glp1sideeffects.com

Users on Reddit report several instances of increased sensitivity to other medications or substances, or an amplification of the GLP-1 medication's own effects, particularly in individuals with pre-existing conditions. These sensitivities can range from altered responses to alcohol and other diabetes medications to increased risks during medical procedures like surgery requiring anesthesia.

Increased Sensitivity to Other Substances:

Alcohol: Many users note a changed relationship with alcohol. Some experience a "decreased desire for alcohol while on a GLP-1," while others "complain of worsened nausea with alcohol intake so they end up taking in less anyway. "[12] One prescriber noted that their patients who ended up in the ER due to pancreatitis were often linked to "alcohol consumption—often just wine with dinner. "[13]

Other Diabetes Medications (e. g. , Insulin, Sulfonylureas): A significant interaction is the increased risk of hypoglycemia. It's stated that "Concomitant use with an insulin secretagogue or insulin may increase the risk of hypoglycemia, including severe hypoglycemia. Reducing the dose of insulin secretagogue or insulin may be necessary. "[5, 6]

Oral Medications/Substances (due to delayed gastric emptying): The slowed digestion caused by GLP-1s can impact the absorption of other oral substances. For example, for Type 1 diabetics, "food that’s parked in the stomach can also slow the absorption of glucose tablets or other treatment so the way you would normally treat a low may not be sufficient. "[15]

Increased Risk/Sensitivity in Specific Procedures:

Anesthesia: Delayed gastric emptying poses a serious risk during procedures requiring anesthesia. One user explained, "GLP-1s cause delayed gastric emptying... For anesthesia, this creates a serious risk if there is anything in your stomach because you can vomit and aspirate while under anesthesia. "[16] This has led to recommendations to stop the medication before surgery. One user was advised by an anesthesiologist that it should have been stopped "3 to 4 weeks" prior, while a surgeon said 1 week. [17] Another user mentioned, "We have pts hold the GLP1s for a week pre-op to try to mitigate this. "[18]

Amplified Effects of GLP-1s in Individuals with Pre-existing Conditions (Increased sensitivity to the GLP-1 itself):

Fibromyalgia: Users with fibromyalgia report a significant amplification of their symptoms. One user described, "The side effects Normal people complain about all the nasty side effects, and for someone like me on fibro, it just seems amplified to hell... Just every fibro symptom seems magnified to unfathomable levels. " This included intensified chills, fatigue, heart palpitations, chest pain, body pain, sweats, and brain fog. [1] Another user with fibromyalgia stated, "The pain, the headaches, nausea, brain fog and fatigue have been amplified like crazy. "[2]

Mental Health Conditions: There are reports of GLP-1s negatively impacting mental health, suggesting a heightened sensitivity in some individuals. One psychiatrist shared that a GLP-1 "caused one of my patients with Bipolar Disorder to have a mixed episode (features of mania and depression) and caused suicidality, leading to psychiatric hospitalization. "[8] Another user mentioned, "Ozempic, in particular, increased my suicidal ideation. "[3] Mood changes, including depression and rage, were anecdotally reported at higher dosages or with certain GLP-1s. [6]

Allergic Reactions: Some users develop allergic reactions to the GLP-1 injections themselves. One user mentioned they "had started getting allergic reaction to the injections. "[7]

Remedies and Preventions Recommended:

For Alcohol Sensitivity: The primary recommendation is to reduce or avoid alcohol, especially if it causes worsened nausea. [12, 13]

For Interactions with Other Diabetes Medications: It's advised that "Reducing the dose of insulin secretagogue or insulin may be necessary" to prevent hypoglycemia. [5, 6] Regular blood sugar monitoring is crucial.

For Delayed Absorption of Oral Substances: Awareness is key. For treating hypoglycemia, liquid glucose might be absorbed more predictably than solid tablets if gastric emptying is significantly slowed. [15]

For Anesthesia Risks: Patients are generally advised to stop GLP-1 medications prior to surgery. The duration varies, with recommendations ranging from one to four weeks. [16, 17, 18] Clear communication with the surgeon and anesthesiologist is essential.

For Amplified GLP-1 Effects/Fibromyalgia:

Dose Adjustment: One user with fibromyalgia found relief by taking "less than prescribed," stating, "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. "[10]

Switching GLP-1s: Some users might tolerate one GLP-1 better. A user with fibromyalgia noted that "the ingredient in Zepbound gave me no side effects at the baby dose but I swear my fibro pain (dull and achy) was worse on those meds, especially Ozempic. "[3]

Supplements & Symptom Management: For fibro-related fatigue, "magnesium malate and CoQ10" were suggested, and Tylenol for chills. [3] Another user recommended checking for MTHFR mutation and considering "folinic acid and liposomal glutathione. "[11]

For Mental Health Effects: Dose reduction may help. "If someone on Ozempic/Wegovy 1 mg starts getting depressed I drop them down to 0. 5. Seems dose dependent. "[6]

For Allergic Reactions: One user mentioned needing to take an "antihistamine" for allergic reactions to injections.