Intermediate · 12-24+ weeks
Tirzepatide FDA Step-Up Titration
FDA-approved dose escalation: start at 2.5mg weekly, increase by 2.5mg every 4 weeks. Target dose 5-10mg for most researchers. NEVER start above 2.5mg.
- Type
- single
- Source
- evidence-based
- Pattern
- Continuous — stopping leads to weight regain
Compounds
Tirzepatide
SC · Any day/time, with or without food. Pick one day per week and keep consistent.
SC · Any day/time, with or without food. Pick one day per week and keep consistent.
5 mg
weekly
weekly
Phases
Initiation
Weeks 1-4
Weeks 1-4
2.5
2.5mg weekly — NOT a maintenance dose, required for GI tolerance
2.5mg weekly — NOT a maintenance dose, required for GI tolerance
First Therapeutic Dose
Weeks 5-8
Weeks 5-8
5
5mg weekly — first effective dose for most
5mg weekly — first effective dose for most
Escalation (if needed)
Weeks 9-12
Weeks 9-12
7.5
7.5mg weekly — if additional response needed
7.5mg weekly — if additional response needed
Target (if needed)
Weeks 13+
Weeks 13+
10
10mg weekly — most settle between 5-10mg
10mg weekly — most settle between 5-10mg
Notes
DOSE ESCALATION IS MANDATORY. GI side effects (nausea, diarrhea, constipation) worst during escalation. Do NOT skip 2.5mg initiation phase. Stay at any dose where response is adequate. Subscription-native: escalating supply needs.
Source notes
FDA-approved as Mounjaro (T2D) and Zepbound (obesity). SURMOUNT-1 trial NEJM 2022. FDA label: 2.5mg starting, 2.5mg increments q4 weeks, max 15mg. r/Mounjaro, r/tirzepatide extensive real-world data.
For research and educational use only. This content is not medical advice.