Welcome to a dilemma that makes simple activities like brushing your teeth or swallowing pills a challenge – the heightened gag reflex encountered by users of Ozempic!

Why does gagging happen and what can you do about it? Learn the reasons behind this side effect and how you can manage gag reflex while on Ozempic in this science-based article.

In this post

What is the gag reflex?
Why do we have the Gag reflex?
1. Everyone’s reaction is different
Why do Ozempic users suffer from gagging and what triggers it?
How can you manage gagging while on Ozempic?
Conclusion

What is the gag reflex?

Imagine you’re brushing your teeth, and suddenly, your toothbrush hits the back of your mouth… and you feel this knee-jerk response that contracts your throat and makes you want to throw up. That’s the gag reflex in action! It is a superhero-like mechanism that our bodies use to protect us from swallowing harmful things. Let’s break down this complex reflex.

Why do we have the Gag reflex?

The reason behind the gag reflex, officially called hypersensitive gag reflex (HGR), is simply protection. It is nature’s built-in mechanism that prevents harmful substances to enter digestive system or airways. It protects us from chocking(1).

Gag reflex can be triggered when a foreign object touches sensitive areas of around throat, such as the soft palate, back of the tongue, tonsils, uvula, and pharynx.

When triggered, nerves that control muscles of the through area – the glossopharyngeal nerve and the vagus nerve – are momentarily hyperactivated, leading to contraction that creates the gag feeling (1).

Everyone’s reaction is different

Not everyone’s sensitivity for gag reflex is the same. Some people are hypersensitive and may gag even at the slightest touch of the back of their throat, or even the thought of something gag-worthy. This can make everyday tasks such as tooth brushing, visiting the dentists, or even swallowing pills difficult. Yet, other people may lack the gag reflex altogether, which may require evaluation by healthcare provider.

Why do Ozempic users suffer from gagging

Clinical trials on Ozempic and other Semaglutides rarely mention gag reflex as a common side effect. However, a number of patients in reddit and other online forums mention that they suffered from heighted gag reflex at least during a portion of their Ozempic treatment journey.

According to these reports, gag reflex begins as early as few weeks after start of treatment.

The duration of gag reflex appears to vary among individuals. For some, it improves as they get used to the treatment. Others, on the other hand, appear to continue to suffer from gag reflex during the entirety of their treatment duration. The lack of consistent experience among Ozempic users suggests that the gag-reflex side effect may be dependent on personal sensitivity and treatment duration.

But why does this happen in Ozempic?

Although gag reflex did not make it the final cut in clinical reports of Ozempic’s side effects, the drug is well known to lead to several gastrointestinal side effects. These include nausea, dry heaving, vomiting, and abdominal pain (2).

Additionally, one of the key impacts of Ozempic use is delayed gastric emptying, also known medically as gastroparesis. This adds additional stress to the gastrointestinal system.

It is possible that these contribute to exacerbation of gagging in some individuals.

Next, we will examine activities that are known to worsen the gag reflex.

What triggers gag reflex?

While the exact cause of gagging in patients who take Ozempic remains unknown, the gag reflex can often be triggered by the following causes:

Brushing and dental procedures:

Perhaps the most common trigger for gag-reflex in sensitive individuals is manual stimulation of sensitive zones in the back of the throat during brushing. In some patients, dental procedures that involve touching or stimulation of various areas of the oral cavity can also trigger gagging (3).

Swallowing pills:

Remember that gagging is a natural reflex to prevent foreign objects from entering the airways or digestive system and cause chocking. Unsurprisingly, swallowing hard object such as pills has been known to trigger the gag reflex in sensitive individuals.

Anxiety and emotional triggers:

In sensitive individuals, even the thought, memory or anticipation of potential triggers can lead to gag reflex. Negative dental experiences in the past can also predispose individuals to gag reflexes due to apprehension about dental treatments. Additionally, an abnormal fear of swallowing foreign objects can lead to gagging. In some individuals, even thinking about something gross or encountering unpleasant smells, sights, or thoughts can induce gagging(3).

How can you manage gagging while on Ozempic?

Just as the triggers and occurrence of gagging varies widely among individuals, effective management of gagging also differs based on each persons’ circumstances and preferences.

With that consideration, let’s review some approaches you can consider to manage gagging better.

Mindful brushing:

Mindful brushing is turning your too-brushing routine into a Zen moment. Instead of rushing through you brushing routine, you pay very close attention to everything that is happening while you brush. You can focus on the taste of your toothpaste, the feel of the brush against your teeth, even the sound it makes. This focus pulls your brain away from freaking out about gagging into a more soothing state of mine.

A helpful trick is to take deep breaths while you brush. Deep breathing helps relax your body and mind potentially reducing the hypersensitivity that leads to gagging.

Of course, mindful brushing does a lot to your overall mental health experience beyond just helping with the gag reflex too.

Distraction technique:

Studies suggest that shifting your focus from the gagging or what triggers it to something else particularly in patients with severe gag reflex associated with dental procedures.

For example, you can try to watch a movie or video, or listen to your favorite song or calming sound. You can also try to hold something soothing in your hands such as a stress ball and focusing your attention to it. Similar to mindful brushing, distraction technique helps shift your mind’s focus away from the gag reflex trigger, towards something more pleasant (4).

Acupuncture:

Acupuncture has proven to effective for managing severe gag reflexes in dental patients. Specifically, acupuncture at point CV-24 and P-6 showed significant improvement in gag reflex control, enabling dental treatment completion in the majority of previously intolerant patients. This method is praised for its rapid effect, enhancing patient comfort and streamlining dental care delivery (5).

However, it is critical to note that to practice acupuncture, healthcare professionals must undergo appropriate training and obtain formal qualifications to ensure safe and effective patient care. You must consult with your healthcare professional before considering acupuncture to manage gag reflex.

Conclusion

Tackling the gag reflex while on Ozempic is a manageable part of your health journey, not a roadblock. Through understanding why it happens and exploring strategies from mindful brushing to breathing exercise and distraction techniques, you have a toolkit at your disposal. Remember, the effectiveness of these strategies can vary from person to person.

It is critical that you always consult with your healthcare provider before trying new techniques to ensure they align with your health plan. With the right strategies and support, managing the gag reflex can become just another step in achieving your weight loss goals with Ozempic.

Tips for managing gag reflex while on Ozempic