GLP-1 medications are started low and increased slowly — a process called titration — to give your body time to adjust and to keep side effects manageable. This section explains how typical dosing schedules work so you can understand your own plan and have a better conversation with your prescriber. Everything here is a typical, prescriber-directed reference, not a prescription, and not an instruction to start, change, or self-administer any dose.
What this section covers
- Semaglutide and tirzepatide titration schedules — the usual step-up timing and why it's gradual (pages in progress).
- Why slower can mean fewer side effects — how titration pace relates to nausea and gut symptoms (see managing side effects).
The principles
- Low and slow. Starting doses are intentionally below the target dose; increases happen on a schedule set by your prescriber.
- Doses are individual. The right dose balances benefit and tolerability for you specifically — it isn't a number to copy from someone else.
- Never self-dose. We publish no self-administration instructions. Dose changes belong to you and your prescriber.
General information, not medical advice. Follow your own prescriber's dosing instructions.
Every clinical claim above is cited inline to a primary source. See how we review and our sourcing & fact-check standards.