Emgality and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Shg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 13, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I started my loading dose of Emgality in July, 2nd dose in August. Have had no migraines since but many unexplained side effects that the doctor who pushed it stressed there are none. Have had horrible anxiety, insomnia, stomach problems, pain in the middle back, sinus drainage, sensitivity to light, sound, and smells. Been to numerous doctors and had numerous tests but no answers. I should’ve done my research before letting him talk me into taking it since I’m sensitive to meds anyways."

• Nik...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 11, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I have been taking Emgality for 8 months now. There are side effects. For me, they are minor and preferable to my 9 or 10 migraine days a month. Slight anxiety and paranoia. As long as I keep away from my horror movies, I'm okay. Weight gain. Sucks, but I exercise more and watch my diet. And fatigue. Only bad because I am an insomniac, so being exhausted but not able to sleep sucks. Others have reported much worse and some none at all, but with no change to their malady. I wish you luck and hope you find what works for you."

• Sas...
• September 4, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I would recommend people do research before going on any new medication, including the new injectable preventatives. I was desperate and agreed to do the Emgality injection with Botox without researching anything, as the doctor was being pushy about it happening that day right then. I was on this approximately 8 months and from the very start had increased anxiety and depression (was put on meds and couldn't leave my house due to the anxiety). Migraines increased, as did the severity of them, to the point where I couldn't go to work. I ended up in the ER multiple times with mini strokes (please keep in mind I am in my mid-20s). I already have chronic constipation, but this medication would make me go 4-6 weeks without a bowel movement. I paid completely out of pocket each month for this medicine ($780 every month), hoping it would help, and it only made everything worse. Not everyone is the same, and if it works well for someone else, I am happy for you! Unfortunately, it did not work for me at all."

• DJa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 28, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I am now on my 6th month of Emgality. I do take a daily preventive (well over a year) as well. One major thing I've noticed is severe leg and foot cramps. Standing or walking doesn't relieve them. Even though I've had improvement in comparison to the Botox (an average of 23.34 migraines a month with Botox to 19.6 with Emgality), I think I will go back to the Botox due to these cramps. My primary care physician has ruled out any kind of vascular disorder, and blood work doesn't show I'm deficient in anything that might be causing the cramps. My anxiety is also worse. I wake up at night with severe heart palpitations like a full-blown panic attack. I'm so happy to see individuals that have reported positive results with no side effects. I just don't believe I'm one of them."

• Fre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 19, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I hesitated taking this medication, but the persistent pain and suffering caused by my left-sided trigeminal migraine left me no choice, as all other treatments (dozens) didn’t work. It’s been 2 weeks now, and no migraines. I would like to mention a notable point that all symptoms related to my migraine-stiff neck, stiff jaw, taste of metal, phantom smells, feeling of irritated trigeminal nerve to the touch, sensitive vision, anxiety, and difficulties with speech (I want to say a word, but another one comes out, or visualizing a word but being unable to vocalize it)-those symptoms still persist. I am so thankful the pain seems to be gone, and any symptoms stated above are quite manageable. I wonder if anyone else is experiencing similar results?"

• Cal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 8, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "I have never submitted a drug review online. In November of 2020, I took two injections of Emgality for chronic migraine that I've suffered with for over 8 years. The past three months have been very difficult for me, and the only new thing I've done was taken the injection. My symptoms started a few days after Emgality. I am not anti-science or conspiratorial. I work in biotech and am pro-science and pro-vaccine. The past few months, I've had horrible vertigo, panic attacks, depression, and anxiety. The constant dizziness and panic were COMPLETELY new for me. I'm missing work, and my relationships are suffering. I'm seeing a new neuro and was put on some different drugs for migraine, now vestibular migraine, that are supposed to target these specific symptoms. I'm praying that as this drug clears out, so will my new disabling symptoms. More research needs to be done about this new class of drugs."

• bro...
• August 9, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I've had 15 days a month of migraines for 20 years, and my doc recommended this after my insurance hiked up the price of my slightly effective Botox. To date, I've taken the loading dose and then three more injections after that, so I've been on a little over three months. I can say that my 15 days a month has now dropped to 1. And that 1 only lasts a few hours, then I'm back to feeling good. The not so good? My normal blood pressure is now 160/90, and I'm constipated. Then there's the terrible anxiety. I've noticed for a week to 10 days after I inject the shot, I'm unbelievably nervous, anxious, and can barely hold a thought. Normally, I'm super laid back, and stressful work situations don't bother me. Now I feel like I'm going to explode from the anxiousness. So after learning how to live and work with chronic migraines, those are almost gone, but now I have to deal with crippling anxiety? Again, from a person who NEVER stresses or worries about things and can handle huge workloads?"

• TSR...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 28, 2023

For Migraine Prevention "I just took my 4th dose of Emgality, so I’m 3 months in. I gained over 10 lbs within the first 2 months, all in my belly, and now on my butt a little too. The scale keeps going up, despite cutting down calories and increasing exercise every day. I’m so bloated with this belly, my back hurts, I have tinnitus, and head fullness, and my anxiety has been more severe. This medication works for under 3 weeks. Prior to the next injection, I had BAD migraines. After injections, I feel like I have the flu within 24 hours. Constipation, followed by stabbing abdominal pain and watery diarrhea. My period is showing up late now, and I have hair loss. Each month the drug is less effective, but the side effects are more intense. More studies need to be done on this drug. I can’t believe it will now take 5 months to leave my system."

• Bat...
• January 30, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "Due to developing severe bleeding duodenal ulcers from years of overuse of NSAIDs, I was put on Emgality. First of all, when a nurse tells you an injection will hurt, she means business. It was the most painful injection I have ever had. I have done 2 full months (3 injections total). The first two weeks after my first loading dose, I did notice a decline in headaches, and I was hopeful! But, a week into month 2, it got icky. I’ve gained 15 pounds in 2 months. I’m sweating profusely. My anxiety is heightened. My irritability and lack of patience have snowballed. The fatigue is no joke, I’m going to bed at 7:30 pm (I’m in my 30s). I have also developed severe, blinding breast pain, and my hormones are completely out of whack. I canceled my appointment for my next dose and was heartbroken to hear it takes 5-6 months for it to leave my system. It’s awful. Also, my decline in migraines stopped in the second month."

• Col...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I started this drug, Emgality, in June of 2019. I just took my third injection and have had increasing anxiety that has now led to panic attacks and hair loss. My migraines before were occurring 2-3 times a week and have mostly subsided, but the anxiety is crippling and unbearable. My neurologist still told me there are no other side effects other than injection site pain, but this medicine has a lot of undocumented negative side effects that are listed! Beware!"

• srh...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 29, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "Have been using Emgality since 11/2019 to present. History of 15+ migraines/month before Emgality. The days I didn't have a migraine, I had a headache. Migraines began when I was a teenager. Tried beta blockers, calcium blockers, antidepressants, Cefaly unit... too many tx. to name. Bottom line - it has been a miracle drug for me! Yes, I've had side effects. Initially experienced neuropathy in my toes, achy arms/legs, anxiety, sore gums, increased tinnitus, and insomnia. After 15 months, I still experience anxiety, insomnia, and tinnitus. That said, I had always experienced all three to some degree, it is simply now more pronounced. For me, it's worth it. I have noticed a few more headaches as the months go by, but nothing in comparison to what I used to have. It has immensely improved my quality of life. Hope it continues."

• Ron...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 20, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I was getting 15-20 migraines/month. Emgality reduced them significantly to maybe 4/month. After a couple of injections, though, I noticed some things that I think are attributable to the drug. I was not taking anything else except pain relievers like Motrin, etc. The week after injection, I was experiencing severe depression and anxiety. Also, bowel habits seemed affected with constipation and diarrhea. I have stopped the injections after 6 months. I am now going through a urinary/bladder thing. I think the medicine may have brought it on, but not sure yet. Hopefully, it will go away as the drug gets out of my system."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 24, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "Sharing for wife. Emgality transformed her life. Migraines went from 14 to 0 days per month. Experienced feeling “foggy,” some anxiety, feeling tired, and some flu-like symptoms for 1st week after initial injection. Went away after that. Now some hair loss, which seems to be slowing. Been on for 4 months now. Compared to blinding migraines, small price to pay. This medicine really worked for her...we are very grateful."

• STh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 26, 2019

For Cluster Headaches "I have had cluster migraines, migraines, tension headaches, and headaches before I got out of the Army, 19 years ago. I was taking Topiramate for 5 years and got off of it when I got married. The headaches came back again, and I was sent to a neurologist who put me on Emgality. Since I started this, I have been super constipated... (got excited that my work was having to remodel the employee restroom to make it wheelchair accessible, which also means they're putting in rails... cannot tell you how much they help when you're constipated!!!) I have also been having serious mood swings and some anxiety. The side effects do not outweigh the risks. I’d rather have headaches than extra weight gain."

• Zor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 1, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I am on my third month. I have 24/7 migraines. I still have them, but it has improved my bad days. I feel as though I can process thoughts a bit better. My light sensitivity has improved, sound sensitivity did not improve. But... I have severe leg cramps, anxiety is through the roof, muscle twitches, constipation, and weight gain. I go from high anxiety and can't sleep to days where I literally will fall asleep while standing. Ugh!"

• Cic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 14, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "Just don't do it! Day 6 from the initial dose, and I've regretted it since day 1. Side effects so severe I've been to the ER and Urgent Care. Chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, slowed heart rate, and major anxiety! I've even felt paranoid, like someone was following me around. Avoid this stuff like coronavirus! Some days I feel okay, others, these side effects come out to play with me. I can't wait for this stuff to get out of my system!"

• Sus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 2, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I fought headache for 4 days before it turned migraine (vomiting, slurred speech). Took normal cocktail sumatriptan & Aleve (flovatriptan), but it didn't subside. My husband took me to the doctor (don't remember), got the usual topiramate & Phenergan. They offered Emgality, and my husband agreed to the loading dose because let's be honest, I'm 41 & have been dealing with this for 20 years, so he has suffered too. I can't speak to injection pain because my migraine was so severe I don't remember. Positive so far: no migraine even with normal triggers. Negatives... day one after the loading dose, I had extremely bloody stool. I can't blame Emgality yet... it was the only new drug, but I've taken so much. I am bloated. Extremely dry mouth. Insomnia (it's 4:30 am & I'm writing this). I have anxiety and am extremely irritable. I have felt the fog that other people have spoken of, but it was only momentary. So far, to me, the one positive outweighs the negative. Could change tomorrow. It was the dice my husband was willing to throw."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 1, 2023

For Migraine Prevention "I started Emgality back in March. Double dose from neurology. I have suffered with migraines with visual auras causing me numbness in my face and arms, hands sometimes. Scary and awful... I have usually only treated my migraines as needed with Maxalt or Nurtec. I finally built up the nerve to try Emgality after being told redness at the injection site or constipation were the worst side effects. I noticed in the first month that my headaches had subsided. I was having a lot of pain and cramping in the quad that the injection was given. In month two, I started to have severe anxiety. Fight or flight mode from the minute I woke up till the minute I went to bed. It was real hard to function daily... anxiety went away and then came back in May... I took my third dose and then I started to research it deeper... lots of bad side effects... I pray this is out of my system soon. It causes tremors for me in my neck and hands too... I don't recommend Emgality... worst experience ever for me!!!"

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 22, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "Six months on Emgality and I cannot deal with the side effects my doctor claims are not caused by the injections. Yes - my migraines are significantly decreased (90% improvement). However - this med from the first week has caused the following: - severe numbness in my hands and fingers - swelling in lower legs/ankles for days after injection - accelerated heartbeat and raised blood pressure - excessive weight gain (15 pounds in 6 months) despite hard effort to lose - fatigue, uncontrollable tiredness no matter how much sleep I get - extremely painful periods returned (I had not had a period in 11 months heading into full menopause) - anxiety, depression, moodiness, loss of focus, etc. I know it is this medication. I have a life to live and will deal with the migraines."

• Flo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I am 70 years old, took initial Emgality 2 doses at Drs. Aug & booster in Sept. The injections are quite painful but had no lasting effects at the injection site. Emgality has helped with allodynia, migraine frequency & light sensitivity. I am NOT taking another injection because of side effects NOT LISTED. I have had severe low back pain, pain in wrists & ankles (which I never had), fibromyalgia is WORSE due to INSOMNIA? HOT & SWEATY all the time. My constipation is worse with bouts of diarrhea & atrial fibrillation increased, flu-like symptoms, hives on upper thighs & legs, edema & bladder leakage increased. Nervousness the 2 weeks after the injection. CRGP in your system affects more than migraine pain & long-term damage unknown. Had to increase methaxalone & opioid usage. Prior managing my migraines with Botox, naratriptan, & Zofran. Not the best solutions, but they sure are better."

• SFL...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 25, 2021

For Cluster Headaches "I am kicking myself for agreeing to let my neurologist give me the loading dose. They gave me 360 mg (three 120 mg pens) for cluster headaches, which was the wrong dose - per Emgality, they should have only given me 300 mg. I did not do my research and would have never agreed to this drug if given time to research. Since my injection 2 days ago, I have had horrific insomnia, sore throat, anxiety, and trouble breathing. I have taken Benadryl and am now waiting for this to clear my system. Will never take again."

• Mat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 14, 2019

"I had my first Emgality injection on October 21 for post-concussion syndrome. About two weeks later, I started feeling anxious with bouts of crying. I had the second injection on November 20, even though I was reluctant, because my neurologist said you have to give it a three-month trial. Since then, my anxiety has increased, along with constipation. I also had some itching and swelling after the injection, but the anxiety is the worst symptom. I went to the ER due to extreme anxiety. I have seen another neurologist for a second opinion, and he said I should stop taking it. This site has been helpful because I had not connected that Emgality could be causing the anxiety."

• Mig...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 19, 2023

For Migraine Prevention "I have suffered from migraines for 20 years and have tried all the medications out there! My neurologist suggested Emgality as the migraines had gotten worse. I only took the first dose! My skin was so itchy all over and felt like I could scratch my skin off and could not sleep, and I had a huge spike in anxiety. The doctor said to just take Benadryl, and he did not check again. I will not be taking Emgality for a 2nd time! Not to mention the horrible pain they do not warn you about while taking the shot!"

• Nas...
• December 30, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "Please avoid this injection. I regret that I did not listen to others' experience. One day after the second injection, I got too much nausea, anxiety, stress. It is three weeks now, and it is like my stomach is not working, food remains in my stomach too long, and I get nauseated. I feel very bad and do not know when this will be gone!"

• Nas...
• December 30, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "Please avoid this injection. I regret that I did not listen to others' experience. One day after the second injection, I got too much nausea, anxiety, stress. It is three weeks now, and it is like my stomach is not working, food remains in my stomach too long, and I get nauseated. I feel very bad and do not know when this will be gone!"