How to Manage Headaches When Using Tirzepatide

Headaches are a common side effect of many medications. Tirzepatide—also known as tirzepatide—is an FDA-approved medication that can aid in chronic weight management and loss. While generally a well-tolerated medication for most people, some mild side effects are expected, especially when a patient begins taking the medication and when the dosage is increased. However, in most cases, side effects subside once the body adjusts to Tirzepatide.

The most frequently cited side effects of Tirzepatide are gastrointestinal such as an upset stomach, nausea, and diarrhea. However, other side effects are possible, including headaches. Additionally, sometimes headaches are a result of the other side effects versus the Tirzepatide itself.

If you experience headaches after starting Tirzepatide, here are some ways to manage headaches when using Tirzepatide.

1: Monitor Your Blood Sugar

Part of the mechanism of Tirzepatide involves lowering blood sugar. Severely low blood sugar can cause headaches. Therefore, even if diabetes is not a concern for you, knowing the signs of low blood sugar and monitoring it while using Tirzepatide will help you identify if this is the cause of your headaches. Blood sugar that is severely low or will not come up may require medical attention. Patients rarely require this, but headaches can be caused by changes in your blood sugar which should be adequately monitored.

2: Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can also cause headaches when taking Tirzepatide. If you are experiencing headaches, ensure that you are drinking enough water. Not only is this beneficial for your body on Tirzepatide, but it can help treat headaches caused by dehydration. Other Tirzepatide side effects like diarrhea and vomiting can purge fluids from the body faster which can cause dehydration and headaches. If experiencing these side effects, it is imperative to remain well hydrated.

3: Avoid Alcohol

Similarly, alcohol consumption while taking Tirzepatide is not recommended because it can cause or worsen dehydration. However, it also can irritate the stomach, making any existing gastrointestinal worse. Alcohol can also cause the blood sugar to lower quickly. Combined with the blood sugar lowering effects of Tirzepatide, this places patients at a higher risk of lower blood sugar, dehydration, and headaches.

4: Understand The Scope Of Tirzepatide Side Effects

Most Tirzepatide side effects improve and go away with time. It can be understandably frustrating, especially because it can take a few weeks for this to occur. Still, likely, patients will not see these side effects last. In the rare case that side effects do not improve or go away, your providers can discuss other similar medications that your body may react better to.

5: Consider Over-The-Counter Medications

As long as a headache related to Tirzepatide is not related to a more concerning side effect, patients can usually find relief from over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen.

The Bottom Line

Patients taking Tirzepatide may or may not experience headaches as a side effect of the medication. However, the outlook for these headaches is positive, and they generally do not interrupt a patient’s life. Your provider can provide more insight into how to manage side effects from Tirzepatide such as headaches.