You’ve just started on semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) and are excited about its potential to help manage type 2 diabetes or support your weight loss journey.
But you start experiencing nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, or even dizziness in a few days. If you’ve felt lightheaded or unsteady while taking semaglutide, you’re not alone. Many people experience such symptoms when starting on semaglutide.
Read on to learn whether semaglutide can cause dizziness, why it can occur, and tips on managing and preventing this side effect.
What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a medication used for weight loss, lowering blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes, and reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack and chronic kidney disease in certain adult patients.
Semaglutide belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. It works by mimicking the effects of the natural hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which delays gastric emptying, reduces appetite, lowers the amount of glucagon released, and increases insulin release.
Semaglutide is available under the brand names, Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy, all manufactured by Novo Nordisk. The FDA first approved Semaglutide in 2017 to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels under Ozempic.
In 2021, the FDA expanded its approval to include weight management for people with obesity or overweight who also have a weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. When prescribed for weight loss, it is marketed as Wegovy and given at a higher dose than its diabetes formulations.
Ozempic for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for weight loss are administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection (under the skin). You should inject the medication into your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm and rotate the injection site to avoid irritation at the injection site. It can be taken with or without food, but consistency in the timing of doses each week is important.
Wegovy is prescribed at higher doses than Ozempic to support weight loss.
Rybelsus is the only oral form of semaglutide, taken once daily for type 2 diabetes management. You should take it on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything other than water, to ensure proper absorption.
Common Side Effects of Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus)
Like any medication, semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) can cause side effects. While many people tolerate it well, some experience mild-to-moderate symptoms, especially when first starting the treatment or increasing their dose. The common side effects of semaglutide include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Injection site reactions
- Headaches
- Fatigue
Besides these common side effects, some people may experience dizziness, though it’s less frequent.
Semaglutide may also cause serious but rare side effects, which include:
- Pancreatitis
- Gallstones and other problems with the gallbladder
- Acute damage to the kidneys
- Vision changes
- severe hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar
- Paralysis of the stomach (gastroparesis)
- Blockage of the intestinal tract
Semaglutide also carries a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors. In animal studies, semaglutide was linked to an increased risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). It is unknown if this risk applies to humans, but caution is advised.
Due to this potential risk, semaglutide is not recommended for people with:
- A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), a genetic condition that increases cancer risk.
Remember that semaglutide side effects vary from person to person. Some people may experience more pronounced side effects, while others may not have any adverse effects. Seek advice from your healthcare professional if you have concerns about side effects or if they worsen or persist.
Can Semaglutide Cause Dizziness?
Semaglutide can cause dizziness, although it is not a commonly reported side effect. In clinical trials, 8% of adolescents and 8% of adults reported dizziness as a side effect of semaglutide.
When starting semaglutide or increasing the dose, your body may need time to adjust to the medication. During this period, dizziness may occur as a temporary side effect.
Several other factors can cause dizziness, including dehydration. Semaglutide can cause gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which may lead to dehydration if fluids are not adequately replaced. Dehydration can trigger dizziness, especially when standing up quickly or during physical activity.
Vomiting or diarrhea can also cause an imbalance of electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which are important for enhancing proper body functions. These imbalances can also cause dizziness.
Some people may experience changes in blood pressure while taking semaglutide or combining it with medications that lower blood pressure. While this is usually a mild side effect, lower blood pressure can lead to feelings of dizziness.
Dizziness can also be a sign of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Semaglutide is designed to help regulate blood sugar levels, but in some cases, it can cause blood sugar to drop too low, especially if you’re also taking other diabetes medications like insulin or sulfonylureas. Low blood sugar can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, sweating, slurred speech, shakiness, and confusion.
How to Manage and Prevent Dizziness on Semaglutide
While not everyone taking semaglutide can experience dizziness, it’s important to be aware of the possibility and take steps to manage it. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, sit or lie down immediately to lower your chance of falling and getting hurt. When dizziness occurs while working heavy machinery or driving, stop safely and wait for the dizziness to pass.
If you notice persistent or severe dizziness, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider to rule out underlying causes and ensure your treatment plan is safe and effective. Here’s what you can do to manage or prevent dizziness on semaglutide:
1. Stay hydrated and address electrolyte imbalances
Dehydration is a common trigger for dizziness, especially if you’re experiencing gastrointestinal side effects of semaglutide, like vomiting or diarrhea. Try drinking plenty of water throughout the day. If you’re losing fluids rapidly, consider replenishing electrolytes with oral rehydration solutions or coconut water.
2. Eat small, frequent meals
Skipping meals or eating irregularly can lead to low blood sugar, which may cause dizziness. Avoid long periods without food. Instead, plan small, balanced meals and snacks throughout the day to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Include a mix of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.
3. Monitor your blood sugar levels
If you have type 2 diabetes, check your blood sugar levels regularly to ensure they’re within a healthy range. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause dizziness, so be prepared to address it quickly with fast-acting carbohydrates like glucose tablets or fruit juice.
4. Avoid sudden movements
Dizziness can sometimes occur when you stand up too quickly, a condition called orthostatic hypotension. To prevent this, get up slowly, sit before standing, and take a moment to steady yourself before walking, or have something you can hold on to nearby.
5. Follow your prescribed dosage
Taking semaglutide as prescribed by your healthcare provider is important. Starting at a lower dose and gradually increasing it allows your body to adjust and may reduce the risk of side effects like dizziness. Don’t adjust your dose without consulting your doctor.
6. Talk to your healthcare provider
If dizziness persists or becomes severe, it’s important to consult your doctor. Your healthcare provider may adjust your dosage, recommend additional tests, or suggest a semaglutide alternative to manage the issue. If you faint or lose consciousness, seek medical attention immediately. This could indicate a serious problem, such as extremely low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or a significant drop in blood pressure.
FAQs About Semaglutide and Dizziness
What to do if Ozempic makes you dizzy?
If Ozempic makes you dizzy, stay hydrated, eat balanced meals to prevent low blood sugar, and stand up slowly to avoid sudden drops in blood pressure. If dizziness persists, talk to your doctor about adjusting your dosage. If you experience severe dizziness, fainting, or confusion, you may require immediate medical attention to rule out serious complications.
How long does dizziness last after starting Semaglutide?
Dizziness from Semaglutide is usually temporary and often improves as your body adjusts to the medication. It may last a few days or weeks after starting or increasing the dose. If dizziness persists beyond a few weeks or worsens, consult your doctor.
Can I prevent dizziness while taking Semaglutide?
You can prevent dizziness while taking Semaglutide by staying hydrated, eating regular meals to avoid low blood sugar, and getting up slowly from sitting or lying down.
Should I stop taking Semaglutide if I feel dizzy?
No, you should not stop taking semaglutide without consulting your healthcare provider. You can easily manage dizziness with simple steps like staying hydrated, eating small meals, and monitoring your blood sugar levels. However, contact your doctor immediately if dizziness is severe, persistent, or accompanied by fainting, confusion, or rapid heart rate.
Manage Semagltide Side Effects with NP2GO
Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus) can be a safe and effective medication for managing weight loss and type 2 diabetes. However, it may come with side effects like dizziness, gastrointestinal discomfort, and hypoglycemia. But with the right support, you can effectively manage semaglutide side effects and achieve your weight loss and health goals. Furthermore, our expert weight loss specialists provide personalized guidance and tips to help you manage symptoms and stay on track with your treatment.
If you’re struggling with Semaglutide side effects, schedule a virtual visit with NP2GO today and get the support you need for a successful weight loss journey.