Dry Skin
Users on Reddit have reported experiencing dry skin and related symptoms like dry mouth while on GLP-1 medications. Dehydration is a commonly cited reason for these issues.
Experiences with Dry Skin and Dehydration:
Another user experienced "incredibly thirsty and couldn’t seem to drink enough to stop the feeling of dry mouth" in the first month of medication. [2]
A user on a GLP-1 medication for six weeks experienced nonstop flares of Interstitial Cystitis (IC), which they attributed to severe dehydration because the medication "suppressed my thirst an extreme amount. " They stated, "While I was drinking large amounts of water as usual, I didn’t realize this wasn’t enough. "[3]
Another user reported "SEVERE dehydration" after being on a GLP-1 for over a year, leading to painful dry mouth: "My mouth feels like it’s on fire all of the time. " They drink 10-12 (32 oz) bottles of water a day and 2-3 at night, and also take electrolytes. [4]
A user on GLP-1 for about 13 months also experienced severe mouth and tongue pain due to dehydration, despite drinking 10-12 (40 oz) water bottles daily and taking electrolytes. They noted, "I cannot ever ‘feel’ like I’m hydrated. "[5]
One user noted that GLP-1s can decrease thirst cues, leading to dehydration if water intake isn't consciously tracked. [6]
Another user mentioned that the medication might suppress thirst a bit, making it easy to get dehydrated if not forcing oneself to drink more. [7]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
A user on Mounjaro for about 2 years stressed the need to "make sure I hydrate, take fiber and electrolytes. "[9]
It's highlighted that GLP-1s can reduce thirst, so intentional water intake is necessary. One user said, "I have found I have less thirst on these medications so I need to be intentional about drinking water to avoid dehydration. "[10] Another echoed this, "I’ve just found I don’t get thirsty and I get dehydrated easily if I’m not forcing myself to try to drink more. "[7]
A user advised drinking 64-100 fl. oz. (~2L) of water per day because you eat less food (a source of water) and to combat decreased thirst cues. [6]
For severe dry mouth due to dehydration, one user drinks 10-12 (32 oz) water bottles daily plus 2-3 at night, and also uses electrolytes. They also suck on xylitol lozenges. [4] Another user with similar symptoms drinks 10-12 (40 oz) water bottles daily, takes electrolytes, and sucks on xylitol lozenges or sugar-free Jolly Ranchers. [5]
Electrolytes:
Several users recommend electrolytes in addition to water. One user said, "I personally struggled with headaches early, so water with electrolytes near shot day helped me a lot. Now I have them every day, and I feel much better with much better energy for it. "[11]
Another user found that "drinking water with electrolytes helps curb nausea and dehydration on Wegovy. "[12]
It's suggested that electrolytes are key to proper hydration as they help water absorb into cells. [6]
Moisturizing:
To combat loose skin, which can be related to dehydration and rapid weight loss, one user recommended "keeping skin moisturized - lotion after every shower. Moisturizing face and neck before bed every night. " alongside high water intake. [13]
Managing Dry Mouth (related to dehydration):
For painful dry mouth, one user mentioned, "I also suck on xylitol lozenges like crazy to try to keep the cotton out of my mouth. " They also tried gargling with hydrogen peroxide and swishing with milk of magnesia for temporary relief. [4]
Another user with similar symptoms also uses xylitol lozenges and sugar-free Jolly Ranchers. [5]
It's important to note that if side effects like severe dehydration persist, consulting a healthcare provider is crucial.
Experiences with Dry Skin and Dehydration:
- One user on Mounjaro mentioned, "My skin gets a little dry if I don't drink enough water.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
- Hydration:
- Drinking enough water is frequently recommended.
It's important to note that if side effects like severe dehydration persist, consulting a healthcare provider is crucial.