Tirzepatide and Diarrhea: 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."

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 13, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "I usually don’t share reviews but felt this was warranted. I took my first 2.5 mg shot on 9/4, felt fine until 9/7 when the terrible sulfur burps started followed by sour stomach and nausea. Around 10 pm that night, I began 5 days of severe vomiting and diarrhea, which culminated yesterday at the ER getting fluids, CT scans, and IV nausea meds. I will not be taking this shot again. I have not thrown up anymore, but the diarrhea will just not stop. I can’t eat or take any of my other medication properly. Beware. When something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. I’m a past user of Byetta, Victoza, Ozempic, Trulicity, Rybelsus, Bydureon, all the pills, and about every homeopathic treatment ever made. I didn’t take this shot like a blind fool, but I have never had a side effect as terrible as this one. I’ll stick with my insulin. At least I can function like a normal human being!"

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

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on the lowest dosage of Zepbound for about 3-4 months. I’ve lost 22-25 pounds. No, I haven’t increased the time spent exercising. But I am no longer hungry and stuffing junk food into my mouth. My tongue hasn’t forgotten it loves Snickers, but I am able to grab apples and be content. My nephrologist put me on it as I do have kidney disease, I was in the obese range, and I was prediabetic. It’s expensive ($400 per month), but I feel better about myself, and so it’s worth it to me. I was the fat kid in my family and have never been a thin and beautiful person. But Zepbound has given me higher self-esteem because it’s doing what it’s supposed to do… help me to shed weight in a healthy way. I do sometimes experience constipation, then a giant diarrhea round, but I feel good most of the time. I have no other side effects and have been pleased with the assistance Zepbound has given me. Thank you, Lilly Pharma!"

• 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."

• cla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 26, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "I completed 4 weeks on 2.5 mg with zero side effects, other than the intended appetite suppression and lost 10 pounds. HOWEVER, after my second week at 5mg, I'm not sure I can continue. I've had awful nausea, vomiting, sulfur burps, and diarrhea, to the point I had to go to the ER for IV fluids and potassium. Zofran, Phenergan, Tums, and Pepto have zero effect. I can barely function, but hey, I'm down a total of 17 lbs in 6 weeks, so at least I'll look skinny for my next trip to the ER."

• SMP...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 5, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’ve lost 43 lbs in the last 9 months. I experienced some mild hair loss (but started this in menopause, so that contributed to hair loss as well), increased heart rate, although mine was low to start, some burping, and tiredness. The worst side effect for me is the diarrhea. I have it starting about 24-48 hrs after injection. It lasts on and off for about 3 days. Overall, these side effects have been mild and manageable. The weight loss has been life-changing!!"

• Ric...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 5, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "I currently have renal failure. I needed a kidney and pancreas. I was on the list for both. I did all my workups, even a triple bypass. My doctor put me on Mounjaro because of my heart surgery and diabetes. The Mounjaro worked so well it fixed my pancreas, and now I’m just on the list for a kidney. The side effects of using it were a little diarrhea and weight loss. I was 300-plus pounds, now I am under 160. Plus, I am no longer needing insulin for my diabetes. It’s practically gone."

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 10, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Mounjaro 2.5 mg on September 6th, weighing in at 128 kilos. I'm now on my 7th shot of 10 mg (as I stayed on 10 mg for another month over Christmas) and I weigh 106 kilos in January. This is without changing my lifestyle of exercise or food. I eat smaller portions and don't think about food half as much as I used to. It's been great up until my 6th shot of 10 mg. I would experience mild side effects of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sulfur burps. These tended to be spread across the board as well though, never all at the same time, and it was manageable. However, my 6th dose I felt instantly! I was nauseous for 3 days straight, vomiting, diarrhea, sulfur burps, tired, the list is endless. I was so worn out by the nausea, I couldn't sleep, eat, or drink. I took myself to the walk-in center at the hospital where they referred me straight to A&E for having a resting heart rate of 128 bpm. I was put on an IV drip, bloods taken. I felt awful and still do! Going to go back to 7.5 mg."

• Pen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 23, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started taking Mounjaro on 9/1. This resulted in the very worst month of my life. WEEK ONE - Super Nauseous, indigestion, stomach pain for 3-4 days of the first week. My appetite went from a 10 to a 2 (which was good). WEEK TWO - I had diarrhea for 3-4 days, along with sulfur belches, nausea, stomach pain. I ended up having to take sick days and go get an IV bag to recover from the dehydration. WEEK THREE - World-class nausea and vomiting. 3 days of vomiting so hard that I ruptured my esophagus. The entire month, if I was not having diarrhea, I was VERY constipated. I lost 9 lbs in one month, but I don't know if it was because I could barely eat due to the sickness. PASS!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 29, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm on month three. My doctor thinks I might be too sensitive to it and may have to stop soon. Extreme nausea, occasional vomiting, and sulfur burps followed by diarrhea, weakness, and lethargy. The pros: in three months, I've gone from 262 lbs to 239 lbs."

• Sus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 24, 2024

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’ve used Zepbound for almost 5 months & have lost 15 lbs. I experienced diarrhea at the beginning but much less now. What I didn’t expect was that my bladder issues like leaking, etc. would stop. It has been amazing! I went from needing valve & bladder surgeries to complete stoppage. I hope this info will help other women with their urology issues. Even if I never lost another pound, if another Zepbound side effect helps my bladder, I’m in!!"

• JWa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 28, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Zepbound was effective within the first week. I experienced a significant decrease in hunger and decreased interest in food. I also found that I could not always finish a meal serving in one sitting. Initially, I had minor issues in bowel habits (constipation and diarrhea). Both symptoms are minor and managed with adequate hydration and fiber-rich foods. More disconcerting have been the “egg burps” caused by bacterial action on sulfur-rich foods in a slowed GI system. I have selected less sulfur-rich foods and make a concerted effort to drink more water during a day or two following the weekly injection. This side effect seems to have moderated, perhaps as I am into the second month of my current dosage and third month on Zepbound and/or temporarily minimizing sulfurous food intake in a short period following injection. I also track my food intake and assure I am eating an adequate level of protein. I have lost 15 pounds in 10 weeks. I am 77 and a woman."

• MTO...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 14, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This medication has been a huge blessing in my life. Started at the lowest dose in August of 2022. Increased each month to the highest dose and have stayed there for 3 months now. It's May of 2023, and I have lost 80 pounds! I was pre-diabetic, depressed, and hopeless. I've had a bit of stomach upset, diarrhea, heartburn, gas... nothing terrible. But I feel so much better. My joints don't hurt hardly at all, I have more confidence to go places and talk to people and do stuff outside, and I even sleep better. I was looking into bariatric surgery before I found Mounjaro. I'm so glad I didn't have to do that."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 19, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "I tried Ozempic for 9 weeks and thought I was going to die, so they switched me to Mounjaro. The 1st 2 weeks were okay, I just didn't have an appetite, but week 3 hit me just like Ozempic did. Total exhaustion. I've lost 5 lbs in a little over 3 days. I have side effects of sulfur burps, dehydration, constant nausea, falling asleep at all times, all-night vomiting, and diarrhea. I feel bruised from head to toe and have blurred vision. I'm telling people this for a warning. Read the reviews. People are constantly going to the ER because of these medications. I'm flustered because I found something that worked for my diabetes, but it is really bad for me. Since starting Ozempic up to now, I've lost almost 30 lbs... might sound great, but not when you can't function."

• Jim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 24, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started at the 2.5 level and lost some weight (15 lbs.). Sugars are down as well. Greasy foods are not recommended. Went to the 5.0 level and everything dairy went bad... sours on the stomach badly and quickly. Ate too much one night and got very ill, vomiting and diarrhea all night along with serious gas from both ends! I don't like that I can't have my dairy, even tried Lactaid to no avail. Also, there seems to be a metallic taste in my mouth most of the time."

• kim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 13, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started out on the 5mg and was deathly ill from it for about a week, with severe diarrhea and belching that was so awful it made me want to vomit. I lost 9 pounds, and my sugars are going down and staying where they are supposed to be. I called my doctor, and she switched me down to the 2.5mg, better just one day of illness. Started back on the 5mg, and I still feel horrible for 24 hours after day 2 of the shot. But sugars are awesome, and I'm hoping this too will pass."

• Rck...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 2, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "My doctor recommended Mounjaro. I objected because of previous experience with side effects from Byetta, Victoza, and Trulicity. He said the side effects were mild. I agreed to try 2.5, that was a horrible decision! My heart rate elevated, pulse and blood pressure increased, couldn’t eat, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of sense of balance. Went to the doctor 2 days later, and I was so dehydrated I required 2 1/2 bags of IV solution to help me drive home. I can’t remember ever being so sick. I will never take it again or recommend it to anyone!"

• kto...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 7, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Mounjaro 7 weeks ago. The first shot made me so nauseous and have such bad abdominal pain that lasted for 12 hours. I almost went to the ER. I told my doctor about my experience, and she gave me Zofran and told me to continue dieting. Fast forward to this weekend - took my shot on Friday morning, then spent all day Saturday and Sunday projectile vomiting (it literally ended up about 7 feet from where I was standing), uncontrollable diarrhea, disgusting sulfur burps, horrible heartburn, and dizziness. Finally, I decided to go to the ER and got treated for dehydration. They told me to follow up with my primary doctor to talk about the best way to continue the medication. After this experience, I am NEVER taking this drug again. While I've lost 25 lbs in the past 7 weeks, I believe it's mostly because I've been afraid to eat anything. I will continue to eat healthy and cut carbs and sugars, but I won't be taking Mounjaro again."

• Cry...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2022

"My doctor prescribed Mounjaro after seeing my weight increase. First, I am a bariatric weight loss patient - 6 years out. I lost 80 lbs after my surgery and gained 30 back since. So yes, there is reason to be concerned. The month supply of 2.5 mg dose produced a 5 lb weight loss, and my appetite was suppressed somewhat. But more noticeable is the craving loss. They completely went away. I'm anxious to see how the 5 mg dose works. Some annoying side effects, but nothing drastic so far. Light nausea and diarrhea (subsides somewhat following the first few days after dosage). It took me a bit of time to get it together and start making healthy choices. I was in a very stressful work environment and chose to retire a little earlier than planned. Now, I work part-time from home now so I can take care of myself better. That's just me... I get overwhelmed and spiral. But even seeing this small amount of weight loss from the 2.5 dose has given me lots of hope and motivation!"

• 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."

• Che...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 31, 2024

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am 55 years old and going through menopause. From weighing 165 pounds, I have gained 40 pounds. I started having sleep apnea, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. I am on my second shot of Zepbound. The side effects of the first dose were really bad, I had diarrhea for one week. The side effects are not bad now. I am sleeping better, I don't hear myself snoring, and I have lost 6 pounds."

• 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."

• Dut...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 8, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "My appetite and being a lifelong ‘foodie’ hit a final conflict point four years ago when I lost my ability to work off my weight easily. My knee pain and depression combined to make me asocial, deeply uncaring about my condition and convinced of no hope. I am pretty miserable. At 15 mg a week, food has moved from center stage to a stronger support character. Only one bout of intestinal irritation has marred my experience with diarrhea, vomiting, pain. But my insulin levels remain superb and my glucose monitor has become a friend, not an inevitable betrayer."

• Din...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 10, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "In the two doses, my blood sugar has been lower, my appetite has diminished, and I had no side effects. At the end of the second week (Saturday), I woke up during the night with stomach pain, diarrhea, and belching. After 6 hours, I finally vomited up undigested food that had been in my stomach for over 12 hours. It looked like I had just eaten. I avoided all food until Sunday morning, eating 1/2 of a plain English muffin. I had Lipton chicken soup, a piece of Bavarian pretzel, and a few french fries (picking from my wife’s meal). Monday, I finally felt hungry and had a Whopper Jr. (not a good choice I know), and Tuesday I woke up with food sitting in my stomach and one diarrhea BM. NOTE: I have not taken dose #3, nor do I plan to. This is slowing my digestion down too much. I have never had digestive issues, and I’m not going to start now."

• Ton...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 26, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started on a 2.5 mg dose for 30 days and had nothing positive or negative. The doctor increased it to 12.5 mg, and my appetite went to zero, stomach pain, throw-up, diarrhea, general nausea, and ill feeling, but did lose 15 lbs in 3 weeks, and my blood labs were near perfect. I was ready to quit until I saw this. The second month, my appetite came back slightly, and I learned to eat less and cleaner so it wouldn’t make me throw up, lost another 15 lbs, and it excited me to get back in the gym daily. Since the drug slows your digestion, it slows the bowel too, which gave me insane constipation and made sure I eat enough fiber daily. At first, the side effects are hell, but stick with it as they only lasted a month, then your body adjusts and you learn how to eat and work with it. The end results are worth it. It's been 9 months, and I have lost 35 lbs, labs are excellent, and for the first time, I have seen glucose under 100 in 30 years."