I took a break from my weight loss medication. Can I restart at my previous dose?
The short answer is: No.
If you have taken a significant break from your medication (typically more than 2 weeks), it is generally not safe to restart at your previous high dose.
Here is why you likely need to restart at a lower dose:
1. Your Tolerance Has Reset
GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP medications work by slowing down your digestion and signaling fullness. When you first started, you likely began with an "acclimation dose" to let your body adjust gradually. If you stop the medication, your body loses that tolerance.
2. The Risk of Severe Side Effects
Restarting at a high dose without acclimation can shock your system. This often leads to severe side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. The goal is to keep you comfortable and safe while your body readjusts.
3. The "Start Low and Go Slow" Approach To protect your health, providers typically follow a "start low and go slow" philosophy when restarting treatment.
For Compounded Tirzepatide: A typical restart dose is often 1.5 mg or 2.5 mg to help you acclimate.
For Semaglutide: Providers generally restart patients at the lowest entry dose (often 0.25 mg) to ensure safety.
What Should I Do Now?
Contact Your Provider: Reach out via the Medical Chat in your Patient Portal.
Update Your Status: Let them know how long you have been off the medication so they can prescribe the appropriate restart dose for your specific needs.
For most individuals who qualify for treatment after taking a break, a Starter Bundle will be recommended. This is a 3-month supply that slowly titrates up to get you back on track.