Dr. Ahmed Rybelsus is oral Semaglutide. It’s the same drug as Ozempic and Wegovy. However, Rybelsus is the oral formulation. It is taken as a once-daily oral pill.
Rybelsus is indicated for the treatment of Diabetes Type 2. It is available as 3 mg, 7 mg, and 14 mg tablets. Studies are evaluating the efficacy and safety of Rybelsus 50 mg tablets for obesity.
A detailed post about the side effects of Rybelsus has been published here:
- Rybelsus (Oral Semaglutide) FDA Prescribing Information
- Rybelsus Side Effects, Drug Interactions, & Concerns
Some people using Rybelsus develop sleep disturbances. The manufacturer has not mentioned insomnia as a side effect of Rybelsus.
Let’s discuss why some people develop insomnia with Rybelsus and how they can avoid this side effect.
Rybelsus and Insomnia: Finding a Link:
Rybelsus the oral formulation of Semaglutide can affect sleep in multiple ways. However, it does not do it directly like the ZZZ drugs, benzodiazepines, or the Orexin inhibitors.
Semaglutide is the smallest molecule in the GLP-1 class of drugs and can cross the blood-brain barrier.
It has been thought to suppress the appetite center in the hypothalamus directly. However, its effects on the sleep-wake center or the pineal gland where melatonin is secreted are unknown.
Rybelsus Plus Herbal Teas:
Secondly, it is not a stimulant drug like amphetamine (Adderall) or Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine).
However, it has been observed that obese individuals struggling to lose weight try different herbal teas which may contain high amounts of caffeine and stimulant drugs.
The concept is to lose weight rapidly by boosting metabolism using these teas and suppressing appetite using Rybelsus or Ozempic.
This could disrupt sleep in obese individuals who are on Rybelsus.
Rybelsus and Heartburn:
You might have experienced insomnia as a result of acid reflux. What happens is that when you are on Rybelsus or any GLP-1, it slows down your stomach movements.
In fact, Novo has been sued by patients for Ozempic-associated stomach paralysis.
Symptoms of bloating, heartburn, feeling full, distended tummy, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain could arise when you start taking Rybelsus, Ozempic, or Mounjaro.
Acid reflux is especially a problem when you lie down. People may notice discomfort during their sleep, may not sleep well, or may wake up frequently at night because of acid reflux.
How to treat heartburn and gastroparesis?
Rybelsus and Insomnia:
GLP-1 medications, including Rybelsus, have not been formally studied in clinical trials to evaluate their effects on mental health and insomnia.
However, one study collected data from social media users who were using a GLP-1 agonist and had some sort of mental health issues.
A total of 43710 comments were recorded from the following platforms:
- Tiktok: 17059
- Reddit: 12136
- Youtube: 14515
Users who recorded mental health issues associated with GLP-1 were grouped into seven categories [Ref]:
Keywords | Number of Responses |
| Depression | 204 |
| Mood | 62 |
| Mental Health | 165 |
| Anxiety | 353 |
| Panic | 66 |
| Compulsion | 19 |
| Insomnia and sleep disorders | 620 |
Most patients recorded sleep problems followed by anxiety and depression.
It is important to note that these responses could be due to several associated conditions and medications.
We could not directly link these mental health issues and sleep problems with Rybelsus or any other GLP-1 because this is not a clinical placebo or head-to-head comparative trial.
In addition, not all people who are on GLP-1 post their experiences on social media. Only people who have issues may post their problems on social media.
In conclusion:
Rybelsus may disrupt sleep in certain individuals. However, there is no strong link between the two.
In addition, insomnia may develop in those who have severe GI upset and acid reflux. People are advised to take small and simple meals to avoid gastric acid reflux and sleep well.
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