Is dry mouth a common side effect of Mounjaro (tirzepatide)?

The prescription drug Mounjaro is becoming increasingly popular, and it has helped many users improve their health and lifestyle.

But, like any medication, there is a chance it can lead to side effects as your body adjusts. For some people, this can include an unpleasant feeling of dryness in the mouth.

Here's what you need to know about the connection between Mounjaro and dry mouth, what it feels like, whether you should be concerned, and other Mounjaro side effects.

What is Mounjaro dry mouth, and what does it feel like?

Before we unpack Mounjaro's side effects, it's important to understand what this medication actually is.

Mounjaro is the brand name of a medication with the active ingredient tirzepatide, which is a type of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) drug [1]. It comes in the form of an injection, which is taken once a week.

Many GLP-1 medications were initially developed as diabetes medicines, but are now also commonly prescribed as weight loss medications (to be used alongside dietary and lifestyle changes). They are often prescribed to patients who have chronic weight management issues or weight-related health issues such as high blood pressure or prediabetes.

These medications work by mimicking the natural hormones that are secreted after a meal, and help control blood sugar and hunger [2]. Essentially, they reduce your appetite and keep you feeling fuller for longer, which typically leads to weight loss. Mounjaro is licensed and approved for weight loss and weight management for eligible patients in the United Kingdom and is available on prescription [3].

So now that we understand a little bit about Mounjaro, let's talk about dry mouth. This is a common side effect of the medication, and is also sometimes called 'cotton mouth'. As the name suggests, some patients taking Mounjaro report feeling like they have cotton or cardboard in their mouth, or a sticky, dry feeling in the mouth and throat. You might also experience difficulty swallowing, a rough feeling on your tongue, or changes in the texture of your saliva.

Does Mounjaro make you dehydrated?

There are several reasons this type of medication can lead to dryness in the mouth. For one thing, the medication can lead to dehydration (particularly if you have experienced other side effects, such as diarrhoea or vomiting) and changes in your blood sugar, which impact saliva production and mouth lubrication.

Dehydration is not only uncomfortable, but can also lead to serious medical complications, including kidney and renal issues, so it is important to take it seriously [4]. If you have any concerns, you should speak with a medical professional. If you have a history of kidney problems, Mounjaro may not be a suitable medication for you.

How long does dry mouth from Mounjaro last?

There is no definitive answer for how long Mounjaro might make your mouth feel dry. Medication affects everybody differently, and as the medication is relatively new, there is limited research or evidence on how long side effects will last.

For some people, side effects subside within a few weeks as your body adjusts, but for others, they may last longer.

How to relieve dry mouth on Mounjaro?

There are several options you can try to relieve discomfort in your mouth when you are taking Mounjaro.

Some patients taking Mounjaro also chew sugar-free gum throughout the day, as chewing can stimulate saliva production. Citrus, cinnamon, and mint-flavoured candies can also help [5].

Additionally, you can buy specially designed mouthwash, oral rinses, hydrating sprays, or lozenges to help remedy the feelings of dryness and discomfort.

If you are experiencing significant discomfort, you may want to seek medical attention or advice. Your healthcare provider might be able to prescribe a saliva substitute, review your medical history  and provide oral healthcare advice.

Practical remedies and hydration strategies

Unfortunately, there is no simple cure or guaranteed remedy for the feelings of dryness or discomfort associated with taking Mounjaro.

But as you can probably guess, staying hydrated and making sure you drink plenty of water, at least 2 litres each day, should be your first step [6]. Try sipping water regularly throughout the day, and you may find it helpful to keep track of how much you have had to ensure you are drinking enough.

To make sure you are hydrated and getting the most out of the water you are drinking, you could also look into taking an electrolyte with your water, as these can boost hydration.

Tips for staying hydrated on Mounjaro

If possible, try to cut out or limit drinking alcohol and caffeine, as these are diuretics, which means they increase the amount you urinate, which can contribute to dehydration or electrolyte imbalance [7]. So, if you can avoid alcohol and caffeine, you may have a better chance of maintaining regular hydration levels. It is also recommended to avoid tobacco, as this can dry out the mouth (not to mention, it's not very good for you!) [8].

Another way to stay hydrated while you are taking Mounjaro or other types of weight loss medication is through your food intake.

Foods like cucumber, celery, strawberries, zucchini, capsicum and watermelon have a high water content and can help improve your hydration levels, especially if you struggle to drink enough water. Many water-rich foods are also naturally low-calorie, which means they will also support your weight loss efforts.

Other common side effects of Mounjaro

In addition to the feeling of dryness or dehydration in your mouth, there are some other common Mounjaro side effects. The most common are gastrointestinal and related to the digestive system, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea [9]. It can also lead to constipation, acid reflux or indigestion for some people as it slows down the rate at which your stomach empties [10].

Some people may experience low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, if they are taking Mounjaro alongside other medications that impact blood sugar levels [11].

In very rare cases, it can lead to pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas. Allergic reactions are also possible and can be serious, including swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. Some people may experience injection site reactions on their skin, including redness or swelling.

It is important to remember that medications will affect everybody differently, so you may experience different side effects from the ones listed, or you may even experience no side effects at all. If you are prescribed Mounjaro, you can read more about potential side effects in the information packet of the medication.

In most cases, side effects occur during Mounjaro dosage escalation and decrease over time. However, if your side effects persist or you experience severe pain, this should be taken seriously.

How to minimise the risk of Mounjaro side effects

As we have mentioned, everybody reacts differently to medication. To understand your risk of Mounjaro side effects, we recommend speaking to a healthcare professional about your medical history, other medications you are taking (including birth control), existing conditions, and any concerns you might have.

If you are feeling nauseous or struggling to keep food down after you start taking Mounjaro, try eating smaller meals, avoiding fatty foods, and try plain options like bread, crackers or rice.

Starting a new medication and embarking on a weight loss journey is a big step, and if you would like a little more advice and support, you could consider the Juniper Weight Reset Programme.

The programme involves Wegovy (semaglutide) weight loss injections, which come in five different strengths to suit different patients' needs. Like Mounjaro, Wegovy is a type of weight loss medication, but it has a different active ingredient.

In clinical trials, patients on Wegovy have lost up to 15% of their body weight over 12 months, and the Juniper Weight Reset programme is designed to help you keep the weight off long term. You will have access to doctors, dieticians, a strength and cardio exercise plan, and protein-packed recipes to support your diet and lifestyle changes throughout your journey.

When to seek professional help

If you are having a particularly uncomfortable reaction to any weight loss medication, such as severe stomach pain or severe abdominal pain, trouble breathing, or an allergic reaction, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Similarly, if your feelings of mouth dryness are becoming unbearable and are not going away, you can always speak to your doctor about changing your dosage or trying a different type of medication.

Weight loss medications like Mounjaro can be an incredibly useful tool to improve your health, but they do not suit everybody, and sometimes, side effects can outweigh the positives.

Ultimately, these medications should help you improve your health and lifestyle, not cause you discomfort.

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