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Mounjaro side effects by dose: What to expect when increasing doses

You may notice more side effects, but they should go away once your body gets used to the medication
Wendy Wisner
By | Jul. 10, 2025 Medically reviewed by Leslie Greenberg, MD
A GLP-1 pen: Mounjaro side effects by dose

Key takeaways

  • Mounjaro is a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist used to manage blood glucose levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes.

  • Mounjaro side effects tend to increase the higher the dose, which is why the dosage is gradually increased.

  • Most people find that side effects decrease as their body adjusts to the medication over time.

In this article:

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is an injectable, dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist used to treat adults with Type 2 diabetes. Similar to Ozempic (semaglutide), Mounjaro also causes a decreased appetite, which is why it is taken off-label for weight loss. If you are starting to take Mounjaro for the first time, you likely have concerns about potential side effects, especially once you start increasing the dose of the medication. Here, we’ll take a closer look at Mounjaro’s side effects and what you can do to prevent them.

Mounjaro dosage overview

Overall, the best way to minimize Mounjaro side effects is to gradually increase the dose. Mounjaro is prescribed in single-dose injection pens in the following amounts:

  • 2.5 mg
  • 5 mg
  • 7.5 mg
  • 10 mg
  • 12.5 mg
  • 15 mg

Like other GLP-1 and GIP medications, Mounjaro dosage is typically titrated, meaning people start at a low dose and increase as necessary based on side effects and efficacy. “This dosing strategy limits potential side effects,” explains Katie Sorensen, NP-C,  nurse practitioner and owner of a medical weight loss practice, Weight Loss NP. “The most significant timing for experiencing side effects is when a person just starts the medication and when their dose is increased.” 

John La Puma, MD, board-certified internist and founder of Chef Clinic, has a similar take. “Nausea is more frequently seen at increased maintenance doses, and we generally have the greatest number of patients with nausea at the 15 mg dose,” he shares. “That’s why we start low and slow with dosing.”

Common Mounjaro side effects

Like other GLP-1 medications, Mounjaro can cause side effects at all doses. Most of these side effects are gastrointestinal in nature. “The most common side effects are what I call ‘gut talk.’ My patients have mainly nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, occasional vomiting, and constipation,” Dr. La Puma says. “They’re the typical offenders when you’re starting this class of medication because your system is acclimating to the way the drug is working.”

RELATED: Zepbound vs. Mounjaro

Research backs this up. A 2023 study published in Cureus found that GI side effects were the most common type experienced by people taking tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro. For example, 20.43% of people taking it experienced nausea, 9.05% experienced vomiting, and 2.54% had constipation.

Notably, as Sorensen underscores, Mounjaro side effects tend to get better as your body adjusts to the medication. “The body tends to get used to Mounjaro over time, and side effects generally become less significant and even go away with time,” she says, stressing the importance of starting at the lowest dose and increasing gradually, and only if medically necessary.

One long-term side effect of Mounjaro is reduced appetite, although patients’ appetites are likely to increase once they stop the medication. Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro, was FDA approved for weight loss as brand-name Zepbound. Participants of a 72-week clinical trial lost about 21% of their body weight when taking 15 mg of tirzepatide once a week, combined with diet and exercise.

RELATED: Zepbound vs. Mounjaro

Mounjaro side effects by dose 

Wondering how increasing the Mounjaro dose impacts side effects? Annika Kariniemi, APRN, CNP, a family nurse practitioner and founder of ProHealth Medical Weight Loss, shares the side effects of Mounjaro she typically sees at the different doses.

  • 2.5 mg (Starting dose): The side effects of Mounjaro 2.5 are generally mild, and you will experience few—if any—side effects. At this dose, “you might notice slight nausea or minor changes in bowel habits,” Kariniemi says.
  • 5 mg: “Many people see a noticeable increase in side effects here,” Kariniemi shares. For instance, nausea often becomes more pronounced, along with more stomach pain, diarrhea, or constipation. This is also when appetite suppression becomes more prominent, according to Kariniemi.
  • 7.5–10 mg: “At these doses, digestive side effects can be more persistent,” explains Kariniemi. “Nausea might linger for days after an injection, and managing bowel changes is common.” She says you may also experience increased tiredness.
  • 12.5–15 mg: It’s at these higher doses that you may see more robust side effects. “Nausea, vomiting, and significant appetite and digestion changes are common,” Kariniemi says. “Managing these side effects often becomes a key focus, and some may need to adjust their dose if issues are too disruptive.” Weight loss is highest at 15 mg weekly.

These side effects don’t happen to everyone. And even if you do experience side effects, they may be mild and may resolve spontaneously, without treatment. 

“Generally, mild to moderate digestive issues are most noticeable 24–72 hours after an injection, especially when starting or increasing your dose,” Kariniemi says. “For many, these effects improve or resolve within a few weeks as their body adapts.” Still, some people experience side effects that last longer than this. “Always discuss prolonged or bothersome side effects with your provider,” Kariniemi stresses.

RELATED: Mounjaro long-term side effects

Mounjaro missed dose side effects

If you miss a dose of Mounjaro, take the dose as soon as possible, but only if less than 96 hours (four days) have passed since you were supposed to have taken it. If more than four days have passed, wait until your next scheduled dose day to take it. Never take two doses of Mounjaro within three days of each other. 

The chances of experiencing adverse side effects from one missed dose of Mounjaro are slim, but you may notice more gastrointestinal discomfort after missing two doses of Mounjaro—especially if you resume it at the same dose instead of a lower one. It’s best to ask your healthcare provider about what to do if you miss any doses of Mounjaro, since they can assess whether you should resume treatment at the regularly scheduled dosage and help you manage adverse side effects. 

How to manage Mounjaro side effects

If you are experiencing bothersome Mounjaro effects, you might want to know how to minimize these effects so that you can stay on the medication more comfortably. The best way to reduce your risk of side effects is to only take the dosage you’re prescribed. “Starting at a low dose and titrating up under competent medical supervision reduces the risk of significant side effects,” Sorensen says.

Likewise, there are lifestyle modifications you can make to reduce the impact that Mounjaro has on you. You can start with dietary modifications. Here are Sorensen’s suggestions:

  • Drink lots of water (a minimum of 64 oz of water per day, ideally more).
  • Stick to a clean diet, avoiding overly heavy or greasy foods, or foods high in sugar or carbs.
  • Keep your meals smaller, and stop eating at the first sign of fullness.

Dr. La Puma offers some additional lifestyle suggestions for minimizing side effects, based on the specific side effects you are having. Here’s what to know:

  • For nausea or vomiting: Eat small, low-fat meals, drink ginger tea, and use over-the-counter (OTC) anti-nausea meds.
  • For diarrhea: Consume sugar-free electrolyte drinks and avoid spicy foods.
  • For constipation: Add fiber (fruits, vegetables, psyllium) to your diet. As a last resort,  use OTC laxatives such as Bisacodyl and Senna, no more than twice weekly.
  • Injection site reactions: Change injection sites, use ice to relieve pain and swelling, and use mild steroid cream before and after the injection.

When to contact your healthcare provider

Although most side effects from Mounjaro are manageable and don’t require emergency medical attention, there are certain symptoms that are more serious, or even life-threatening. Kariniemi recommends you contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:

  • Severe, persistent abdominal pain, which could indicate pancreatitis
  • Signs of severe dehydration, such as dizziness, feeling faint, or reduced urination
  • Symptoms of low blood sugar, like shakiness or confusion, especially if you have diabetes
  • Signs of an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), including swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing
  • Changes in vision
  • Any severe or disruptive side effects

For most individuals, Mounjaro’s side effects are manageable and get better as the body adjusts to the medication. This typically happens within a few days or a few weeks after starting it, according to Dr. La Puma. However, there are some instances when it may make sense to contact your healthcare provider regarding Mounjaro’s side effects.

“If side effects are hanging around longer, are bad, or really affecting your day-to-day living, don’t just grit your teeth or drop off. Call your provider,” Dr. La Puma emphasizes.

Frequently asked questions

Does Mounjaro 10 mg have more side effects than 5 mg?

Yes, at 10 mg, some of the digestive effects of Mounjaro may get worse than at 5 mg. You may also experience increased fatigue.

How long do Mounjaro side effects last?

Mounjaro side effects are most pronounced for about 24–72 hours after an injection. Side effects tend to become less noticeable once the body gets used to the medication over time, even at higher doses.

Which dose of Mounjaro causes the most nausea? 

Typically, the higher doses of Mounjaro (12.5–15 mg) cause the most nausea.