Vomiting (including Projectile Vomiting)
Users on Reddit report a wide range of experiences with vomiting, including projectile vomiting, while on GLP-1 medications. This side effect can vary greatly in intensity and duration, from being a temporary issue for some to a persistent and severe problem for others, sometimes necessitating medical intervention.
Experiences with Vomiting:
Dosage errors or changes can trigger severe reactions. A user shared, "Last week was my first dose, and I misunderstood the difference between mg and unit, so I had severe nausea and vomiting. "[15]
The severity of vomiting can be intense. One individual on Zepbound experienced vomiting with all doses, which escalated with a dosage increase: "it hit me like a bag of bricks to the point of needing to go to the er for severe pain and dehydration from vomiting. "[4] Another user on Wegovy reported "throwing up everyday" and had to discontinue the medication. [8]
Projectile vomiting has also been reported. One user mentioned experiencing "Projectile vomiting and the runs were bad enough, but but becoming so dehydrated you stop peeing is no fun either. "[10]
Vomiting can sometimes be linked to other side effects or dietary choices. For instance, "the sulpher burps caused me to puke once but honestly I think it was because of how nasty the burps were at one point. "[5] Eating certain foods, like a "lettuce-wrapped burger," resulted in it "coming back up the way it came" 48 hours later for one person. [9]
In more serious cases, vomiting has been associated with significant complications. There are reports of "Severe vomiting ended up with boerhaave syndrome"[2] and an NSTEMI where a "dose change of ozempic caused severe vomiting and diarrhea that led to dehydration. "[3] Another user on Wegovy was hospitalized after a dosage increase led to "nonstop agony for days + vomiting. "[7]
Some users experience vomiting when initiating the medication or shortly after an injection. One user was "Dealing with the nausea and vomiting after my first dose (Sunday night)" and "threw up again this morning" on day two. [17]
However, it is important to note that not all users experience vomiting. Some explicitly state they had "No nausea/vomiting for me on Ozempic or Wegovy"[23] or "At no time did I ever throw up. Not once. "[24]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
Users on Reddit suggest various strategies to manage or prevent vomiting:
Avoid Trigger Foods: A common piece of advice is to avoid "heavy carbs. " One user warned, "When they say don't eat heavy carbs, it's not a joke. Stay away, far away. "[5]
Small, Frequent, Low-Carb Meals: Relief was found by "eating really small meals more often. Also, eating super low carb. If I ate almost any carbs at first I would throw up. "[12] Another suggestion is to "eat 4-5 very small meals a day. "[25]
Hydration: Drinking plenty of water is emphasized: "drink at least 100 oz of water a day"[25] and "drink a lot of water. "[9]
Eating When Queasy/Regularly: "if you start feeling queasy, eat a lil something. my go-to is a protein bar. "[25] Another user noted they sometimes vomit "if I go too long without eating. "[22]
Saltine Crackers: Some find relief by "eating 1-2 saltines when I start to get nauseated. "[26] Another user would "eat 1 cracker" before getting out of bed in the morning. [18]
Zofran (Ondansetron): Frequently mentioned for nausea that can lead to vomiting. Some take it preventatively,[16] while others view it as a "last resort, not a preventative. "[27] One user found that "Zofran worked but it took so long, and it increases constipation. "[18] It's also suggested for those unable to keep pills down. [13] A crucial warning was shared: "you cany use Zofran if you're on Antidepressants like Lexapro ... it's linked to a fatal heart condition called Long QT. "[28]
Phenergan Suppositories: Recommended "if you're unable to keep a pill down. "[13]
Other Anti-Nausea Medications: OTC options like Nauzene[26] and Emetrol chewables[29] are mentioned. Preggie pops are also used by some. [30]
Antacids: "If Zofran doesn’t work, try antacids like omeprazole. "[31]
Preventative Anti-Sickness Medication: One user advised to "take antisickness before you feel sick too keep it at bay it’s much harder to control once your throwing up trust me 5 hospital trips n am on week 4 but this week I haven’t been sick so good luck. "[16]
"[35]
Sniffing Rubbing Alcohol: Several users suggest this method: "Sniff rubbing alcohol!!! "[36] Another added, "There’s been studies that show that sniffing isopropyl alcohol can help reduce nausea. "[37]
Sea Bands & Patches: "I like sea bands. "[27] For some, "sea sickness patches... Crazily, they worked great. "[38]
Peppermints and Seltzer: "Peppermints and bubbly drinks like a can of seltzer tend to help me in a pinch as well. "[37]
Caution with Increases: It is generally recommended to be "careful with dose increases.
Experiences with Vomiting:
- Vomiting is described by some as a "common" side effect, particularly "after starting the meds.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
Users on Reddit suggest various strategies to manage or prevent vomiting:
- Dietary Adjustments:
- Mindful Eating: Users stress being "very careful about what you eat.
- Medications & Supplements:
- Pepto-Bismol: Described as a "life-saving medicine," specifically "Pepto-Bismol cherry chewables.
"[35]
- Dosage Adjustments:
- Lowering Dose/Slower Titration: If vomiting is severe, users have found relief by lowering their dose or titrating up more slowly.