How to Relieve Nausea from Ozempic: What You Need to Do

Ozempic is a popular anti-diabetic medication that is occasionally prescribed off-label to aid with weight loss management. In the face of all these benefits, Ozempic is also linked to several side effects, especially nausea. This unpleasant feeling can affect your compliance with Ozempic and, if severe, can make your weight loss journey almost unbearable.

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In this article, we will look at why Ozempic causes nausea and discuss various strategies to help you find relief.

Key Takeaways

• Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. However, the drug can be used off-label for weight loss.
• Nausea is the most common side effect of Ozempic and usually resolves over time.
• Dietary modifications, adequate hydration, and lifestyle changes can give you significant relief from Ozempic-induced nausea.
• Natural supplements like ginger and peppermint have been shown to relieve nausea.

Understanding Ozempic and Its Uses

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic, a branded form of semaglutide, is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It works as an incretin mimetic, controls blood sugar levels, reduces appetite, and gives a sense of fullness. Ozempic comes as an injection pen that is administered subcutaneously once weekly.

Common Uses and Benefits

Ozempic is FDA-approved for managing type 2 diabetes. This drug regulates your blood sugar levels and offers cardiovascular protection. Ozempic also has high efficacy in managing obesity and can be prescribed off-label for weight loss management. People who cannot get this drug can opt for compounded semaglutide, a readily available form of Ozempic's active ingredient with similar efficacy.

Why Does Ozempic Cause Nausea?

Gastrointestinal side effects are most frequently reported while using Ozempic. Nausea is the commonest of these side effects. These gastrointestinal symptoms are not surprising since Ozempic acts on the gut. 

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Although there is no exact explanation for Ozempic-induced nausea, several reasons have been proposed. As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, Ozempic slows down gastric emptying so food stays longer in your stomach. This increased duration can stretch your stomach and the nerves around it, sending nausea signals to the brain. The feelings of nausea are usually highest during the initial weeks of taking Ozempic and gradually resolve over time. However, nausea may accompany increasing dosages of Ozempic.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Nausea from Ozempic

Early Signs of Nausea

Here are some symptoms to watch out for that may point to nausea from Ozempic:

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• Excessive salivation
• Feeling like you are about to vomit
• Queasy feeling in your stomach
• Sweating
• Dizziness 
• Difficulty swallowing 
• Stomach pain 

How to Differentiate Nausea from Other Side Effects

You can differentiate nausea from other side effects of Ozempic by the presence of stomach discomfort, usually accompanied by an urge to vomit.  

Dietary Adjustments to Alleviate Nausea

Foods to Avoid

Certain foods can cause or worsen Ozempic-induced nausea. Limiting or altogether avoiding such foods can help you reduce nausea. Some of these foods include:

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• Greasy and fatty foods such as French fries.
• Refined carbs like white bread
• Processed foods
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Spicy foods
• Salty foods

Recommended Foods and Snacks

To alleviate feelings of nausea, eat more bland, dry food. Also, focus more on high-protein, low-fat foods. Some of the recommended foods include:

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• BRAT (banana, rice, applesauce, toast) diet
• Ginger
• Whole grains like brown rice and whole wheat bread
• Cereal
• Pretzels
• Jell-O
• Custard
• Yogurt
• Toast
• Crackers
• Potatoes

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Additionally, eating smaller but frequent meals can also help reduce nausea from Ozempic.

Hydration Tips to Combat Nausea

Best Hydration Practices

Being dehydrated can worsen nausea. Drink plenty of clear fluids throughout the day. It is generally recommended to sip directly from a glass and not use a straw. Also, ensure you only take small sips to avoid being too full.

Drinks to Avoid

Here are some drinks you should avoid to give you relief from Ozempic-induced nausea:

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• Sugary drinks. Always read the nutritional labels before consuming drinks.
• Alcoholic beverages
• Caffeinated drinks
• Carbonated beverages
• Isotonic beverages for sports

Medications and Supplements to Relieve Nausea

Over-the-counter Remedies

• Dimenhydrinate: This antihistamine, readily available at pharmacies, relieves nausea. Although dimenhydrinate is primarily used to treat motion sickness, it can also alleviate nausea from Ozempic. However, note that you might feel a bit drowsy on dimenhydrinate.

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• Meclizine: Like dimenhydrinate, Meclizine is an antihistamine that is readily available in over-the-counter forms. It comes in the form of a chewable tablet or swallowable pill. You might also experience some drowsiness with this drug.

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• Bismuth subsalicylate: Commonly known as pepto-bismol, this drug can relieve Ozempic-induced nausea. It comes in the form of an oral suspension or capsule.

Prescription Medications

• Metoclopramide: This medication is a dopamine receptor antagonist that blocks vomiting signals in the brain, which reduces feelings of nausea. Metoclopramide enhances gastric emptying and can help you feel less nauseated as your stomach is less stretched.

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• Ondansetron: This medication blocks some serotonin receptors in your brain. Your doctor may prescribe it off-label to give you some relief from Ozempic-induced nausea.

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• Prochlorperazine: This is an antiemetic drug that is used to manage nausea and vomiting. Prochlorperazine prevents dopamine from stimulating some areas of your brain that are associated with nausea. Note that this drug also acts as an antipsychotic agent for managing symptoms of schizophrenia.

Natural Supplements

• Peppermint: Little research has been done on peppermint's benefits for nausea. However, some studies suggest that it generally relieves digestive symptoms and, by extension, may relieve Ozempic-induced nausea. Peppermint is available in oral forms as tea, capsules, or even gum. It is also available as aromatherapy. One study found out that inhaling the scent of peppermint oil can relieve your nausea.

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• Ginger: Using ginger root as a remedy for nausea dates back centuries. Research has shown that ginger contains anti-inflammatory substances, like gingerol, that can help with digestion and inhibit nausea signals in your brain. You can take ginger in the form of tea, lozenges, or capsules. About 500 to 1500 mg of ginger per day can help relieve nausea on Ozempic.

Lifestyle Changes for Nausea Relief

Stress Management Techniques

Stress can trigger or worsen Ozempic-induced nausea. Here are some techniques to help you reduce stress:

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• Meditation: Practicing mindfulness meditation by focusing and training your body to be calm may help you reduce nausea from Ozempic.
• Deep breathing exercises: Taking slow, deep breaths from your belly has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR): This technique involves progressively tensing and relaxing various muscle groups in your body. Some research shows that PMR can alleviate nausea in chemotherapy patients.
• Yoga: Yoga helps you feel relaxed and less stressed by combining postures, meditation, and breathing techniques.

Importance of Rest and Sleep

Having adequate rest and good sleep hygiene is important and can affect how your body manages Ozempic-induced nausea. Aim to get a minimum of 7-9 hours of sleep per night. To get good quality sleep, limit your screen time before bed, avoid caffeine or alcohol close to bedtime, and ensure your room is well-optimized for relaxing.

Consulting with Your Healthcare Provider

It is important to constantly communicate with your healthcare provider while using Ozempic. If nausea persists after using various remedies or you have any concerns about nausea from Ozempic, reach out to your healthcare provider. They can adjust your Ozempic dosage or recommend additional treatment options.

Conclusion

Ozempic-induced nausea is pretty common among users and usually resolves over time. If you are experiencing this side effect, you need to be patient and consistent with your treatment plan. Healthy dietary habits, adequate hydration, and lifestyle changes are important to giving you long-term relief from nausea. Communicating with your healthcare provider is important, as they can assist you with treatment options for your nausea.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to deal with nausea while taking Ozempic?

As discussed in this article, eating healthy, drinking plenty of water, and using OTC medications can help you tackle nausea from Ozempic. Contact your healthcare provider if your nausea gets more serious or is not relieved by the above tips.

How do you reduce the side effects of Ozempic?

Reducing the side effects of Ozempic involves making lifestyle changes like eating healthy and exercising. Your healthcare provider may also adjust your dosage plan or recommend treatment options to help you reduce the side effects.

What relieves nausea fast?

Natural remedies like ginger or peppermint and certain OTC medications, such as dimenhydrinate or meclizine, can quickly relieve nausea.

How long does semaglutide nausea last?

The duration of semaglutide-induced nausea varies from person to person. Generally, you can expect this nausea to resolve within a few weeks of treatment. Follow the tips outlined in this guide to shorten the duration of this nausea.

How to flush Ozempic out of your system?

There's no accepted method to flushing Ozempic out of your system. After stopping the drug, you will need to wait for it to leave your system naturally. If you accidentally injected yourself with Ozempic or administered too much, alert your healthcare provider immediately or contact Poison Control.

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Disclaimer

Off-Label Use: When discussing off-label uses, such as using Ozempic for weight loss, make it clear that this is not FDA-approved for that purpose. For example, you can add a disclaimer like: “While Ozempic is primarily approved for treating Type 2 diabetes, some healthcare providers may prescribe it off-label for weight loss. However, this use is not FDA-approved.”

Medical Advice Disclaimer: Clearly state that the article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Encourage readers to consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new medication.