Zepbound (Tirzepatide): A Weight Management Medication
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities, and is not indicated for treatment of insomnia or sleep disorders.
What is Zepbound?
Zepbound is the brand name for tirzepatide, which belongs to a class of medications called dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists. It works by:
- Mimicking the action of incretin hormones (GLP-1 and GIP)
- Regulating appetite and food intake through central nervous system mechanisms
- Slowing gastric emptying
- Improving insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
Key Information About Zepbound
- Indication: Chronic weight management in adults with:
- BMI ≥30 kg/m² (obesity), or
- BMI ≥27 kg/m² (overweight) with at least one weight-related comorbidity (hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia)
- Administration: Subcutaneous injection, typically once weekly
- Dosing: Usually started at a lower dose and gradually titrated up to minimize gastrointestinal side effects
Important Considerations
Not a Sleep Medication
It's important to note that Zepbound is not indicated for sleep disorders. The evidence provided about insomnia medications 1, 2 is not relevant to Zepbound, which is a weight management medication.
Not Related to Other Medications in the Evidence
Zepbound should not be confused with:
- Ozanimod (referenced in evidence 3, 4, 5, 6, 7), which is a sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulator approved for multiple sclerosis and ulcerative colitis
- Benzodiazepines or other sleep medications discussed in the guidelines 1, 2
Common Side Effects
- Gastrointestinal effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation)
- Injection site reactions
- Fatigue
- Headache
Clinical Efficacy
In clinical trials, Zepbound has demonstrated significant weight reduction compared to placebo when used alongside diet and exercise interventions.
Contraindications
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2
- Severe hypersensitivity to tirzepatide
Monitoring Recommendations
- Regular assessment of weight loss efficacy
- Monitoring for gastrointestinal side effects
- Screening for pancreatitis if severe abdominal pain occurs
- Blood glucose monitoring in patients with diabetes
Important Note
The evidence provided in this query primarily relates to sleep medications and ozanimod (for multiple sclerosis and ulcerative colitis), which are unrelated to Zepbound (tirzepatide). The information about Zepbound presented here is based on general medical knowledge about this medication.