Dehydration
Users on Reddit report experiencing dehydration and related symptoms while on GLP-1 medications, often due to suppressed thirst or increased fluid needs. They recommend several strategies to prevent and manage dehydration, primarily focusing on intentional hydration and electrolyte intake.
Experiences with Dehydration:
Symptoms of Dehydration: Users report various symptoms when dehydrated, including headaches [13, 16], mouth pain/dry mouth [2, 17], and general malaise. One user described feeling "like absolute garbage for a day" after getting too dehydrated. [5] Another mentioned, "The worst part about the dehydration is the mouth pain. My mouth feels like it’s on fire all of the time". [2]
Increased Risk with Nausea/Vomiting: Dehydration risk is heightened if users experience nausea or vomiting as side effects. One user noted, "Staying hydrated is super important esp if you have nausea/vomiting as a side effect. You can risk kidney injury". [14] Another shared their experience: "I’m one of the few that got the worst of it. Just came back from the ER lol for my 2nd day of the 7. 5 mg dose... needing to go to the er for severe pain and dehydration from vomiting". [18]
Kidney Concerns: Several users emphasize the importance of hydration for kidney health. One user stated, "Dehydration is bad for your kidneys, while these drugs can help prevent kidney damage from other issues with being overweight if you become dehydrated you can still cause damage... then ppl like to blame the meds. "[3] Another mentioned, "Keep your kidneys healthy; dehydration on GLP-1s is no joke and can stress the internal organs. "[9] Acute kidney injury (AKI) from dehydration is cited as a serious effect. [19, 20]
Exacerbation of Other Conditions: For individuals with conditions like Interstitial Cystitis (IC), dehydration on GLP-1s can worsen symptoms. One user with IC reported, "For me, the GLP-1 medication suppressed my thirst an extreme amount. As a result, I’ve been severely dehydrated over the past few weeks, and no amount of water seemed sufficient. " leading to flares. [21] Similarly, those with POTS may find their symptoms worsen due to dehydration. [22, 23]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
Electrolytes: Many users stress the importance of electrolytes in addition to water. "I’ve definitely noticed that drinking water with electrolytes helps curb nausea and dehydration on Wegovy. "[4] Another user advised, "it’s a great idea to also have electrolyte drinks in addition to water. Electrolytes are key to proper hydration". [11] Specific products mentioned include Liquid IV [2, 25], LMNT [25], Pedialyte [12, 15], and Gatorade. [12]
Managing Thirst Cues: Recognizing that thirst cues might be diminished or confused with hunger is important. "Most thirst cues actually come as hunger cues, if people aren't hungry they don't really realize they are thirsty... "[7]
Eating Water-Rich Foods: Since less food is consumed, fluid intake from food also decreases, necessitating more drinking. [7, 9]
Addressing Related Side Effects: Managing side effects like constipation with adequate water intake is also highlighted. "I find water is vital to not being horribly and painfully constipated on these meds lol". [8]
Specific Drink Choices: Some users opt for specific beverages like pickle juice [12] or coconut water [12] for electrolytes. One user mentioned, "I have a 32 oz water bottle that I fill between 10-12 times a day and probably 2-3 times a night. I also take electrolytes to try to help. "[2]
Tips for Increasing Water Intake: One user struggling with water intake asked for tips, highlighting the challenge: "Does anyone have tips for getting in more water? I’m really struggling to drink enough... nausea makes me not desire to have anything in my stomach and I’m just feeling thirsty less even though I can tell I’m dehydrated. "[26]
It's frequently mentioned that healthcare providers advise staying hydrated on these medications. [21] Dehydration is considered a significant factor in many of the serious side effects associated with GLP-1s.
Experiences with Dehydration:
- Suppressed Thirst: Many users note a significant decrease in their thirst cues, making it necessary to be intentional about drinking water.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
- Intentional Water Intake: The most common advice is to consciously drink more water.
It's frequently mentioned that healthcare providers advise staying hydrated on these medications. [21] Dehydration is considered a significant factor in many of the serious side effects associated with GLP-1s.