Aimovig and Fatigue: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Luk...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 2, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "My son, who is 18, suffers from occasional intense migraines with vomiting and sensitivity to noise, light, etc. We tried Aimovig for the first time, and after the first dose, he immediately had a hot sensation/flash. Fast forward a few days, he began to experience extreme fatigue, causing him to take periodic naps (when he never usually naps), a feeling of being lightheaded with stomach upsets and hot flashes again. He said he felt as though he had mononucleosis again, as he had that 15 months prior. Is anyone else experiencing the same or similar symptoms? I called the Dr. and also manufacturer, but most side effects do not include these, but more so muscle cramps and constipation. It's been a horrible experience thus far and will completely discontinue this. I think the headaches were better than what he is experiencing in side effects. I would love to know if anyone else had or has the same."

• Doo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "First injection after 2 weeks, I went 10 days without a migraine. Week 1 after the 2nd injection, extreme fatigue started. After 2 weeks, strange tingling, numbness in hands, a weakness in forehead muscles that control my eyebrows. Then the following week, arm cramps, pain in legs and thighs, weakness and constant tremoring in jaw muscles, topped with anxiety attacks, scary memory loss and brain fog, loss of appetite and sick feeling when I force myself to eat. It has been 30 days since the 2nd injection, and these effects are still going strong. I'm hoping these effects start to leave soon because I am scared that I have a serious neurological disease after all of this. I will not be using this stuff again. It did reduce headaches, but I don't think it was an even trade for the way that I feel. I hope this drug works for other migraine sufferers, but for me, I wish I had never used it."

• She...
• March 11, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Been suffering from migraines for years. Misdiagnosed as MS due to my brain scan, then they decided the lesions were due to migraines. Generally, I have left-sided head pain daily. Been on this for 6 months. 3 months did nothing. Was told to add Botox back in as a second therapy, as this works best with a second therapy. Went off Trokendi. This is what I have: 1) Worst heartburn ever, or... I am having the longest heart attack in history 2) Ringing in my ears 24/7 that is as loud as if I went to a rock concert and was front row. 3) Weight gain, probably associated with constipation and water retention. 4) Fatigue. I am done with this medication. It does work, it did reduce my migraines in half. But honestly, the side effects freak me out (medical term meaning too many system-wide effects and makes me think I am losing it). Therefore, I am done."

• Ros...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 27, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Aimovig (140 mg) 3 months. I’m happy for the people it helped... For me, I felt dizziness from the beginning, also lack of concentration, extreme fatigue, daily heartaches, stomach aches, depression, and augmentation of tinnitus and constipation. This is what I felt, but do not judge the medication for everyone, those were my personal side effects."

• Spa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 13, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "This is my first month on Aimovig, and my headaches are better but not great. Side effects are severe nausea, fatigue, dizziness, sore muscles, feel lifeless. Have very little appetite, and I could sleep all day long. Think I will pass on this from now on."

• Min...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 31, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I have been on Aimovig for 5 months. My almost daily migraines stopped completely after 3 months. But, I am going to stop as I cannot manage the side effects. Mainly, insomnia, aching, painful muscles, significant hair loss, intense fatigue, no concentration and brain fog, constipation. Has anyone else experienced these side effects? I am on steroids, so I wondered if it reacts to some medications. It’s a shame as it really did work for me."

• Par...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 26, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Stopped Aimovig after 4 months on 8th June. I had been on 140 mg per month. Side effects included shocking constipation, itchy scalp (hair loss), drugged-up feeling, upset stomach and stomach pains, and fatigue, insomnia. Neurologist said it would take 8 weeks to come out of my system. Also suggested trying a lower dose of 70 mg on July 8th to see if side effects were more tolerable. Skipped that as I wanted to get off this ASAP. Stomach is nearly back to normal - no more constipation, scalp has calmed down and rash from my neck has cleared. Sleeping getting better, but best of all, the 'fog' is lifting and I am seeing things more clearly, able to concentrate more and focus more. Yes, migraines are back to the usual, but Aimovig didn't assist in reducing the frequency or severity at all. Aimovig might work for some, but it didn't work for me at all, and I am so happy to be off it and nearly back to normal - or my normal."

• Gig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 16, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "After my first dose of Aimovig, flu-like symptoms and fatigue. Continued with migraines, although not as extreme. On my second dose, I was administered Aimovig 140 mg in the right upper arm. The next day, my lymph nodes in the right post-auricular area, nape of my right side neck, and spreading now to shoulder, swelling, pain, and heat. I will not continue with Aimovig. I tried :("

• DEa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2018

For Migraine Prevention "I took my first trial shot 70 mg/ml a few weeks ago, and it flared my fibromyalgia. I have been nauseous, plus my muscles have been extremely sore and weak, along with fatigue and daily headaches. I don't know if I can do another month if this continues or gets worse. I have UnitedHealth through my husband, and they don't cover it."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 31, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I've had headaches/migraines since I was 20 and been to headache specialists, neurologists, PCPs... FINALLY, my new neurologist tried me on AIMOVIG 70 mg. I've done only ONE injection and will NEVER DO IT AGAIN!! The injection has caused severe constipation, a very itchy scalp (to the point I thought I had lice!!), severe body pain, especially in my feet and hands - I'm dropping things because I can't get a grip on anything! I've noticed an increase in my appetite/weight, low energy, nausea, my hair falling out, and stomach pain. I still have really bad headaches, but I knew the medicine wouldn't work this soon. After I researched this drug, I saw my symptoms seem to be a common pattern. I had an emergency appointment with my doctor about the Aimovig, she had to put me on pain meds, referred me to a pain doctor/neurologist to discuss possibly trying Botox. I can't wait for this awful injection to work itself out of my body!!! I don't recommend this to anyone!!!!"

• Bre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 10, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I’ve been on this drug for less than 2 weeks, and my side effects started, most of which aren’t listed. FDA, “you dropped the ball” on this. I’m trying to find a way for a class action suit. If all the people who have gone through this insane mess got together, we could definitely start one for the symptoms and reactions that are not listed. It’s no accident that they weren’t all listed. I’m having 24/7 monster migraines, digestive problems, ringing ears that aren’t going away, my brain is foggy, and memory problems. My balance is worse, falling against walls, severely body aches, and my skin is deteriorating, especially around my mouth. I’m also having severe fatigue. I’m already having trouble trying to swallow, and I’m not able to eat solid foods. It’s also causing vomiting, my stomach hurts like anything, and I can barely function at all. The doctor knew my history of psychiatric problems."

• Lel...
• July 31, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I took Aimovig in Feb 2019 after not responding to preventive meds, including Botox. I had 2 (70mg) injections. I was nauseated, had heart palpitations, intense itch on feet, and felt like I had the flu after the injection. My migraines got worse from 12-15 monthly to almost daily. Migraines did not respond to triptans, promethazine, or CBD, but abortives worked once Aimovig cleared my system in about 45 days. I had the worst constipation and foul gas - used stool softeners. I got random migraines after avoiding triggers. I had about 4 hours of sleep at night (week 1-2). My hair fell out, and I had to cut my hair (week 2-3). My period became irregular with a 60-day cycle, and it has been irregular since. It appears the trials excluded people who failed most preventives. Did anyone gain weight? 5 pounds of unexplained weight. Other issues include sciatica pain, pain in inner thighs, fatigue, and stinky gas! Does Aimovig increase phosphates in blood? My last test showed elevated phosphates."

• 346...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 9, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I literally do not have a memory of my 50 years with no headache symptoms. I have only taken one injection of Aimovig, and I can say it is a whole new world for me. I had a slight side effect of leg cramps the first night and maybe some fatigue. Or else I can just sleep now, so my body is trying to catch up. I am aware that some people think I must be exaggerating, but I literally woke up with some kind of headache symptom daily all my life. This is a GODSEND for me. Thank you."

• Lis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 13, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Severe fatigue set in about a week after my first (and last) injection, followed by near panic attacks if I pushed myself, so having to lay low. Both physically and cognitively slow-moving slowly and some difficulty with comprehension and memory problems. Problems with losing my train of thought in conversation. Not sure if I'll be able to work until this gets out of my system. Also, constipation, bloating."

• aur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 22, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I had my first dose of 140 mg in January. The next day was one of the worst migraines I've had in years. Two days later, muscle spasms started, and I was in constant pain for about a week. It was worse than the flu. After that, the muscle spasms subsided. I have IBS with diarrhea, so the medicine has not caused any constipation. I started to see an improvement in my migraine frequency in the third week, but when I get a migraine, it's much worse than before. I took my second dose yesterday, and the muscle spasms started within a few hours. I was feeling jittery, and my chest felt tight, but that has passed. I'm extremely fatigued now. I'll update after a week or so."

• Hea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 9, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I took Aimovig for six months, stopping in July 2019. I suffered severe fatigue, barely could get out of bed. It finally quit December 25, 2019. Great Christmas present! Since then, I have been fine, except for the migraines every 5 days. However, 6 weeks ago, the fatigue began. Once again, it is debilitating. Numerous blood tests, X-rays, and heart tests have shown nothing. Just like when I took Aimovig. Has anyone else suffered these long-term effects?"

• Pgh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 22, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I was hoping to discontinue the 30 or so injections of Botox that I get every 90 days with this med. 1st dose of Aimovig did nothing. Within 2 days of the 2nd dose, I had a status migraine start. Now, 16 days later, I have not had a day without a migraine or an extreme postdrome/migraine hangover with lightheadedness, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, etc. in spite of Toradol and other injections and two tapers of Decadron. Plus, my gut is a mess. I will never touch this stuff again. So disappointed. Will never mess with what's working again. Wish they didn't offer the reduced copay, or I never would have tried it."

• chr...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 24, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I have had chronic migraine for 30 years. I am on Topamax for prevention. I have been on Aimovig for 6 months. My review is mixed. It has certainly reduced the number of full-on migraines I get a month, about in half. I still have chronic daily headache, it has not helped that at all. I do have the experience of feeling like I am going to get one and can then take a nap, or meditate, or do something that before would never work, and it does. I can also sleep them off, which I could never do before. This is all good. The side effects are not good. The constipation, bloating, and just stomach upset are horrific. I also feel a real lack of energy. I am weaning off the Topamax, as why be on more than one drug, but I do worry about being on a medication with so few long-term studies. Hope we don't all grow three heads in 10 years!"

• Lpa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "One week into my 70 mg Aimovig shot. The shot was not painful at all. I'm sleepy all the time, though, and cannot supplement my Aimovig with anything. Not even vitamins. It makes me nauseated. I do sleep a good 8 hours now. I've had insomnia most of my life and had taken Benadryl for 30 years to sleep. But when I stopped Benadryl, it gave me migraines. Been tapering down from 100 mg of Benadryl to 12 mg for 2 years now. Just want the migraines to go away. I had approximately 20 migraines per month previous to Aimovig. Now, in the last week, just mild intermittent headaches for a few minutes. But it is the nausea and fatigue that are the worst. Not sure if I will be taking another shot next month."

• Gru...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 3, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Like beta blockers but worse side effects and better results. Three months at 140 mg; quit due to chest pressure, fatigue, cold hands and feet points to circulatory impact, heart rate rose and out of breath after mild exertion, constipation and mild brain fog. Contraindicated for COPD, cardiovascular, liver disease, and pregnant/nursing-same concerns noted by FDA. My migraine duration down 30% and intensity 50% but frequency same. Going back to Botox. Don't give up: PACAP (pron. paycap) PAC1 antibodies in Phase 2 human trials look good-see AMG301 and ALD1910 on PubMed. Also, Ajovy and Emgality, different action than Aimovig. Did Ajovy and worked better, less side effects, no constipation, but quit due to major brain fog (akin to beta blockers-I'm hypersensitive to B/P meds). Word is Medicare to approve Aimovig by May and covered for me now. Aimovig users, note link between constipation and colorectal cancer. Add olive oil to diet."

• Ala...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 24, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "I was started on the 140 mg injection. No side effects other than severe constipation for the first two weeks. Week three, a huge range of side effects kicked in. Gripping around the back of my neck/base of my skull, causing stiffness and popping/creaking when I turned my head. Extreme fatigue and breathlessness. Dizziness when standing up. Serious tremor in my hands and shakiness in my legs when standing. My vision was adversely affected. Abdominal pain and a bloated feeling. Panic attacks. Pain across lower back around my kidneys. I started to retain water and put on weight due to this. Pronounced whine in my ears. Inability to focus/concentrate. The injection made no difference to my headache, and I have refused to take the second injection as a result of the side effects of the first one."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I’ve been on Aimovig for 4 months now. I’ve experienced flu-like symptoms (including severe fatigue), increased nerve pain, and my headaches have been more severe than they’ve been in years. I’ve actually been throwing up, my migraines are so bad. I’ve also had muscle weakness and soreness. The day of and after the injection, I’m practically useless due to fatigue and head fog. I haven’t had constipation, but the second month I had abdominal pain so bad I almost went to the hospital. I’ve failed multiple other meds, so I have tried sticking to this one but cannot do it anymore. For me, it’s been nothing but pain. I’ve even missed work because of it. I hope one day there will be a cure."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 25, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "Aimovig had a positive effect on my migraine, but sadly the side effects were terrible. - Nausea and vomiting (I lost a lot of weight), muscle pain, fatigue, brain fog, and mental difficulties. I was out of work for several months. It took about four months until I felt like myself again. The experience was frightening, and I am skeptical of trying one of the other CGRP inhibitors."

• SRP...
• July 11, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I was doing well with Aimovig the first 2 months, but since my 3rd shot, my migraines have come on with a vengeance. The first 3 to 5 days after taking the shot, I feel like I've been hit by a train. I get extreme nausea, and the fatigue makes it almost impossible to get out of bed. With each dose, it actually triggers a migraine, but it usually subsides after a few days. Aimovig also makes me have auras, but oddly enough, they aren't always followed by a headache. I'm going to stick this out another month, maybe the next round won't be so bad. I had an entire month migraine-free. I hope and pray that will be the case with my next dose. Good luck to anyone trying this, I hope you find the relief you're looking for. PS: sign up for the discount card!!!"

• TBI...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 24, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "It helped with my headaches after the severe TBI. From having 20 migraine days a month, it decreased to 5 days a month. But side effects are horrible. I can't breathe, a shortness of breath, constipation, hair loss, fatigue, weight gain, acne, and joint pain. I prefer headaches rather than having all these side effects."