Can You Drink Alcohol with Semaglutide?

Semaglutide has emerged as a promising pharmaceutical option for those seeking to lose weight and/or manage type 2 diabetes. This medication, which is marketed under brand names like Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy, has helped many patients achieve their weight loss goals.

However, as with any medication, there are precautions that need to be taken when using semaglutide. In this blog, we’ll explore whether you should drink alcohol while on semaglutide and provide guidance so you can make safe and healthy decisions.

What Happens if You Drink Alcohol While Taking Semaglutide?

Combining alcohol with semaglutide can lead to severe side effects. For one, alcohol can exacerbate semaglutide’s gastric side effects, increasing your risk of nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort.

Additionally, consuming alcohol while on semaglutide can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which can pose significant health risks, particularly for individuals with diabetes. It’s also worth noting that alcohol contains calories that may compromise your weight loss efforts.

How Much Alcohol Can You Drink on Semaglutide?

For those taking semaglutide, medical professionals recommend limiting alcohol intake due to the increased risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) drinking poses. Generally, this means consuming no more than one drink per day for women and two for men.

While occasional, moderate drinking on semaglutide may not be prohibited, it’s still advisable to consult your healthcare provider to gain an understanding of your individual risk factors and determine an appropriate level of alcohol consumption for you.

What Alcoholic Drinks Should You Avoid While Taking Ozempic?

When taking Ozempic, certain alcoholic beverages should be avoided to prevent adverse reactions and ensure the medication’s efficacy. Such beverages include:

• High-Carbohydrate Beers: Many beers, especially those that are craft or sweetened, contain high levels of carbohydrates that can induce fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
• Sugary Mixed Drinks: Cocktails mixed with sodas, juices, syrups, and/or creams tend to be high in sugar and calories, meaning they can cause blood sugar spikes and weight gain.
• Fortified Wines: Sweet varieties of wine, such as port or sherry, have higher sugar content that can be detrimental for individuals trying to manage their blood sugar levels.
• Heavy Liquors: Consuming spirits in large quantities can lead to rapid changes in blood sugar levels and potentially cause them to drop to dangerously low levels.

Is it Harder to Get Drunk on Ozempic?

Many users have reported that the same amount of alcohol that used to get them drunk no longer affects them since starting Ozempic. While there isn’t yet sufficient research to confirm this effect, preliminary studies have indicated that semaglutide can dampen alcohol cravings.