What are the signs that you might be taking too much Wegovy?

Watch for persistent or worsening nausea, repeated vomiting, dizziness, or dehydration (very dark urine, feeling faint). Severe, constant upper-abdominal pain (with or without vomiting) needs urgent medical review. If you also use insulin or a sulphonylurea, symptoms of low blood sugar (sweats, shakiness, confusion) can signal your overall regimen is too strong and needs adjusting. Do not take extra “to catch up” — contact your clinic or NHS 111 for advice.

Why dose matters

Wegovy (semaglutide) is designed for gradual, carefully controlled use. NICE TA875 recommends starting with a low dose and slowly increasing over several months to reduce side effects. The aim is to reach a maintenance dose that balances effectiveness with tolerability. Taking more than prescribed, whether by mistake or to “speed things up,” upsets this balance. In the STEP clinical trials, people who followed the escalation plan safely achieved sustained weight loss and improved health outcomes. Going beyond that schedule was not tested and is not recommended.

Common signs of excess

The most common early signs of taking too much Wegovy are stomach-related. Persistent nausea, repeated vomiting, or worsening reflux can indicate the body is struggling with too high a dose. Dizziness or signs of dehydration, such as very dark urine or feeling faint, also suggest the medicine is having too strong an effect. These problems are more likely if someone accidentally injects more than once in a week, splits doses incorrectly, or takes the next dose too soon. NICE and NHS guidance both advise patients not to self-correct by adding or repeating doses.

Serious symptoms to watch for

More concerning are signs of pancreatitis, a rare but serious side effect seen with GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide. Severe, constant upper-abdominal pain — especially if it spreads to the back or is accompanied by vomiting — needs urgent medical review. The MHRA safety information highlights this as a reason to seek immediate attention. Ignoring these symptoms can delay treatment and increase risk. While rare, being aware of them ensures that people know when to act quickly.

Risks when combined with other medicines

For people with type 2 diabetes who also take insulin or sulphonylureas, the risk is different. These medicines lower blood sugar, and adding Wegovy on top can sometimes make the overall effect too strong. Symptoms of low blood sugar include sweating, shakiness, confusion, and blurred vision. NHS guidance stresses that people in this situation may need dose adjustments of their other medicines to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia. NICE TA875 also notes that prescribers should monitor carefully when combining semaglutide with older diabetes drugs.

Why not to “catch up”

Some people worry about missing a dose and think taking extra will balance things out. This is unsafe. MHRA-approved instructions are clear that Wegovy should never be doubled to make up for a missed injection. Extra doses can quickly push drug levels higher than intended, increasing side effects without adding benefit. The safer option is always to stick to the weekly rhythm. If a mistake occurs, NHS 111 or your clinic can advise on the best next step, tailored to your situation.

How clinicians manage dose issues

If you are struggling with a dose step, your clinician can adjust the plan rather than pushing ahead. NHS weight management services often extend a lower dose phase or pause escalation to give the body more time to adapt. This approach is supported by NICE, which highlights that treatment must balance effectiveness with safety and comfort. STEP trial data showed benefits even at lower doses, though the full effect was seen at the licensed maintenance dose. The key is not to force the process but to work with your team.

Supporting safe use at home

Most people manage Wegovy well when following the schedule. Practical steps like keeping a diary of side effects, drinking water regularly, and eating smaller meals can reduce discomfort. Recording when you inject helps prevent accidental double dosing. NHS leaflets also suggest contacting your pharmacist if you are unsure whether a pen was used correctly rather than risking an extra injection. These habits make it easier to spot warning signs early and to respond calmly if something feels wrong.

Looking at the whole story

Taking too much Wegovy can cause unpleasant side effects, increase risks when combined with other medicines, and move treatment outside the evidence tested in clinical trials. The STEP programme and NICE guidance both show that steady, weekly use is what delivers benefits safely. By knowing the warning signs — from nausea and dizziness to more serious abdominal pain — and seeking advice promptly, you protect both your progress and your safety. In the bigger picture, safe and consistent dosing is what ensures that Wegovy fulfils its role in long-term health improvement.