Jump to: Managing nausea on Mounjaro | Medication options | Timing considerations | Take home message
You can safely take over-the-counter anti-sickness tablets with Mounjaro (tirzepatide).
However, before turning to medication, consider introducing healthy habits like eating a diet based on whole foods first, as these can effectively manage nausea without adding extra medicines to your body.
Research shows that nausea affects about 15% of people taking the 10mg dose of Mounjaro, with vomiting occurring in around 5% of patients.
These side effects are usually mild and temporary, often improving within a few weeks as your body adjusts to the medication.
Understanding how to manage nausea through simple lifestyle changes can help you feel more comfortable while your body adapts to Mounjaro, often without needing additional medication.
We’d recommend speaking with your GP or pharmacist before starting any new medication, even over-the-counter ones, when you’re taking Mounjaro.
Managing nausea while taking Mounjaro
Before considering anti-sickness medication, try these practical tips to reduce nausea:
- Eat smaller meals throughout the day rather than three large meals
- This might look like three smaller meals and two protein-rich snacks
- Include protein with each meal or snack to help stabilise blood sugar
- Ensure your meals are based on whole foods; minimise ultra-processed food consumption
- Stay well hydrated by sipping water regularly throughout the day
- Try ginger tea, peppermint tea, or ginger tea
- Avoid lying down for at least an hour after eating
- Rest after meals in an upright position
Foods that may help settle nausea include:
- Cold foods that don’t have strong smells
- Ginger or peppermint-containing foods and drinks
- Clear broths or soups
- Plain yoghurt or bananas
Medication options for managing nausea
If lifestyle changes aren’t providing enough relief, several over-the-counter options are available:
Motion sickness tablets
These can help with general nausea. Common UK options include:
- Kwells (hyoscine hydrobromide)
- Joy-Rides (hyoscine hydrobromide)
- Stugeron (cinnarizine)
Antihistamines
Some antihistamines have anti-sickness properties:
- Dramamine (dimenhydrinate)
- Travel-Ease (diphenhydramine)
Other options
Additional over-the-counter medications include:
- Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate)
- Natural ginger supplements
- Peppermint capsules
Prescription options
For more severe nausea, your doctor might consider prescribing:
- Ondansetron
- Promethazine
- Metoclopramide
Timing considerations
Mounjaro affects how quickly your body processes medications. Consider these timing strategies:
- Take anti-sickness medication at least 2 hours before or after your Mounjaro injection
- If morning nausea is an issue, keep medication by your bedside to take before getting up
- Space out your medications throughout the day to avoid overwhelming your system
Important safety considerations
Always remember:
- Tell your healthcare team about all medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter ones
- Some medical conditions or allergies may affect which anti-sickness medications are suitable for you
- If you have severe or persistent nausea, speak with your healthcare team as they may need to adjust your Mounjaro dose
- Stay hydrated and monitor for signs of dehydration
- Be aware that Mounjaro can affect how your body absorbs oral medications
Take home message
While it’s safe to take anti-sickness tablets with Mounjaro, start with lifestyle changes first.
Many people find their nausea improves naturally within a few weeks as their body adjusts to the medication.
If you do need medication, work with your healthcare team to choose the most appropriate option for your situation, considering your medical history and other medications.
Second Nature’s medication programme
Second Nature provides Mounjaro as part of our weight-loss programme.
Why should you choose Second Nature over other providers, assuming you’re eligible?
For peace of mind.
Second Nature has worked with the NHS for over 6 years, providing weight-loss programmes across the UK.
While our Mounjaro weight-loss programme is private and not currently used by the NHS, we’ve built the programme focusing on scientific evidence, patient safety, and data security.
We hope that our 6+ years of working with the NHS and building a track record of effective weight-loss results will give you peace of mind to give us a try.
Please note: We generally recommend speaking with your GP/doctor before you start taking any new medication like Mounjaro. If you do sign up for Second Nature's Mounjaro programme, then we'll also send your GP a letter to let them know you've started a medication-supported weight-loss journey.