Dizziness / Lightheadedness
Users on Reddit report experiencing dizziness and lightheadedness as a side effect of GLP-1 medications. These sensations are sometimes attributed to low blood sugar or drops in blood pressure.
Experiences with Dizziness / Lightheadedness:
One user on Mounjaro reported that after the shot, "I feel dizzy and lightheaded, sometimes disoriented. "[2]
Another user mentioned that side effects like "weakness, dizziness, feeling faint. etc) can be “hypoglycemic” AKA low blood sugar induced” reactions. "[3]
A user with dysautonomia on GLP-1s stated, "My energy plummeted and I felt like I was going to pass out almost every time I stood up. "[4]
A different user described their experience 24 hours after their initial dose: "I am feeling weak with sore muscles, nauseated with a bit of lightheadedness, dry mouth even after drinking so much water. "[5]
When starting tirzepatide, a user was "extremely light headed on the floor. " They added, "I do still get light headed so I take it slow. "[6]
One individual noted, "I’ve noticed that the lightheadedness and weakness gets worse after I eat. This is definitely something that has started since I’ve been on Ozempic. "[7]
Another user found that their "lightheadedness was my bp dropping dangerously low. "[8]
A user described experiencing "occasional shortness of breath, light headed" before having a panic attack they initially thought was a stroke while on 12. 5mg of Mounjaro. [9]
A user taking Mounjaro and Metformin experienced lightheadedness when their blood sugar was in the 60s. This improved after their doctor took them off Metformin and reduced the Mounjaro dose. [10]
One user shared a severe experience: "I actually completely wiped out walking into work a few weeks ago. Didn't trip or anything - just was so lightheaded I went tumbling down the sidewalk". [1]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
Eat fruit for low glucose: "The headaches and feeling dizzy are most certainly low glucose. I usually eat fruit when that happens". [11]
Consume small amounts of sugar: "I had a teaspoon of raspberry jam and the shake started to subside and I started to feel better. "[12]
Take glucose/dextrose: When feeling dizzy and lightheaded, one user takes "glucose / dextrose when this happens. "[2]
Electrolytes and Hydration:
"Electrolytes and protein will help with the fatigue! "[13] and are also mentioned as helping with lightheadedness and nausea. [6]
"Keep up on electrolytes. "[14]
"I have found that adding some pedialyte to my water bottle keeps me from feeling lightheaded and dizzy". [15]
"Electrolytes. "[16]
Ensure adequate fluid intake: "Water helps too, I’ve only had serious problems on the days I stopped tracking my water intake. "[17] One user mentioned they "have to make myself take water/ fluid, ... forget to drink! "[9]
A general suggestion from a user was that "a huge percentage of side effects people experience with these meds could be headed off by simply increasing fluid intake aggressively. "[18]
Dietary Adjustments:
Focus on protein: "Instead of sugar, have good quality protein snacks, rich in good fat like nuts and seeds perhaps.... "[19]
Medical Consultation and Dosage Adjustments:
Discuss with your doctor, as they might adjust medication. One user's lightheadedness improved after their doctor "took me off Metformin and reduced my Mounjaro to 5mg. "[10]
One user whose doctor acknowledged the medication was causing hypoglycemia despite it not being expected, discussed needing to "figure out a way to deal with it.
Experiences with Dizziness / Lightheadedness:
- Some users feel lightheaded when changing positions, such as "anything sitting/laying to standing would have me so shaky and dizzy!
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
- Managing Blood Sugar:
- Carry around candy or glucose tablets: "A helpful little tip...