Zepbound and Nausea: What Users Say

• DRo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 8, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started on Zepbound 2.5 back in Dec 2024. No major issues in the beginning. It definitely helps control your appetite, and you feel sick if you eat too much. After going to 5.0, I got a little more nauseated and started noticing more dizziness, lightheadedness, and fatigue. But I was losing the weight, so I just kept going. After going to 7.5, that's when my horror stories started. I have taken only two doses but am stopping this stuff altogether. It has truly caused me extreme dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue, terrible stomach pains, and diarrhea that won't stop. I have lost 37 pounds... great... but the suffering and pain that comes with this medicine... no thanks. I'd rather be a little overweight and be happy than the constant nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Best of luck to you all, but I'm going to accept me for me."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2024

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I love Zepbound ❣️ I started on the low dose, and now I’m on the 7.5, and I have lost over 25 lbs. There are side effects, not bad enough to make me not use it, they include nausea, cramping, and loose dark stool. I am totally disabled and can’t exercise, so this was a great way for me to get lighter on my feet. Thank you. Good luck if you’re starting."

• SdS...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 13, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Zepbound for almost a full year. I lost weight quickly: 90 pounds. I was at my goal in 6 months. I had to go back 2 doses to maintain and stop losing weight. The nausea has not stopped. It’s better than in the beginning, but I still get it every time for 1 or 2 days after a shot. The diarrhea is terrible. It has never stopped. I get it on day 2, and it is uncontrollable. It’s been almost a year, so I would think some of these side effects would have stopped, but they haven’t. I also get sulfur burps for a day or 2 after a shot. I’m at the point where I might have to stop taking it due to the side effects. I love the weight loss, and I sure don’t want to gain it back, though."

• ibd...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 28, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started the shot on Wednesday, was kind of nervous. Ate small portions, so I wouldn't get nausea. Didn't really think it was working, didn't feel any different. It is now Monday, I have lost eight pounds. I'm never hungry, have to remember to eat, don't think about food really except fruit, it always sounds good. Absolutely no negative side effects. Started at 187, am now at 179. This is on my first shot! This stuff is amazing, looking forward to that second shot! It's expensive since state insurance doesn't cover it, and I only work part-time, but worth every cent!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 26, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This medication saved my life! In the beginning, the nausea was very noticeable but worth every bit! I never really had a problem with my weight until after my pregnancies. I gained over 90 lbs with each of my two pregnancies. Being at over 300 lbs and only 5’1” was a miserable existence. I couldn’t breathe and was exhausted all of the time, not to mention pre-diabetic and very high blood pressure. It has definitely been a journey, but I stand by that this medication saved my life. I’ve lost 125 lbs. I still have a way to go to get to my goal, but I’m so happy to be alive to see how much better life can be! By the way, my A1C is now normal, and the hypertension has also resolved! I’m very grateful!"

• All...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 22, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My insurance won't cover Zepbound. I get it through the 'Lilly Direct Cash Pay for Zepbound vials.' I started with 2.5 mg for 1 month and lost 12 pounds. I moved up to 5 mg and lost 30 pounds in 4 months. Total loss so far, 42 pounds! Starting weight was 184, height is 5'3'. Current weight is 142. Only side effect for me is seldom nausea. Price is $504 each month, and that includes the needles, otherwise, it's $499. Now that Lilly offers the higher doses for the same price, next week I start 7.5 mg. I will update again in a month or so."

• mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 1, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Zepbound late January. I was generally a small person and was the same size for over 25 years. However, with menopause and COVID combination, I gained over 25 pounds and my BMI went from a 24 to a 30 in the past 4 years. Both of my parents were diabetic, therefore, my risk factors were great. Initially, I felt nauseous for a few days, but the nausea went away. I started on 2.5 mg and lost 13 pounds in the first month. Moved to 5 mg the second month. I was down 18 pounds after month 2. No side effects from the meds. I went to 7.5 for the 3rd month and am still on it. I have lost 24 pounds. I am also exercising more. I try to put in 10k steps at least 5 days a week and exercise for 30 minutes 4 days a week. I am 5'2 and started at 166 pounds. I am down to 142 now and have more energy. My A1C was 6.1 when I started and is now 5.7. My cholesterol did go up from 212 to 267, however, I attribute this to the rapid weight loss and will test again in 6 months."

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started in January and have moved doses up monthly. This morning I took my 4th 7.5 mg dose. I did have a 2.5 mg pen malfunction and moved up to 5 a week early. I've been losing 1-3 pounds a week, for a total today of 28 lb loss. My goal is to lose 50. As far as side effects, they really aren't too bad for me. Daily Colace helps any constipation, which has not been much of an issue anyway. Occasional nausea is fleeting and is helped with Coke One. I know some are against drinking soda, but Coke One does not have sugar and has been my nausea cure for as long as it's been on the market. My appetite is diminished, but not gone. I've changed my eating pattern to several small, healthy mini-meals during the day instead of 3 'regular' meals. Zero cravings for junk food or much snacking at all. Part, I'm sure, is that I'm keeping those mini meals full of protein and vegetables. The only real issue that I've had is fatigue. It hits about an hour after the shot and lasts about 36 h."

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 10, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started in October and am now on 10 mg. I have lost 106 lbs. I feel better than I have in years. I’m 69 and will be 70 in August. I do more, I get out more, I’m involved again. I have 60 more to go. I’m not saying it’s been a bed of roses, but the good outweighs the bad days 95%. Also, in the beginning, I would give myself the injection at night and then take something for nausea my doctor prescribed and no longer felt nauseous. Good luck, everyone, to a longer and better life."

• Bor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 17, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’m almost 46. I have been struggling with weight loss all my life, joined food addiction programs, and tried other diets, and nothing worked. I lost some but gained it right back. I started at 220, but in numbers, I was not diabetic, so my insurance wouldn’t cover weight loss medication. My doctor worked with me for months and kept trying until it was finally approved. I did manage to get down to 186 pounds before starting on Zepbound. I have lost an additional 22 lb in 2.5 months! I’m at 164 now, and I haven’t been here in years. I can relate to many of the comments here. I don’t think about food, no cravings. I feel satisfied. I have been doing one meal a day, and I feel great. I don’t feel anxious, deprived, or hungry. I don’t worry about what I’m going to eat next. I don’t catch myself always snacking. It’s changed my brain in a way that I’m at peace. Just started on a 7.5 gm, and I did have some nausea just the very first day, but no other side effects."

• CJa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 1, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started 3 months ago with the 2 ml, then 5, and now 7.5. I have been nauseous every single day for those 3 months. I have been constipated almost every week. I finally am able to go. I noticed that after the injection, I vomit every time the next day. I am 5'7 and weighed 233. I am now 209. The nausea is sometimes unbearable. I feel like not taking this medicine. Everyone's body is different."

• Vio...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 30, 2024

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Zepbound about a week ago. Only had 1 injection, but for me personally, as soon as I did the injection, I immediately began to feel nauseated and dizzy for a good couple of hours, but then it subsided. I did have some anxiety about the side effects, and sometimes when I do have anxiety, I will feel nauseous and dizzy as well, so I really can’t tell if that was from the injection or anxiety. Either way, it stopped. Since then, I barely eat. I NEVER feel hungry at all, and when I do, I eat hardly a handful of something before I feel full and stop eating. I don’t know if that’s normal. I’m supposed to get 60 grams of protein a day. I drink 2 of those 30 grams of the Premier protein shakes, not my favorite, but it will do, and that keeps me feeling full for pretty much the ENTIRE day. I don’t snack at all anymore. Again, I’ve only had 1 injection but have noticed some immediate changes."

• And...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 8, 2024

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started out great. Moved to 5.0 and had AWFUL vomiting on day 3 after injection. Dr. tried to move me back to 2.5 but Rx store was unable to get it. Went 5 weeks before it was restocked. Started 2.5 again with 0 effect. And I mean zero. Moved to 5.0 and the nausea is there, but so far, no vomiting. What concerns me is that I have suddenly been struggling with an elevated pulse and higher than normal BP. Wasn't an issue before, so not sure if it's related or incidental. May stop it because I just don't feel good. In addition over the 5 months of on and off again, I am down 4 pounds...and following a reasonable diet plan. Discouraged."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Began 1 month ago, March 2025, starting with 2.5 mg at 210 lbs, and I am 5'4", size 14. 2nd month, same dosage, 2.5 mg. Now my weight is 183 lbs, size 10. I do have nausea, but it goes away when I drink plenty of water/seltzer. I can eat what I want, but small portions, and I can put the fork down. I take the shot at bedtime. I have only used my arms. It does not hurt. I am happy this is working."

• Fin...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 3, 2024

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Zepbound in March of this year, along with regular exercise and a more balanced diet. Since then, I have lost 65 lbs. For the first time in over 20 years, I am under 200 lbs. I feel great. I barely use my inhaler, my knees rarely hurt, and I can jog! My labs are all within normal limits, and I feel so much better about myself. I have very little side effects from ZB: nausea the day after I take it, intolerance to most alcoholic beverages, and I get hot after every meal. I’ll take those side effects any day if it means that I’ll continue to have my life back. I’m on the highest dose now and will continue until I reach my goal of 165. I’m 5’4'' and 44 yrs old. I’m not sure that I want to get back to my high school weight of 140 or less. Anyway, I’m not here to steer anyone, I just wanted to share how well it’s going for myself."

• Mat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 18, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Question: Why wouldn’t you use this to get a head start on a new life? I started on Monjaro for weight loss and had to switch to Zepbound after three months (insurance). I always dieted and would stall after 20 pounds. My ultimate goal was to lose enough weight to safely run again. After a year, I had lost 80 lbs and was able to start running. I just finished a half marathon, one year after starting this journey. The side effects of it are what is advertised; some nausea, it can hit you but goes away quickly, the heartburn was less with Zepbound than Monjaro, and the decrease in using the bathroom is a godsend for anyone experiencing IBS. The injection is not bad with the auto pen. Take the leap and change your life!"

• Ms ...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 11, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started my Zepbound journey in August 2024. I have been on .50 the whole time. I've lost 40 lbs using this medicine, which is amazing! In February, out of nowhere, I started to get side effects after my shot: nausea and diarrhea. Thinking it was the flu, I nursed myself back. Shot day is Wednesdays. On Saturday, the diarrhea came back again. I truly am excited for my weight loss journey but am literally pooped out."

• wen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 26, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have only taken it for 5 weeks. I have had a lot of nausea and acid reflux. Hopefully, they go away, but when I started, I weighed 174, and 5 weeks later, I am at 165, so it's working. Side effects seem to be decreasing, so I'll keep going for now."

• Ste...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 3, 2024

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on the shot for 5 months now, and at first, the appetite suppression was strong, with no side effects. After I went up in dose month two, I had extreme bloating and nausea to the point where I nearly took myself to the emergency room. Since then, the side effects have gone down, and the only one I deal with regularly is heartburn. Ask your doctor for Zantac and keep it and Tums on you at all times. Thankfully, it has mostly subsided, and I'm down 80 pounds with moderate exercise in 5 months. I have basically 0 appetite most days and have grown to work with it. I'd give it a 4/5. It's not easy, but if you're serious about losing weight and taking back control of your body, do it. Make sure you work out and follow a strict diet while you're doing it to get the most out of the medication. ALSO! Go to the manufacturer Lilly's website and sign up for the savers card. Saves me $300 a month with insurance."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2024

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am 5'2" and 46 years old. I started Zepbound on 8/20/2024 at 166 pounds. I took the 2.5 mg dose for one month, then increased to 5 mg in Oct. and Nov. I had very mild side effects, and I steadily lost weight until last week. I have now increased to the 7.5 mg dose, and the nausea and diarrhea are pronounced. I'm down 30 pounds, but I may switch back to the 5 mg dose if the side effects don't subside."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 1, 2024

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started using Zepbound on October 31st of this year. The beginning dosage was 2.5 mg. I started to lose 1-3 lbs. a week. The dosage was increased to 5 mg, which I started on the 4th week. Current total loss of 11.5 lbs. My provider has suggested that I increase the dose to 7.5 mg for my next refill. I do have side effects: nausea, constipation, dry mouth. My appetite has diminished, but I have to make a conscientious effort to eat. Cravings for specific foods have gone as well. I have a fear of needles, but do not feel the injections or any discomfort associated with normal 'shots.' Overall, my experience has been a good one, but it is still early."

• Jus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 28, 2024

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "After my second 2.5 shot, the side effect symptoms are too much for me to handle. I’ve barely kept any food down except for a day and a half before my second shot. I can’t find a way to prevent acute nausea, and the vomiting is now making me weak. I knew there would be side effects, but for me, this medication doesn’t work for my body. I chose to discontinue the medication and will work with my doctor to see what other options may work for me. I have been unable to participate in family and home life, feeling trapped between being so sick I can’t leave my bed and spending a lot of time vomiting or feeling like I will if I try to move or drink water. I hoped this would be the tool to help me on a healthier path, and it’s not the right one for me, but I can see how it would possibly help others if they aren’t affected by side effects."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 29, 2024

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "First dose 2.5 today, and already my appetite is none. I only ate a very small portion plate and drank nothing but water. It wasn't until I tried to have my daily cup of coffee when I felt very nauseated after only a few steps. Day 1, and I'm here to say I know it's going to work out (I'm hoping I can build my coffee/frappe tolerance back up, I LOVE my coffee)."

• kel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 12, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a 45-year-old female starting weight 243... I just took my fifth shot a few minutes ago, and I have lost a total of 26 lb since my first shot. Food noise is completely gone, and I find myself not able to eat anything until the day before my shot. I do drink a lot of water and have no cravings for sweets like I used to. I have done moderate exercise in the evening and tried to force myself to eat some source of protein throughout the day. I also take women's one-a-day gummies and I feel fantastic! The very first shot I took, the first few days I felt horrible, like I had the flu and had been hit by a bus. Since then, no side effects except for very mild nausea, which I take promethazine to help, and it does wonders. My sleeping patterns have gotten better, and my energy has increased. It states for my age and height at 5'9, I should weigh 167. I honestly feel like I would look very sickly if I got that small, so my goal is basically just to fit in my pants from last summer, lol."

• Mrs...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 8, 2024

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Zepbound made weight loss easy. I have lost 40-50 pounds on it. Very little side effects outside of a little nausea occasionally. It’s so easy to use with the prefilled injector. I am now maintaining, and my doctor is happy with my weight. I’m so excited, I haven’t been this thin in 30 years! The only downside for me is the cost. It’s quite expensive even with the coupon. I’m not sure how much longer I can keep paying at this price."