Alcohol and GLP-1 Medication: What to Know Before You Drink

If you have been prescribed a GLP-1 medication, you have probably wondered whether you can still have a drink. There is no one answer that fits everyone, so the first conversation is with your prescriber, who knows your health and your other medicines. What we can explain is how alcohol tends to interact with the way these medicines change your eating, the extra care needed if you have diabetes, and how to make choices that look after you. It is written for people already on treatment, alongside their doctor.

Why alcohol and these medicines don’t always mix

GLP-1 medicines slow down how quickly your stomach empties, which is why you feel full sooner and for longer. It is also why gut side effects such as nausea, reflux, vomiting and diarrhoea are common, especially when you first start or after a dose increase.

Alcohol can add to those symptoms. A clinical consensus paper on managing these side effects lists moderating alcohol and fizzy drinks among its practical recommendations, alongside smaller meals and avoiding very rich food. Mixers such as soft drink, tonic and sparkling wine bring the fizz as well as the alcohol.

Vomiting and diarrhoea also make it easier to become dehydrated, and alcohol adds to that. On days when your stomach is already unsettled, skipping the drink is usually the kinder choice.

If you have diabetes

Many people prescribed these medicines also take other diabetes medicines. Diabetes Australia explains that for people on insulin or the sulfonylurea class of tablets, alcohol can increase the risk of hypoglycaemia (a hypo), often many hours after drinking.

Eating less than you used to can add to that risk. If this applies to you:

• Talk to your doctor or diabetes educator about alcohol before you drink.
• Don’t drink on an empty stomach.
• Carry your hypo treatment, and make sure someone with you knows how to recognise and treat a hypo.
• Check your blood glucose as your team has advised, including later that night and the next morning.

Alcohol on a small appetite

When your appetite is small, each thing you eat and drink has more work to do. Healthdirect reminds people on weight loss medicines that it is important to eat enough food and nutrients each day, even when you don’t feel hungry.

Alcohol provides energy but none of the protein, vitamins or minerals your body needs, and a drink or two can leave little room for the food that does. For people trying to protect their muscle and nutrient intake during treatment, that trade-off matters. It is also easy to feel the effects of alcohol more when you have eaten very little.

If your eating has changed a lot, our guide to what to eat on GLP-1 medication covers how to get the most from a small appetite.

How alcohol fits around your eating, your social life and your health goals is personal. In a consult we can plan it with you, so it doesn’t undo the rest of your week. About the GLP-1 consult →

If you do choose to drink

If your prescriber is comfortable with you drinking, a few habits can make it easier on your body:

• Eat first. Have a small meal or snack with some protein before or with your drink.
• Go slowly. Sip, and give yourself time to notice how you feel before having another.
• Alternate with water to help with fluids.
• Choose still over fizzy where you can, if bubbles make you feel bloated or sick.
• Consider lower or no-alcohol options, checking the label for sugar and fizz.
• Stay within the Australian guidelines. The NHMRC recommends healthy adults drink no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than 4 on any one day. Your prescriber may advise less.
• Skip it when you’re unwell, or in the days after starting or a dose increase, when side effects tend to be strongest.

Noticing changes in how you drink

Some people find their relationship with alcohol changes while they are on treatment. They may want it less, or find it affects them differently. Others notice they are drinking to cope with stress, low mood or changes in eating. Whatever you notice, it is worth mentioning to your GP or prescriber.

If you find yourself restricting food to “save room” for alcohol, or you are worried about your eating, please talk to someone. Ausclin also offers eating disorder support.

When to see a doctor