General Malaise / Feeling "Bleh" / Run Down
Users on Reddit report a variety of experiences with general malaise, feeling "bleh," or run down while taking GLP-1 medications. These feelings can range from mild and temporary to severe and persistent, significantly impacting their quality of life.
Experiences with General Malaise / Feeling "Bleh" / Run Down:
Feeling "Off" or "Bleh": Some users describe a general feeling of unwellness. One user mentioned, "I never felt right while on it. "[10] Another said they "still feel 'off' on occasions. "[8]
Impact on Daily Life and Activity: The fatigue can be debilitating. A 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. "[13] Another user with fibromyalgia said, "I feel so awful that I can’t even do my normal workouts as a fairly active person with fibro. I’ve been eating a lot less but I’ve only lost maybe a pound since all I do is work in my home office then as soon as I’m done with work I need to lay down and do nothing until I fall asleep. "[4]
Flu-Like Symptoms: Some users experience symptoms akin to having the flu. One user described, "I feel like I have the flu for about a day" after the shot. [5]
Severity and Duration: For some, these feelings are temporary or improve over time. One user noted, "Adjusting to the medication is a little tough, like weeks 6-10, but if you make it through that hump, you get your energy back. "[6] Another said, "I was super tired for the first few weeks, but I’d say by week 6 I felt the best I’ve felt in years. "[15] However, for others, the malaise persists. A user on Ozempic for 18 months still experiences fatigue among other side effects. [7]
Feeling Sedated: A user described "Feeling a little sedated. "[8]
Feeling Like "Trash" or "Crap": Some users use strong terms to describe their experience. One user advised waiting to start the medication before a vacation because "you could be fine, or you could feel like trash at first. "[16] Another user on 7. 5mg of a GLP-1 said, "It made me feel like crap. "[17]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
Nutrition:
Protein Intake: Ensuring adequate protein intake is often suggested. One user mentioned, "Like others have said, electrolytes and protein will help with the fatigue! "[19] Another user trying to manage side effects said they were, "Trying to find ways to get enough protein into me. "[8] A user with dysautonomia mentioned, "You do have to be very intentional about eating and drinking enough to combat the orthostatic hypotension. I lived off of protein shakes. "[20]
Eating Regularly: One user with dysautonomia noted that on days they didn't eat properly due to Semaglutide, they felt "much worse than I’d be without it but the secret is to EAT. "[14] Another recommendation was to "avoid going more than 3-4 hours without eating something, even if it's small," as GLP-1s can reduce food noise to the point of forgetting to eat, which can worsen symptoms. [21]
Dosage Adjustments: Some users found relief by adjusting their dosage. A user with fibromyalgia whose doctor advised taking less than prescribed said, "My body can’t handle more than 20... I still achieve the weight loss, however it’s a slower process because I’m not taking the higher dosage. "[22] Another user who felt awful on 7. 5mg and was tolerating 10mg well suggests that finding the right dose is key. [17] One user recommended to "go down on the GLP-1" if side effects are severe. [23]
Time and Patience: For some, side effects like fatigue diminish over time. "Adjusting to the medication is a little tough, like weeks 6-10, but if you make it through that hump, you get your energy back. "[6] Another user stated, "I was super tired for the first few weeks, but I’d say by week 6 I felt the best I’ve felt in years. "[15]
B-12 Shots: One user mentioned getting weekly B-12 shots, though they hadn't noticed a difference yet, they figured it was helpful. [24]
Managing Expectations and Listening to Your Body: Users advise listening to your body and not pushing through severe side effects. "definitely listen to your body. You can indeed get long term complications... so don’t keep on going if you’re actually feeling awful. "[9] Another user shared, "It's like you are skinny but add on a complete new struggle of a joyless life... if anyone else feels this way, it may not just be what so many say will fix it ( electrolytes, protein, vitamin b, etc)... "[12]
Switching Medications: If side effects are intolerable, switching to a different GLP-1 medication might help. One user mentioned, "Just so you know if one GLP-1 side effect is too much, you can always switch to something else. "[25] Another user switched from Semaglutide to Tirzepatide due to nausea. [26]
It's important to note that experiences vary widely, and what works for one person may not work for another. Consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial for managing side effects.
Experiences with General Malaise / Feeling "Bleh" / Run Down:
- General Fatigue and Low Energy: Many users describe a pervasive sense of fatigue.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
- Hydration and Electrolytes: Staying hydrated is frequently recommended.
It's important to note that experiences vary widely, and what works for one person may not work for another. Consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial for managing side effects.