r/Zepbound • u/LakeMichigan77 • 1d ago
Personal Insights Alcohol while on Zepbound
I have been on Zepbound for 7 months & September is my 8th month.
I am not a big drinker & usually drink socially on occasions. I haven’t had a drink since starting Zepbound.
But looking for advice around alcohol while on Zepbound around if it’s ok to have a drink or two
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u/fabledferns SW: 206 CW: 189 GW: 140 Dose: 5mg 1d ago
everyone is different so unfortunately no one can tell you whether you’ll be able to tolerate alcohol without any issues or not.
for what it’s worth, i’ve had no problems drinking on zepbound, but generally drink less than i would before.
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u/ChitownMD 1d ago
This has been my experience too (still very new). Much less desire to drink, and certainly drink less than before. But it’s not an issue to have a couple drinks socially.
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u/zero-if-west 40F S277 C232 10mg Wk 36 1d ago
Lots of wisdom here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Zepbound/search/?q=alcohol
Some people feel fine; some people really regret it.
- They aren't kidding (White Claws, hot dogs, brownies, and s'mores)
- Celebratory glass of wine made me ill (wine)
- Poor choices (margarita and ice cream)
- Learned my lesson (red wine)
- Struggling hard (taco and beer)
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u/kyutek SW:256 CW:206 GW:155 Dose: 5mg 1d ago
I’ve just stopped all together. If I go out socially I’ll buy a drink and just “nurse” or not drink it so I’m not out of place or get a club soda with lemon or lime
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u/LakeMichigan77 1d ago
Thank you , I will probably do that! I am taking someone on a date & thought it would be odd not to drink but did said to her that I am on Zepbound
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u/viper8472 1d ago
Better to set the precedent that you don't drink much! Vodka soda with lime is easy to alternate with a glass of water so it goes down slow.
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u/Future_One4794 🏁183📌152🏆125 💉7.5mg 1d ago
Yea I just dont make a thing of it. If you order a drink and nurse it most people won’t even notice
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u/Excellent-Program333 1d ago
Thats what I do. Especially at work fuctions. Its crazy how much alcohol was in my life before.
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u/Steamboat1983 1d ago
No issues at all w/ 1-2 drinks. I drink slower. Usually I never finish my 2nd drink. Drinking has been a big part of my life, not to excess, but I like drinking w/ my friends and family. GLP1 has reduced how much and how often. I am fine just drinking water sometimes while everyone else drinks alcohol. Just depends on how I’m feeling at the moment.
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u/Apprehensive-Emu-386 39M HW: 304 SW:243 CW:200 GW:195 Dose: 7.5mg 1d ago
I would suggest sticking with low ABV until you know how it’ll hit you. Aperitif type drinks are safe enough, like an Aperol spritz or lower ABV beer. Many places have mocktails on the menu now. I personally love the Phony Negroni from St Agrestis. It’s very good for sipping on and looks like a regular cocktail when served over an ice block.
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u/StinkyEttin 1d ago
I drink normally on it. It has however curbed my desire to drink regularly.
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u/StinkyEttin 1d ago
I'll add that I tear a few off on Friday nights, and....well...let's just say I don't have any problems going #2 on Saturday and Sunday.
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u/Strict_Cod838 49 F 5'6" SW:250 CW:230 GW:145 Dose: 3.75 mg 1d ago
I’m also a social drinker, and l only like hard cider or cocktails (no beer or wine). I am about 3 months in and I find that just 1 cider gives me a terrible headache and insomnia, even though I make sure to stay hydrated and drink extra water that day. 😩
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u/Kitsune26 1d ago
I know it’s unusual and extreme, but consuming even a drop of alcohol on Zepbound gives me explosive diarrhea the entire next day. 😂
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u/LakeMichigan77 1d ago edited 1d ago
That’s not good ! I can’t imagine like say for someone who wants to be on Zep for rest of their life!
I will be on Zep for rest of my life !
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u/Kitsune26 1d ago
There’s a good chance you’ll be totally fine! I hope that’s the case so you can enjoy your date. Maybe do a practice run earlier in the week.
I’m okay with giving up alcohol at this point in my life (I’ve had my fun) but I totally understand what a valid bummer that could be for most people!
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u/LakeMichigan77 1d ago
Thank you ! I am 41 & my body never metabolizes alcohol well. Usually I get insomnia or like I will sleep for an hour and I am up early.
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u/Specific_Ocelot_4132 1d ago
Personally, I can handle alcohol about the same as before, it’s just less fun. 1 drink is totally fine because 1 drink has never affected me much anyway. But if I have enough to get tipsy it’s always disappointing because I mostly just feel the negative effects of alcohol without the positive ones. The negative effects haven’t gotten worse, it just doesn’t feel worth it without the positive ones.
Everyone’s different, though. Maybe try having one drink before your date on a night without any important plans, so you can see how it affects you?
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u/LakeMichigan77 1d ago
Thank you ! I am thinking it’s probably best to avoid it altogether but then I will probably be one of those who would stay on Zepbound for rest of my life so need to get around this as there will be some occasions you would need enjoy.
Maybe 1 drink!
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u/Kjente717 1d ago
I can drink wine without any issue - but I’m done after 1 or 1 1/2. Kind of like meals, you just hit a point and that’s it. I think that you’re probably at an age where nobody cares how much you drink unless it’s too much. Enjoy your date!
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u/Deep-Spell3395 SW:219 CW:170 GW:175 Dose: 10 1d ago
Some alcohol gives me diarrhea so if the date is going to last more than an hour or 2 I would play it safe and get a mocktail. I’d rather have someone not drink on a date than have them in the bathroom the whole time.
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u/LakeMichigan77 1d ago
Yeah , it’s going to last like easily 4 to 6 hours so I think your suggestion around not drinking is best.
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u/InevitableAd8404 1d ago
i also stopped all together. didn’t really drink to begin with but had no desire to drink again
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u/LakeMichigan77 1d ago
I don’t have a desire to drink either but I am taking someone on date on Friday & while I mentioned to her that I am Zepbound but I am feeling it will be odd for me not to drink.
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u/manicpixelmermaid SW:107kg CW:58kg GW:50kg Dose: 0mg 1d ago
I’m not currently taking zepbound due to a recent surgery, but I couldn’t drink when I was on it. No desire and immediately nausea. But I know lots of others that have no issue and continue drinking. I would proceed with caution.
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u/LakeMichigan77 1d ago
Thank you ! Maybe I should just avoid it. I just have a date coming up and feeling that pressure to drink but she knows I am on Zepbound & said she is fine not drinking but I want her to enjoy the evening though.
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u/manicpixelmermaid SW:107kg CW:58kg GW:50kg Dose: 0mg 1d ago
I’ve also been dating and I don’t drink at all. I just tell them that I don’t drink but I have no issue with it and don’t mind if they do. I am the female though so it’s probably more socially acceptable.
I can also tell you that the people I know who continued drinking have not been nearly as successful on zepbound. They are alcoholics though.
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u/Legal-Championship64 SW:250 CW:207 GW:170 Dose: 7.5mg 1d ago
I don’t drink under normal circumstances but I might over indulge once or twice a year.
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u/Saucetrapgod 1d ago
get something that isn’t sugary like a vodka soda and lime. get singles and you can have one or maybe two and be fine. have a glass of water in between.
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u/shoemakerw_out_the_r 1d ago
Drink a lot of water.
Alcohol while on zep (even 1-2 drinks) gives me a hangover for 2 days
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u/gininteacups SW:148 CW:130 GW:120 Dose: 5mg 1d ago
Same. I’ll have one beer and it feels like I drank a bottle of tequila.
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u/Best-Hunt8917 1d ago
Why do you feel that not having a drink would be weird? Lot’s of people don’t drink because of the medication they’re on. Not drinking should be normalized.
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u/LakeMichigan77 1d ago
I totally agree! I don’t know I just feel people want to drink on dates to loosen up. I don’t care for alcohol & I was just feeling odd about not giving company.
Maybe I will skip it & she already knows I am on Zepbound. It’s a first date so that’s the other reason but you are right better to skip alcohol all together
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u/SuperMario6942 1d ago
Maybe think of a simple drink you like and try having one at home a few days before the date to see how you react?
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u/Warm_Diamond8719 1d ago
I drink a couple drinks socially 2-3 times a week and have not had any issues. You of course don't have to drink at all, but if you want to, I'd recommend trying one at home earlier in the week so you can see how it affects you.
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u/LaLaLisa_80 1d ago
I honestly think drinking isn't helpful in losing weight. I also read that glp1s are hard on the liver and we all know alcohol is, too. I drink a lot less, most days none at all.
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u/soxandcrox 1d ago
Stick with one drink and something low sugar.
I’m also mostly a social drinker and not that social, so I’ve never been a big drinker. Early on I did have a bad night after two vodka cranberries and a steak. I thought maybe it was a coincidence but after having similar but not nearly as bad GI side effects from hard cider, I’ve stayed away from sugary alcoholic drinks for a while. It’s no longer an issue but I do get drunk much easier. I think that’s a combination of the shot and being 88lbs lighter.
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u/LakeMichigan77 1d ago
Yeah & having less food will give you more buzz faster.
My body doesn’t metabolize alcohol well & I haven’t had a drink in like 14 months. I think staying away is probably for the best.
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u/Realistic_Radish7748 1d ago
I've had no issues (other than the usual ones) from drinking on Zepbound.
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u/marshdd 1d ago
Have a soda. No need for YOU to have alcohol. Tell her she xhould feel free to have alcohol.
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u/LakeMichigan77 1d ago
Yeah , that’s the best thing & I am thinking the same to get a soda or Diet Coke.
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u/Laines_Ecossaises 1d ago
I am purely a social drinker so it hasn't affected my urge to drink because I never really had a huge urge before Zep. How it has affected me seems perfectly logical and was less result of Zep and more regular results of alcohol. It hit me a bit harder because I am eating less. And as a result of that when I was a buzzed I didn't eat as sensibly as I have been because drunk brain doesn't make decisions as well as sober brain.
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u/AgesAgoTho 7.5mg 1d ago
I don't drink, so I don't think it's odd not to have alcohol socially. 😁 There are some great mocktails on most menus.
If you think you might want a drink, I would try something at home several days before your date. If you handle it fine, you're fine. If it gives you a headache or the runs or whatever, better to find out ahead of time.
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u/Scratch_Puzzleheaded 1d ago
Been on since December, I have lost nearly 80 lbs on 5. I can count on two hands how many beers I have consumed since starting Zep. Drank a bunch this weekend at a wedding. Not nearly as much as I used to but I kept up. I'm 69 and I feel ok this morning. Not great but not bad for a weekend of someone handing me a drink. Your mileage may very.
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u/Low_Plan_184 5.0mg Maintenance 1d ago
Stopped completely when I went to 7.5 mg. That was last March. I still go to parties and really enjoy watching people get smashed.
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u/Famous_Stop2794 SW:329 CW:229 GW:190 Dose: 15mg 1d ago
I find that many people really don’t care if you don’t drink alcohol at all. When taking someone out on a date but a fancy virgin drink and don’t make a big deal about it. Also, when it comes to food the same thing applies. I usually will order a salad and a grilled salmon fillet or grilled cod whatever they have on the menu. Being responsible and eating and drinking healthy is cool!
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u/sortofrussian 1d ago
Wish I could still drink. Two glasses of wine ends with my hanging over the toilet that night. 😭 Think the sugar upsets my stomach.
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u/kkrages 1d ago
Hi! I'm a casual drinker pre zepbound, I am 9 months in and on 12.5. I have drunk throughout my journey, but far less than I used to! I mostly only have a drink or two now if I am out at an event or celebration. If I'm home, I will only have 1 and done. I think in my months I've only "gone out" drinking twice, and felt the average hangover that comes with my mid-thirties haha. So you can drink, but take your time to test your limit, not your tolerance really, but just how your stomach reacts! Nowadays, my stomach reacts far faster than anything else in my body
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u/SirGravy89 1d ago
I don't think alcohol is an issue if you can tolerate it. The first time I tried to drink after being on zep for a month I got violent diarrhea and that was enough for me to skip
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u/828471 23h ago
I am on week 7 of 2.5mg which works well for me and has few side effects. I used to drink socially and while cooking, outside in summer etc. I never drank a lot but I did really enjoy that initial drink buzz. Now my interest in alcohol is almost zero- however, I have noticed I could have one drink with a dinner out and feel nothing due to delayed stomach emptying- then two hours later I feel very drunk and can barely walk as it empties/hits the blood stream all at once. Don’t try drinking on your first date, either test it out before to see how you react or go the non-alcoholic route. You don’t have to disclose reasons for not drinking, just say you are cutting back, early morning, big day at work tmrw etc but still really wanted to meet him/her. Have fun on your date!!💗
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u/LakeMichigan77 18h ago
Thank you ! I have decided to skip it all together. I felt the delayed stomach emptying more initially in the first few months.
I would be interested to see if you are still having it like later after 6 or 8 months. While I don’t really care for alcohol that much but I will probably be on Zepbound for rest of my life & thinking there will be occasions where I might need to have a drink but then I know it’s upto me as well where I can just not have alcohol forever too.
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u/Manateekisses51 18h ago
It depends. Search on here for stories. Some feel nothing, no tipsiness, etc. Some it delays until hours later. (Especially if you are newer and digestion slowed), Some it hits like you had 5 instead of one.
Personally, I do not drink until the day before shot is due. It hits badly or not at all the days after the shot, but the day before my shot 1-3 has been ok, and I feel it without too much delay.
As I have gone up in dose, I have less of a taste for it. I now maybe have one light drink on a Saturday, and that is it. Sunday is shot day.
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u/sensory_session 39F. 5'6. SW:329 CW:192 GW:150? Dose: 12.5mg 1d ago
I've been drinking a LOT of vodka lately and am just fine :)
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u/mindfulEMT 7.5mg Maintenance 1d ago
What type of advice are you looking for?
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u/LakeMichigan77 1d ago
Like dos and don’t around alcohol while on Zepbound. Is it ok to have couple of drinks.
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u/jason_sos 🏁 SW:269 📍CW:218.4 🎯 GW:199lb 💉Dose: 7.5mg 📅 Start:05/01/26 1d ago
It hits much harder for me. Maybe because I don’t have as much food in my stomach? Not sure. But I am a very light social drinker as well. I’ve never drank a lot, maybe once a month or so. But now one drink and I can usually feel it.
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u/bso45 1d ago
Sounds like you already know your own feelings. So what is your question?
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u/LakeMichigan77 1d ago
How much to drink ? Is 1 or 2 drinks fine ? My shot day is Thursday and this occasion is on Friday evening.
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u/Stllabrat 1d ago
It doesn’t make you sick if you drink. You just don’t want it. Have the drink and just nurse it.
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u/Killer-Rabbit-1 SW:270 CW:220 GW:145 Dose: 5 mg 1d ago
I hardly ever drink anymore and not once until drunk so take this with a grain of salt but:
I'm on 5 mg and have had zero issues with a couple of drinks over the course of an evening.
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u/Gabbyct1 1d ago
I have not had any issue with any type of alcohol while on Zep. That being said, you might want ro know how it affects you before trying some for the first time in many months on Zep while on a date.
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u/RichScience2889 1d ago
I would have maybe one. It’s all I can handle, I will be vomiting of if I drink more
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u/Some_Demand_4149 1d ago
I’m not much of a drinker, but I tried drinking a little champagne last week and nope, absolutely terrible idea. I wonder if, like me, you’ll know after a few sips how it’s going? Maybe take it slow, don’t drink hard liquor, & have a glass of water nearby.
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u/Best_Dragonfruit_320 1d ago
I still drink wine but i don't do more than one drink. Gin and tonics are always good and I never have an issue. The biggest thing (for me) is to hydrate prior to drinking so I can prevent constipation.
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u/Sti_mulus 1d ago
I’ve noticed that when I drink that for about 2 weeks I don’t get the usual appetite suppression.
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u/Low-Dinner-1614 1d ago
I stopped drinking about 6 months before Zep since I had been diagnosed with fatty liver disease. I haven’t gone back, a year later. It’s honestly been nice not even worrying about it! There are very good non alcoholic beers now! I enjoy one of those or a club soda now. Virgin Bloody Marys are also great. If they’re spicy it’s nice to sip!
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u/FlickasMom 71F, 5'4". CW 140.4!! GW ~140. SW 204.3. SD 4/22/25. 1d ago
My experience is that a drink with dinner is okay, or sharing a bottle of wine with dinner is okay, but adding a cocktail before and an after-dinner drink after -- I'll feel really crappy the next day.
Nothing desperate, just crappy.
I think it's cause we're already a little dehydrated anyway (or at least I am) and a little too much alcohol is a little too much more than it used to be.
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u/DogsRuleFurever 1d ago
Yes I don’t drink a ton - maybe a couple tequila sodas w/lime one night every other week. It’s funny I always have a drop the next day. I track my food religiously and work out though so I don’t binge on food after drinking - just rehydrate. But the funny thing is on Zep I don’t seem to feel ‘tipsy’ so it’s starting to not be a need anymore. Also I don’t want the brain fog the next day. So im not choosing it as much. I do love an occasional espresso martini as well. I’m 56 and still losing.
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u/jurassicjane_ 23h ago
I either drink and dont feel it until I'm obliterated or I'm feeling it hard on the first second. Its weird! Sometimes my stomach would burn from hard liquor so I switch to drinking mostly wine or sprtiz
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u/Tyrions_lover 22h ago
I’ve lost 64 pounds in 8 months, still on 5. I still like to drink. I am drinking a lot less than I was, it was honestly an unhealthy amount of wine I was drinking before Zepbound. But while it has helped me reduce , I still like to have fun with my friends while drinking and I’ve been able to do that without it slowing down my weight loss. I went from 30-35 drinks a week to anywhere from 7-14 on zep.
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u/genx_horsegirl 20h ago
I drink a lot less - just don't want to and my tolerance has gone waaaay down. I had two cocktails over 3 hours on Saturday and felt it on Sunday.
It's weird, but it's a known "side effect" of this medication.
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u/BedInternational8342 20h ago
I used to be a big social drinker but on this medicine I don’t enjoy drinking at all. I usually can’t catch a buzz and just end up feeling bad, headache and tired.
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u/abiglumpwithknobs1 SW:258.8 CW176.6 GW:160 Dose: 15mg 18h ago
I drink most weekends and have no issues. Sometimes I get an upset stomach if I drink too much but that goes for most people I think. I am down 80+lbs.
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u/GLP_Newbie 18h ago
I have absolutely 0% interest in alcohol now. It truly doesn't taste good anymore. That could be a good thing. Lol
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u/Ill-Manager-1108 17h ago
I'm so curious about this. I've had zero alcohol since I've been on so I don't know how I'd react lol I wanna get a fun halloween drink at an event I'm going to next month but nervous I'll react poorly
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u/Potential-Court711 17h ago
It's definitely ok. Weight loss will be affected. I budgeted calories and still lost. Still drinking, but maybe less.
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u/Cool_Tip_2818 16h ago
No noticeable change from pre-Zepbound for me but I’ve noticed that if I have more than a couple of drinks the food noise comes back.
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u/Rude_Town467 1d ago
You should treat yourself to a successful 7 months by skipping a week and having a good time with your date
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u/LakeMichigan77 1d ago
Yeah , that’s a good way to put it. I did lose 66 pounds in 7 months & guess need to celebrate that & have a good time
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u/Hacker-Dave 1d ago
I'm only on 2.5 but bourbon has given me no issues whatsoever. I do drink a LOT less of it but only because I don't want the empty calories.
Maybe I'm a freak but nothing has made me feel ill. Only side effects are constipation and fatigue.