PharmD_Rodriguez said:Two things drive this: people drink less because drinking makes them feel full, and they restrict salt at the same time as calories without noticing.
Electrolyte monitoring on hydration — especially important during early titration when GI effects are most pronounced:
- Sodium: 140 mEq/L (normal, but was low at week 2 from vomiting)
- Potassium: 4.4 mEq/L (supplement if below 3.5)
- Magnesium: 2.0 mg/dL (supplementing with glycinate)
- Phosphorus: 3.2 mg/dL (normal)
Low electrolytes cause muscle cramps, heart palpitations, and fatigue — symptoms often blamed on the medication itself. Check your levels before assuming it's a drug side effect.