Specific Withdrawal Syndrome (abrupt stop)
Users on Reddit, particularly in a dedicated thread about Semaglutide withdrawal, report a range of severe and distressing withdrawal-like symptoms after abruptly stopping GLP-1 medications. These experiences are often described as a "nightmare" or "world of hell," leading to multiple ER visits where tests frequently return normal. [1, 2]
Experiences with Withdrawal-Like Symptoms After Abrupt Stop:
Users describe a variety of debilitating symptoms that can persist for weeks or months after their last injection:
Depression and Mood Changes: Symptoms include depression, with one user saying they "didn’t leave my house for a month. "[3, 6, 16] Another mentioned irritability when skipping a dose. [21]
Cognitive Issues: Users report "brain fog" and difficulty concentrating. [6]
Sensory Disturbances: Blurry vision is a common complaint, with descriptions like "static vision," vision being "wildly off," and impacted depth perception. [1, 2, 3, 6, 16, 18] Some experience tingling in fingers, mouth, arms, and legs, or a feeling of numbness in the lips. [1, 4, 5, 20]
Other Neurological Symptoms: Headaches are frequently mentioned. [1, 3, 6, 16] Some users feel weak, shaky, lightheaded, dizzy, or as if they are "completely outside of my body. "[1, 3, 4, 5]
Physical Symptoms:
Cardiovascular: Heart palpitations and a racing heart are common, sometimes waking users from sleep. [1, 2, 4, 5, 18, 20]
Hypoglycemia-like Symptoms: Users report feeling hypoglycemic or experiencing low blood sugar (e. g. , blood glucose at 71), even if not diabetic. Symptoms include shakiness, weakness, and sweating. [1, 4, 11, 12] One user noted, "My body feels like it’s in a low blood sugar state and I feel hypoglycemic. Tingly feelings in my arms and legs. Weak. I will take my numbers when I feel this way and they are always in the high 70’s 80’s. "[4]
Musculoskeletal: Some experience "Achey legs and just felt bad after. "[13, 14]
General Physical Distress: Symptoms include sweating, night sweats, hair loss, and a swollen thyroid. [1, 3, 6] Some report feeling hot with goosebumps and a tight chest. [5]
Digestive Issues: "Massive heartburn" and other digestive problems like gastroparesis or gastritis are reported, sometimes lasting for weeks. [8, 9, 10, 22]
Electrolyte Imbalance: Low magnesium and low potassium have been noted in ER visits. [1, 9]
Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia and waking suddenly with a racing heart are described. [2, 6, 18]
The experience is often described as debilitating, impacting daily life, and causing significant distress. [1, 2, 16]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended by Users:
Remedies for Managing Symptoms After Stopping:
Time: Many users emphasize that recovery takes time. One said, "Unfortunately withdrawal is a time thing, in time you will heal. "[15] Another shared, "I’m finally starting to feel more like myself again," after a period of suffering. [6]
Diet and Hydration:
Eating "3x a day nutritious meals" and drinking "a ton of water" was helpful for one user. [8]
Eating frequently, such as "every 2-3 hours," was suggested to manage feelings of low blood sugar. [4]
Honey was mentioned as a quick remedy for low blood sugar sensations. [6]
Monitoring Blood Sugar: Some users found it helpful to use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to track blood sugar levels, as headaches and other symptoms were attributed to lows. [7, 11]
Supplements & Natural Approaches:
Electrolyte supplements (e. g. , "Dr berg electrolyte") were used. [4, 6]
Magnesium supplementation was mentioned, sometimes administered via IV in the ER. [1, 4]
One user found lavender oil tablets helped with anxiety. [15]
Consulting a naturopath for natural supplements to calm the nervous system and for Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis was also suggested. [8, 15]
Medical Consultation: Seeking advice from doctors, endocrinologists, or gastroenterologists for persistent or severe symptoms is common. [1, 8, 10]
Medications for Specific Symptoms: For severe heartburn, users reported taking famotidine, omeprazole, and gas pills, which made the day "tolerable. "[10]
Lifestyle Adjustments: "Good meals, sleep, plenty of water, meditation" were recommended to support recovery.
Experiences with Withdrawal-Like Symptoms After Abrupt Stop:
Users describe a variety of debilitating symptoms that can persist for weeks or months after their last injection:
- Neurological and Psychological Symptoms:
- Panic Attacks and Anxiety: Many users report "unreal panic attacks to the point of calling 911," "extreme anxiety," and feeling generally anxious.
- Duration and Severity:
- Symptoms can begin weeks after the last dose and last for an extended period.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended by Users:
- Prevention - Tapering:
- The most significant preventative measure suggested is to taper off the medication rather than stopping abruptly.