5 Expert Tips for Ozempic Nausea Relief

If you take Ozempic for type 2 diabetes or weight loss, you’ve likely experienced one of its not-so-pleasant side effects: nausea. While uncomfortable, nausea is common while taking Ozempic, affecting 1 in 5 people on the medication.

Thankfully, nausea is typically a short-term side effect that improves as your body adjusts to the drug. 

In the meantime, there are ways to manage your symptoms. Keep reading to learn our top Ozempic nausea relief tips and what to expect when starting Ozempic.

There’s no exact cause for nausea on Ozempic, but experts agree that it’s likely due to Ozempic’s influence on the digestive tract.

Ozempic slows gastric emptying, which means food stays in your stomach longer than usual. While this prolongs satiety and prevents blood sugar spikes, both beneficial for weight loss and type 2 diabetes, it can also lead to stomach discomfort like nausea and constipation. These symptoms can be exacerbated after eating a large meal or eating too frequently.

It is unclear how long nausea will last from Ozempic. Research suggests that people may experience an adjustment period when nausea and other side effects occur. For many, these side effects subside as their body adjusts to the drug.

Reports also suggest that the higher your Ozempic dose is, the more likely it is that you’ll experience nausea. Starting with a lower dose and increasing your dose gradually may relieve the severity of your side effects.

Below are practical, research-backed tips to help reduce Ozempic nausea quickly and effectively, allowing you to focus on your wellness journey without unnecessary discomfort.

Many people experience nausea when starting Ozempic as their bodies adjust to the medication. Reports suggest that the higher your Ozempic dose is, the more likely it is that you’ll experience nausea. Starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing your dosage may minimize the severity of these side effects.

That said, other studies show that nausea can occur each time an Ozempic dosage is increased. It is best to speak with your primary care doctor to see which dosage is best for you.

Ozempic slows the digestive process, which leaves food sitting in your stomach for longer amounts of time. This can lead to feeling uncomfortably full, especially after eating a large meal. Eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day can help alleviate feeling overly full and prevent nausea.

When it comes to nausea, some foods are better than others. Bland foods, like toast, rice, bananas, applesauce, potatoes, and baked chicken, are all good options when feeling nauseated. You can also try cooking your vegetables to make them easier to digest.

Clear liquids like water, broth, and ginger ale are also gentle on the stomach. Avoid foods that can aggravate the digestive tract and make nausea worse, like greasy, spicy, and sugary foods.

If you need fast relief, OTC medications or natural nausea remedies can help. Over-the-counter medications like Dramamine or ginger chews can alleviate nausea symptoms quickly.

For natural remedies, the best options include:

●  Ginger: While ginger has served alternative medicinal purposes for centuries, recent research supports that herb can effectively alleviate nausea and vomiting symptoms. You can find ginger in supplements, powder, ginger tea and other ginger-based drinks. Just be sure to check the actual amount of ginger in each product, as some contain very little real ginger.

●  Apples: Apples are great options for nausea as they’re hydrating and easy on the stomach. One study showed that apple consumption was linked to the least reports of nausea in pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum.

●  Mint: Like ginger, mint is a tried-and-true way to relieve nausea quickly. Research shows that consuming mint can be particularly helpful for nausea from Ozempic. Try adding mint leaves to recipes or drink mint tea for quick relief. Also, peppermint essential oils are effective at relieving nausea and vomiting. Put a few drops of oil onto a cotton ball or apply the oil onto your wrists and inhale the scent when needed.

If your nausea persists or is interfering with your daily life, don’t be afraid to reach out to your doctor. Your doctor can adjust your dosage or prescribe anti-nausea medications, like Zofran, to help manage your symptoms as your body adjusts to Ozempic. Your doctor may also have other suggestions that can help alleviate your symptoms.