertension. " This was an atypical reaction as most users report either no change or a lowering of BP. [3]
Blood Pressure Lowering/Improvement (Often linked to weight loss):
A user reported significant positive changes: "My blood pressure had dropped 15 points on either side... "[4]
Another user on Mounjaro stated they "Stopped taking blood pressure medicine. "[5]
No Significant Change or Worsening of Dysautonomia Symptoms Not Directly Attributed to BP by User:
One user with POTS said GLP-1 medication "hasn’t affected my POTS. I haven’t gotten worse or better. "[6]
Another user with POTS and other conditions mentioned, "No other changes in regard to dysautonomia. (MCAS, POTS, CFS/ME). "[7]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
A user who experienced low BP and faintness was advised by their doctor to check BP multiple times a day, which led to medication adjustment. [10]
One user with POTS who struggled with low BP mentioned being diligent with "salt and protein intake. "[8]
Another user stated, "I do have to make sure I hydrate, take fiber and electrolytes. "[9]
Dietary Adjustments:
A user with mild PCOS and orthostatic hypotension mentioned, "You do have to be very intentional about eating and drinking enough to combat the orthostatic hypotension. I lived off of protein shakes. "[8]
Monitoring and Medical Consultation:
One user whose blood pressure was "tanking out" had their cardio-doctor adjust their medications. [10]
It's advised to "tell your prescriber about it ASAP if anything scares you or lasts for longer than 3-4 days. "[11]
Dosage Adjustment:
For users sensitive to medications or experiencing side effects, starting with a very low dose or "microdosing" was suggested by a doctor and found helpful by a user. [1, 7]
It's important to note that GLP-1 medications can affect individuals differently, and changes in blood pressure can be a side effect. Monitoring blood pressure and consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial, especially for those with pre-existing conditions like dysautonomia or POTS, or those experiencing symptoms of low or high blood pressure.
Experiences with Blood Pressure Changes:
- Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure):
- Some users with pre-existing conditions like POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) or dysautonomia, which can involve low blood pressure, reported worsening symptoms.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
- Hydration and Electrolytes:
- Staying hydrated is frequently emphasized, especially for those with POTS or low BP.
It's important to note that GLP-1 medications can affect individuals differently, and changes in blood pressure can be a side effect. Monitoring blood pressure and consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial, especially for those with pre-existing conditions like dysautonomia or POTS, or those experiencing symptoms of low or high blood pressure.