Users on Reddit report varied experiences regarding side effects with GLP-1 medications, with some noting differences between brand name and compounded versions, as well as between different brand name drugs.

Experiences with More/Worse Side Effects: Compounded vs. Brand Name

• Some users and their doctors perceive compounded GLP-1s as having more or worse side effects. One user, who experienced "Nausea, gagging, exhaustion, headaches" on a compounded version, reported their doctor said the "compound stuff was crap and to try Zepbound. "[3] Another user who tried "wegovy, zepbound, and 'microdosing' compounded semaglutide" found that "All resulted in worsening pots symptoms and fatigue as well as out of proportion GI symptoms to the doses I was getting. "[10]


• Conversely, some users have had positive or manageable experiences with non-brand name versions. A user taking "Werner Science Retrutide" (a research/compounded peptide) stated they were "only nauseous once because I over ate. Other then that no side effects. I chose this one because it is supposed to be the best with the fewest side effects. "[5] Another individual on "compounded semaglutide" found that side effects like severe bloating, sulfur burps, and constipation were primarily triggered by "eating the wrong food," specifically "heavy carbs. "[4] A different user on compounded semaglutide reported that nausea was the main side effect, which diminished over time. [9]

Experiences Comparing Different Brand Name GLP-1s

• Users switching between brand name medications have reported different side effect profiles. One person who switched from Saxenda to Zepbound found Saxenda caused "the worst Acid Reflux pain, acne," while Zepbound resulted in "minimal" side effects. [1]


• Another user shared, "I started on Wegovy and switched to Zepbound and I have far fewer side effects. The digestive issues are much less and none of that sulfur burp stuff that was so prevalent with Wegovy. I couldn’t tolerate Wegovy because it made me food averse. "[7]


• Someone who moved from Ozempic to Tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro/Zepbound) noted, "On trizepetide I don’t get overly full and feel nasty like I did on ozempic so I really like trizepetide the side effects are not as intense. " They experienced sulfur burps and fatigue with Ozempic, and diarrhea with Tirzepatide. [6]

Severe Side Effects Reported on Brand Name GLP-1s

• Even with brand name medications, some users experience severe side effects. A user on Zepbound for months required an ER visit after a dose increase to 7. 5mg due to "abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea and now vomiting," cautioning, "If you have gastro problems, be aware that this will make them 10x worse". [11]


• One individual described their Ozempic side effects as "absolutely brutal. Last year for instance I was plagued by a sulfuric taste / smell that was accompanied by severe bloating and nausea + vomiting. "[8]


• Another user, likely on a brand name GLP-1 at a weight loss clinic, experienced debilitating fatigue, feeling faint, severe nausea, dyspepsia, sharp stomach pain, and hypertension. [20]

Remedies and Preventions Recommended by Users

Users recommend several strategies to manage or prevent side effects:

• Dietary Adjustments & Eating Habits:


• Avoiding trigger foods, especially "heavy carbs" or greasy/fatty items: "My only side effects have been when I have eaten the wrong food... When they say don't eat heavy carbs, it's not a joke. "[4] Another said, "if I eat the wrong thing I spend 2-3 days thinking about my sins. "[13] Some experience "excessive stomach acid if I’ve overeaten, had alcohol, or had fried food. "[24]


• Eating small, healthy, high-protein, high-fiber meals: One user aimed for "100g of protein and 25-30g of fiber per day. "[14]


• Eating a small amount to alleviate nausea: "I feel a tiny bit of nausea some mornings before I eat, but once I eat even a little bit, I feel better. "[14]


• Mindful eating, such as slowing down and chewing food thoroughly. [14]


• Identifying and avoiding specific food triggers for issues like sulfur burps (e. g. , broccoli). [6]


• Ensuring adequate food intake: "days when I don’t eat properly, because of Semaglutide, I’m much worse... the secret is to EAT". [25]


• Using protein shakes, especially to help with orthostatic hypotension. [9]


• Hydration:


• Drinking plenty of water: "when I drink a ton of water (around 135 ounces), I don’t have a lot of side effects. "[12] Another user aims for "120oz of water per day, and one electrolyte package at some point per day. "[14]


• Staying hydrated to prevent constipation: "I do forget to drink water which leads to things getting stuck. "[13]


• Medications & Supplements:


• Pepto-Bismol: Described as a "life-saving medicine is Pepto-Bismol cherry chewables" for GI issues. [4]


• Antacids: "Antacids help a lot if the food situation was improper"[13] and can alleviate excessive stomach acid. [24]


• Fiber Supplements: Some users take "4g fiber gummies morning and night" to manage constipation. [15, 17]


• Miralax: Used as needed for mild constipation. [16]


• GLP-1 Probiotic: A user was recommended a "glp-1 probiotic daily (pill form)" for constipation, which helped improve bowel regularity. [18]


• Dosage Adjustments & Switching Medications:


• Switching between different GLP-1 drugs if side effects are problematic. [1, 6, 7]


• Considering a switch from compounded to a brand name if side effects are severe on the compounded version, as advised by one user's doctor.