Alendronate and Fatigue: What Users Say

• Nat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 22, 2020

Alendronate for Osteoporosis "I took two weekly doses of Fosamax then stopped because of side effects. Rapid weight gain, acute abdominal distension (like I’m 7 months pregnant), aching back, aching hips, fatigue, and random itching. Been off it for a month and side effects have not abated at all. It’s like I woke up and suddenly aged an extra 30 years overnight. Hope the side effects go away soon."

• Pat...
• February 21, 2023

Alendronate for Osteoporosis "I started taking Fosamax once a week a month ago and took three doses. I have had horrible depression, fatigue, and body aches. I talked to my doctor and was told that the depression was not a side effect. I have never felt this bad before and refuse to take it ever again. It is a horrible drug."

• Tis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 16, 2019

Alendronate for Prevention of Osteoporosis "I was prescribed Fosamax for osteopenia. I have taken a total of 6 doses. I had no side effects for the first 2 weeks. By the 3rd week, extreme fatigue and headaches. I continued for another 3 weeks hoping symptoms would go away. When they didn't, I discontinued taking it. But a week AFTER I quit, I developed severe bone pain, unbearable pain which is worse at night. I am taking arthritis drug to make the days bearable. SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME THIS PAIN EVENTUALLY GOES AWAY!! I will be calling my Dr. on Monday."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 19, 2025

Alendronate for Osteoporosis "After just one dose, seven hours later, I had a fever, chills, nausea, fatigue, and stomach issues. The second day, I was tired and chilled in the evening with bone pain in my back and also the third morning. Very achy. I am considering not taking any more doses."

• Boo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 15, 2022

Alendronate for Osteoporosis "I was asymptomatic but deemed high risk for fracture since diagnosed with osteoporosis. I respect some who’ve actually benefited from Fosamax. However, this has been a drug nightmare with symptoms similar to others here on this site. First week taking weekly Fosamax 70 followed next day by nonstop diarrhea for remainder of the week. Second week dose 2 had ongoing diarrhea, chills, nausea, fatigue, and debilitating cramps as if punched repeatedly in the stomach. To my FP’s irritation, I strongly refused further treatment after 2 weeks, stopping prior to the 3rd dose. Also declined Prolia injectable as an alternative as it must be followed by oral biophosphonates after injections are discontinued. I’m still dealing with diarrhea and fatigue impacting the quality of life. Please do extensive reading on side effects before pursuing Fosamax or other bone health drugs. I’m now pursuing a more natural option through exercise, nutrition, vitamins D3, calcium, K2, and fish oil."

• Ret...
• August 30, 2017

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I took one dose of this hideous drug. Within 24 hours, I started experiencing horrible hip pain, then shoulder and back pain. I have been unable to go about my daily duties because I am overcome with pain and fatigue. It has been a week today. When will this be out of my system?"

• Qua...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 3, 2022

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I have been on alendronate for 3 months for osteopenia. I take 70 mg once a week. The first two weeks were fine, then the side effects came with a vengeance! Severe back pain that lasts for days, ever-present thigh pain, ear pain, dry mouth, eye pain, headaches, and an annoying fatigue. I plan on finishing up the third month, then calling my doctor. Though right now I don't think there's anything she can say that would convince me to continue taking this."

• mks...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 22, 2023

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I was taking this medication once a week for about 6 months and started experiencing nausea, heartburn, loss of energy, and immense pain in my upper body, neck, shoulders, upper arms, and ribcage. I stopped taking this medication. It has been 3 weeks since I took the last dose, and my neck and shoulders still hurt."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 17, 2023

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I took my first 70 mg yesterday morning. I didn't want to start this medicine, but I got scared when I woke up, and my neck felt like it shattered like a branch breaking off, I could hear it and feel it. I already had a neck plate at C5 and C6. Since taking just one pill yesterday morning, I am miserable. I have had severe nausea since, and I'm so bloated even at 106 pounds. I'm so fatigued and have always had severe bone pain because I was recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. I'm not going to take it anymore after reading all the reviews. I'm scared that more side effects will show up after taking one pill. I'm going to start back at the gym, using the treadmill and light weights. I'm 63, and I'm pretty mobile considering all my health issues. Also, I think I have long COVID. During my second COVID, I could barely walk because of severe joint pain from it, or it's possible I'm doomed from one Moderna vaccine. I never finished my vaccines and won't."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2025

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I've taken 2 doses. I've been pretty fatigued, and that is not usual for me. I intend to keep taking it and see if this passes. I think it's too early to decide yet."