Advice and Rant
Hey there, I need advice on triz and what to expect. (semi-rant)
Background: I am a 5'8" woman in my 20s. I have not struggled with being overweight in my life until I was put on psychiatric medication for bipolar disorder (type 1), which is notorious for causing metabolic disorders. From the medications, I gained a lot of weight in under a year, reaching a high of 205 pounds. This weight is not normal or my baseline, and it started showing up in my labs. I became very frustrated with my medications and had trouble staying on them due to my plummeting confidence from the changes in my body. Unfortunately, I have to be on the medications. They are my only chance to have a stable life.
In March 2025, after trying metformin and seeing no change, my doctor approved me to start tirzepatide to counteract the negative side effects from antipsychotics. My body responded very well to the GLP-1, and quickly. I started with Strive vials at a starter dose (2.5 mgs). Even the low dose caused immediate change. By the end of May 2025, I was already at 169lbs, my face was less puffy, and I had more energy than before. My labs came back normal. Within six months, I was 154 pounds. My body settled around that weight, which felt good to me.
I picked up my last two-month dose (now 7.5 mg) in early January 2026. After that, I had pretty much no access to tirzepatide. The office raised the price to almost $900 for two vials, which I couldn't afford. I started gaining weight rapidly. I never got back to 200lbs, but it was very discouraging to see my body change again.
Through this subreddit, I was able to find a telehealth program that gave me access to tirzepatide again. Today, I got my shipment of Hallendale tirzepatide in the mail.
I am restarting the titration process (unfortunately) because I haven't been consistent for months due to financial issues. I am starting my first month at 2 mg, which feels a little discouraging. I know I have responded well to lower doses in the past, and it will probably take time to see any change.
I would love to hear your guys' experience at a low dose. And if anyone has had a similar experience. I am so relieved to have access to this medication again. It has helped SO much.