Can Wegovy cause dizziness?

GLP-1 medications like Wegovy (semaglutide) are notorious for causing digestive side effects, but can Wegovy cause dizziness too? Unfortunately, yes, Wegovy dizziness is relatively common, especially when you first start the medication. But why does it occur, and what can you do to manage it?

Keep reading to understand Wegovy and dizziness further, including why dizziness occurs, how long it can last, and how you can manage this side effect. 

Yes, dizziness is a known side effect of Wegovy. In clinical trials, dizziness occurred in 8% of adults who used the 2.4 mg dose of the Wegovy injection, compared with only 4% of adults who took a placebo.

Similarly, a study of over 600 adults with overweight or obesity taking the 2.4 mg dose of the semaglutide injection found that 12.8% of participants reported dizziness during treatment. In comparison, only 5.4% of those who took a placebo experienced dizziness. Dizziness ranks below more common digestive side effects like nausea, which affect a larger share of people taking Wegovy.

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It is not fully understood why Wegovy causes dizziness, but it is likely due to how the medication affects the digestive system and appetite.

Wegovy is a GLP-1 medication that works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone. One of the main ways Wegovy works is by slowing the movement of food through the digestive tract, keeping you fuller for longer. While this can help with weight loss by reducing your appetite, it can also cause uncomfortable gastrointestinal (GI) side effects. These changes can affect your hydration, nutrient intake, and blood sugar and blood pressure levels — all of which can play a role in dizziness.

Dehydration

GI side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, are common with Wegovy. These side effects can cause your body to lose fluids, increasing your risk of dehydration and dizziness.

Reduced food intake

Because Wegovy reduces your appetite, you may eat less than usual or skip meals. Consuming fewer calories can cause your blood sugar levels to drop, which may lead to dizziness or lightheadedness.

Low blood sugar

Semaglutide — the active ingredient in Wegovy — is approved under the brand name Ozempic (pill or injection) to lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. Although Wegovy (pill or injection) is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat diabetes, it can still affect your blood sugar.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause dizziness. You are at higher risk of hypoglycemia if you take other diabetes medications, especially insulin or sulfonylureas. On its own, Wegovy is unlikely to cause hypoglycemia in people without diabetes, since it only prompts insulin release when blood sugar is already elevated.

Changes in blood pressure

Research suggests that weight loss from semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy) may lower blood pressure. Low blood pressure can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting, especially when shifting from sitting to standing. To avoid falling, it is a good idea to hold onto something sturdy when standing up.

This is especially important if you are taking blood pressure medications. Make sure to discuss your blood pressure with your healthcare provider to see if doses of your medications need to be adjusted due to changes you’ve experienced on Wegovy. 

It varies depending on the person and the underlying cause. Side effects typically occur when first starting Wegovy and as your dosage is increased. Your healthcare provider typically increases your dose every four weeks until your maintenance dose, which can help minimize side effects like dizziness as your body gradually adjusts.

Fortunately, Wegovy side effects are usually temporary, lasting a few days to weeks as your body adjusts to the medication (though constipation may linger on a little longer). However, if your Wegovy dizziness is caused by dehydration or eating too little, staying hydrated and eating regular, balanced meals may help it resolve more quickly. 

Mild, occasional dizziness usually is not a reason to stop Wegovy — it tends to improve as your body adjusts. Still, do not change your dose or stop treatment on your own. Talk with your healthcare provider first.

If dizziness is severe, persistent, or paired with other concerning symptoms, seek emergency medical attention. You can always discuss your symptoms with the healthcare provider who is prescribing Wegovy once you are feeling better. 

The best way to deal with Wegovy dizziness depends on the cause. Strategies like staying hydrated, timing your meals appropriately, and monitoring your blood sugar can help. 

Here are steps you can take to manage dizziness on Wegovy: 

Stay hydrated

Many of Wegovy's GI side effects, like diarrhea and vomiting, cause your body to lose fluids. If you are not drinking enough fluids, you can become dehydrated, which may result in dizziness.

Aim to drink about 9–13 cups of fluids every day. You can drink water, oral rehydration solutions, coconut water, fruit juices, or broths. Try to avoid options with high amounts of added sugar.

Eat regular, balanced meals

Eating less or skipping meals can cause lower blood sugar levels, which may make you feel dizzy. To avoid this, eat regular, nutritious meals that consist of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Keep a snack or juice on hand so you have something you can eat if your blood sugar is low.

Stand up slowly

If you have been feeling dizzy while changing positions, standing up slowly and bracing yourself on a sturdy object can help. This gives your body time to adjust and can help prevent falls. This dizziness, sometimes called orthostatic hypotension, happens when blood pressure drops after you change position.

Monitor your blood sugar levels

Dizziness is a common symptom of low blood sugar. Early signs of low blood sugar, such as shakiness, sweating, or irritability, can help you catch it before dizziness sets in. If you take diabetes medications, like insulin or a sulfonylurea, your healthcare provider may recommend checking your blood sugar at regular times every day. If you find that your blood sugar is consistently low (meaning under 70 mg/dL), consult your healthcare provider.

Limit alcohol and caffeine

Alcohol and high doses of caffeine both have diuretic effects, meaning they make your body lose fluids by increasing urine production. High doses of caffeine are generally considered more than 400 mg per day (roughly four cups of coffee). This can increase the risk of dehydration, which may result in dizziness. Therefore, if you have been dizzy while taking Wegovy, it may help to limit your alcohol and caffeine intake.

Although Wegovy dizziness is usually mild and temporary, there are some instances that can signal something more serious. Contact a healthcare provider or seek emergency medical attention if you experience:

• Dizziness that is severe, persistent, or worsening

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) that aren’t getting better

• Trouble keeping fluids down that doesn't improve

• Signs of dehydration such as dark urine

• Confusion

Seek emergency care (call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room) if you experience:

• Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swelling of your face or throat

• Chest pain, a racing heart, or difficulty breathing

• Fainting

• Signs of a stroke, including numbness, weakness, or trouble speaking

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If you have been wondering whether Wegovy causes dizziness, the answer is yes, but it is usually temporary and improves as your body adjusts to the medication. Here are the key takeaways:

• Wegovy supports weight loss by reducing your appetite and calorie intake. 

• Wegovy dizziness can be related to dehydration, low blood sugar levels, low blood pressure, and a reduction in calorie intake. 

• Staying hydrated, timing meals appropriately, monitoring blood sugar, standing up slowly, and limiting alcohol and caffeine can help manage your symptoms. 

• If you experience severe dizziness, or dizziness accompanied by chest pain, trouble breathing, or signs of a stroke, contact your healthcare provider right away.