If you happen to’ve not too long ago been prescribed Ozempic (semaglutide) and also you drink alcohol, chances are you’ll be questioning whether or not this mixture is wholesome, advisable, and even secure.
This text will discover what occurs whenever you drink alcohol whereas taking Ozempic, the potential unintended effects, and how one can safely drink alcohol whereas taking the medication.
What occurs whenever you drink alcohol whereas taking Ozempic?
Consuming alcohol whereas on any prescription remedy can result in advanced interactions, so it’s vital to talk along with your physician about potential reactions.
Listed below are some vital concerns in the event you select to drink whereas taking Ozempic:
Elevated threat of low blood sugar
Particularly in case you are additionally on insulin, alcohol can considerably decrease your blood sugar ranges, probably inflicting hypoglycemia.
Impaired judgment
Alcohol could have an effect on your decision-making capabilities, which might be significantly harmful if you must monitor your well being carefully, as within the case of diabetes.
Worsening of unintended effects
Alcohol can intensify Ozempic’s unintended effects similar to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased urge for food.
See extra in: Ozempic Aspect Results: What You Must Know.
Lengthy-term well being dangers
Common alcohol consumption can result in hypertension, stroke, and liver, coronary heart, and kidney ailments — situations which can be additionally widespread issues of diabetes.
The U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) recommends limiting alcohol consumption to no a couple of drink per day for ladies and two drinks per day for males.
If you’re coping with alcohol habit, it is very important search fast assist. Contact your healthcare supplier or name the Substance Abuse and Psychological Well being Companies Administration hotline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), out there 24/7.
Ozempic and alcohol’s impact on blood sugar ranges
Each Ozempic and alcohol are highly effective substances that may considerably affect folks with diabetes. Right here’s what you must know:
Danger of low blood sugar
Alcohol can drastically cut back blood sugar ranges, a threat that will increase in the event you additionally take insulin or sulfonylureas. Not like insulin, Ozempic doesn’t trigger acute low blood sugar however does cut back blood sugar ranges steadily over time.
Mixed results
When alcohol is consumed alongside Ozempic, particularly with insulin, there’s a compounded threat of hypoglycemia.
Recognizing hypoglycemia signs
It’s vital to concentrate on hypoglycemia signs, which can be tougher to determine whereas intoxicated. Hypoglycemia is usually outlined as a blood sugar degree decrease than 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L).
Signs embrace:
- Shakiness
- Fast heartbeat
- Shallow respiratory
- Sweating
- Starvation
- Nervousness
- Impaired coordination, which might result in falls
- Weak spot
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Complications
Extreme instances can result in unconsciousness and require emergency medical intervention.
Doubtlessly vital penalties
Untreated extreme hypoglycemia can result in seizures and coma, posing a life-threatening scenario.
Be taught extra in: Diabetes and Alcohol: How Does Alcohol Have an effect on Blood Sugar?
Do you have to drink alcohol whereas taking Ozempic?
If you don’t at the moment drink alcohol, there is no such thing as a health-related motive to begin. No certain quantity of alcohol is universally beneficial for consumption.
That stated, there is no such thing as a identified direct drug interplay between alcohol and Ozempic, and many individuals who use Ozempic eat alcohol with out adversarial results.
If you’re a reasonable drinker, occasional alcohol consumption is usually not dangerous whereas taking Ozempic.
Nonetheless, it is very important drink carefully and to all the time be aware of doubtless low blood sugar ranges.
If you happen to’ve not too long ago began Ozempic, your physician could advocate refraining from alcohol consumption till your physique adjusts to the remedy and your insulin ranges stabilize, which may take a number of weeks.
Be taught extra concerning the drugs in: All the pieces You Must Know About Ozempic.
drink safely when you may have diabetes
When consuming alcohol as somebody who has diabetes, it’s vital to observe these tips to make sure your security:
Monitor blood sugar
By no means drink alcohol in case your blood sugar ranges are low. All the time test your blood sugar earlier than, throughout, and after consuming, particularly earlier than going to sleep.
Handle insulin
Keep away from heavy consuming if in case you have vital quantities of insulin on board (IOB) to forestall hypoglycemia.
Hydration
Alternate alcoholic drinks with water to remain hydrated.
Knowledgeable firm
Guarantee you’re accompanied by people who find themselves conscious of your diabetes.
Meals consumption
Don’t drink on an empty abdomen. Have a snack wealthy in fats and protein earlier than mattress in the event you’ve been consuming within the night to stabilize your blood sugar in a single day.
Emergency preparedness
Carry glucose tabs or juice for fast therapy of low blood sugar. Put on a steady glucose monitor (CGM) and a medical ID bracelet to alert others in case of an emergency.
Communication
All the time inform somebody about your whereabouts and anticipated return time when going out.
Continuously requested questions
How a lot alcohol are you able to drink whereas taking Ozempic?
Binge consuming is very discouraged, particularly when taking diabetes drugs like Ozempic that may trigger low blood sugar ranges.
For most individuals taking Ozempic, reasonable consuming — outlined as as much as one drink per day for ladies and not more than two drinks per day for males — is usually thought-about secure.
All the time talk about your alcohol consumption and any issues along with your healthcare supplier to make sure security given your particular well being circumstances.
How lengthy after taking Ozempic are you able to drink alcohol?
Ozempic doesn’t trigger acute low blood sugar ranges nor does it work together with meals or drinks, together with alcohol, in the best way insulin does. Subsequently, the timing of your Ozempic dose doesn’t should be adjusted based mostly on whenever you drink alcohol.
Regardless of the shortage of a direct interplay, although, it is best to by no means drink alcohol on an empty abdomen or when your blood sugar is low, as these situations can worsen potential unintended effects.
Learn extra in: Meals to Keep away from Whereas Taking Ozempic.
Does Ozempic make you not need alcohol?
The reply to this query continues to be unclear.
Analysis involving rats and mice has proven that these handled with GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic exhibit a lowered want for alcohol in comparison with rats not given the remedy. This impact has additionally been noticed with different substances similar to opioids, nicotine, and cocaine.
Though these findings are promising, the affect of Ozempic on alcohol cravings has not been totally explored in people.
Nonetheless, preliminary research, together with medical trials the place contributors with weight problems acquired GLP-1 agonists mixed with cognitive-behavioral remedy (CBT), reported lowered alcohol consumption in comparison with these receiving a placebo (inactive therapy).
Imaging research have proven that in contributors receiving GLP-1 agonist therapy, mind areas related to habit are much less energetic when uncovered to alcohol-related cues.
Clinicians have famous anecdotally that some sufferers begin dropping their style for alcohol after starting therapy with Ozempic, suggesting a possible affect on alcohol choice.
Will I be capable of really feel my low blood sugars if I’m on Ozempic and drink alcohol?
Correctly detecting low blood sugar ranges might be difficult whereas consuming alcohol, because the sensations of hypoglycemia can carefully mimic these of being tipsy or drunk.
Ozempic could complicate this additional, as a few of its unintended effects — together with nausea, dizziness, weak spot, and vomiting — are much like each the results of extreme consuming and the signs of low blood sugar.
Resulting from these overlapping signs, it’s vital to drink alcohol carefully, frequently monitor your blood sugar ranges when consuming, and all the time have fast-acting glucose sources like tablets or juice available.
Be taught extra about food regimen and Ozempic in Meals to Keep away from Whereas Taking Ozempic. Did you discover this text useful? Click on Sure or No beneath to tell us!
