Feeling "Off" / "Uncomfortable in my own skin"
Users on Reddit have described a variety of experiences related to feeling "off" or "uncomfortable in my own skin" while taking GLP-1 medications. These feelings can manifest in different ways and are sometimes associated with other side effects.
Experiences of Feeling "Off" / "Uncomfortable in my own skin":
Another user described a persistent feeling of being off, even after significant weight loss: "Reshaping body is very seductive, but still feel 'off' on occasions. "[2] This user also mentioned, "Main issue was around the slowing of the digestive system. I felt there was festering food in my gut... Lots of nausea, but not like if you feel sick more like feeling anxious. "[2]
A user with ADHD on GLP-1s described a more profound negative impact: "It's like you are skinny but add on a complete new struggle of a joyless life. Since ADHD already has a hard time with motivation, not getting a reward from doing even healthy activities, makes it much harder to do anything at all. "[3] They also noted, "Also I notice my Elvanse works for much less time, maybe 4 hours, then I just feel an intense come down, and mood dysregulation. It just feels like some how it just zaps everything out of you. "[3]
For some, the uncomfortable feeling is linked to the physical side effects. One user mentioned, "The start was not super pleasant... If I ignore the (stop eating now), I get sick... To me it feels like trying to overfill a cup, just overflows. That uncomfortable overflowing feeling can last quite a while. "[4]
Another user with dysautonomia reported, "I couldn't get off the couch... My energy plummeted and I felt like I was going to pass out almost every time I stood up. " They also experienced "A host of dyspepsia symptoms, including feeling like food was caught in my chest, that I couldn't quite get it down. "[5]
A user with fibromyalgia described amplified symptoms: "The pain, the headaches, nausea, brain fog and fatigue have been amplified like crazy... I feel like the worst version of myself on these meds. "[6]
Another user with fibromyalgia mentioned, "I took Mounjaro for over a year. I lost 30 pounds but was miserable with insomnia, feeling cold and it definitely made my joints hurt worse. "[7]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
While not always directly addressing the feeling of being "off," users recommend several strategies to manage side effects and improve overall well-being on GLP-1s, which may indirectly help with these uncomfortable sensations:
Dietary Adjustments: Paying attention to diet is crucial. One user advised, "You do have to be very intentional about eating and drinking enough to combat the orthostatic hypotension. I lived off of protein shakes. "[11] Another emphasized avoiding certain foods: "When they say don't eat heavy carbs, it's not a joke. Stay away, far away. "[12]
Hydration and Electrolytes: Staying hydrated is frequently mentioned. "Keep up on electrolytes. "[13] A user with POTS highlighted the importance of hydration: "I have POTS and being dehydrated is like a death sentence. "[10]
Managing Specific Symptoms:
For nausea: Ondansetron (Zofran) is mentioned. [13]
For GI issues like sulfur burps and constipation: Pepto-Bismol chewables were a "life-saving medicine" for one user. [12] Daily probiotic supplements were also recommended for sulfur-gas and bowel issues. [14]
For chills (experienced by a user with fibromyalgia): A heated blanket and Tylenol were suggested. [15]
Supplements: For fibro fatigue, magnesium malate and CoQ10 were recommended. [15]
Lifestyle Adjustments: One user changed their injection date so fatigue would occur on days off work. [8]
Switching Medications: If side effects are intolerable on one GLP-1, switching to another might help. "Just so you know if one GLP-1 side effect is too much, you can always switch to something else... I switched to Zepbound. A lot better than Saxenda and the side effects were minimal. "[16]
Listening to Your Body: Users stress the importance of paying attention to how your body reacts. "definitely listen to your body. You can indeed get long term complications like gastroparesis and more, so don’t keep on going if you’re actually feeling awful. "[17]
It's important to note that some users, particularly those with pre-existing conditions like fibromyalgia or dysautonomia, report that GLP-1s can exacerbate their existing symptoms, leading to a more intense feeling of being unwell.
Experiences of Feeling "Off" / "Uncomfortable in my own skin":
- Some users report a general sense of not feeling right.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
While not always directly addressing the feeling of being "off," users recommend several strategies to manage side effects and improve overall well-being on GLP-1s, which may indirectly help with these uncomfortable sensations:
- Dosage Adjustment: Several users found that adjusting the dose helped manage side effects.
It's important to note that some users, particularly those with pre-existing conditions like fibromyalgia or dysautonomia, report that GLP-1s can exacerbate their existing symptoms, leading to a more intense feeling of being unwell.