Thrive Blog

Understanding Dosage and Titration for GLP-1 Medications

Written by Thrive Wellness | April 2, 2025

If you’re considering or have recently started a GLP-1 medication, you might be wondering what to expect in terms of dosage and titration. At Thrive, most GLP-1 clients start on the lowest dose of medication to allow the body time to adjust and reduce the risk of potential side effects. While your dosage will always be tailored by a medical professional, it’s helpful to understand the typical progression. 

Here’s a quick overview of how GLP-1 medications are typically introduced and how they’re adjusted over time to support both comfort and results.

What Is Titration?

Titration is the gradual adjustment of medication dosage to optimize its effects in order to limit potential side effects. With GLP-1 medications, starting at a lower dose and increasing gradually allows the body to adjust, reducing the likelihood of gastrointestinal discomfort and other side effects.

One of the best advantages of ODTs is their speed. Typically, they dissolve in just a few seconds to a minute, making them a quick and efficient way to take your medication. Don’t worry about running to grab a glass of water first. These tablets begin to break down as soon as they come into contact with your saliva, allowing you to take them anytime, anywhere.

Common Titration Schedules

Each GLP-1 medication has its own titration schedule, but most follow a stepwise increase over several weeks. A typical titration schedule might look something like this:
  1. Initial Dose: A low starting dose is used to allow the body to acclimate.
  2. Gradual Increases: If tolerated, the dose is increased at intervals, often every 4 weeks, to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.
  3. Maintenance Dose: Once an effective dose is reached, it may be maintained for long-term use, depending on individual response.
Starting with a low dose and increasing it slowly helps improve tolerability. Common side effects of GLP-1 medications, such as nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal discomfort, can often be mitigated by a gradual titration approach.

Factors That Affect Dosage and Titration

A medical professional will determine the best titration schedule based on factors such as:
  • Your response to the medication
  • Any side effects you may experience
  • Your overall health and medical history
  • The specific GLP-1 medication being used
Thrive clients will have the opportunity to provide feedback on progress, side effects and other concerns before their next prescription is sent to the pharmacy.

What to Expect During Titration

As your dosage increases, you may notice changes in how your body responds to the medication. Some people experience temporary side effects, while others adjust more quickly. Staying in communication with your healthcare provider can help ensure that any concerns are addressed and adjustments are made if needed.

GLP-1 medications can be a powerful tool in weight management and metabolic health, but proper titration is key to maximizing benefits while minimizing discomfort. If you have questions about your specific treatment, be sure to consult your healthcare provider.