Saxenda and Constipation: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Ita...
• July 14, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm 5'2''-today marks 2 weeks on the med. Started at 192, now at 183. 1st week did 0.6 mg. Lost ~6 lbs, probably H2O? At 1.8 mg today, but the scale hasn't moved in days. Small needle-no pain. A few times had stinging-not bad. Dose initially at night, switched to AM. No side effects for 5 days, then had a bad migraine. No nausea like others. Appetite is crushed! Have to force breakfast and barely eat lunch. I'm 'hungry' at dinner, but can only stomach a few bites. ~800 cal/day? No snacking. A few times felt dizzy, increased H2O and ate protein. Constipation is the main problem now. Senna tea and lots of H2O to help. Little exercise now, but will start walking. Goal to be about 120 lbs by Christmas-~60 lbs more to lose. Insurance covers at $50 copay. Wish me luck!"

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 3, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’ve been using Saxenda for the past three weeks. In the first week, I lost 5 lb but found I was heavily constipated. No other side effects. In the second week, I used laxatives as I felt so bloated, this was my downfall. I put on weight due to it causing water retention and hunger - I felt the injections weren’t effective, although I’d upped the dose to 1.2. I’m on week three. I have started to lose weight again, although constipated. I guess my point is the medication does not work with laxatives."

• Bab...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 17, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have tried in my life every diet plan out there. I have lost and gained over and over. My family physician prescribed Saxenda for me. My insurance company is paying for it. In my first week on it, I have lost 7 pounds. This makes me very hopeful. But you can't do it by using the drug alone. You have to reduce your caloric intake. I follow a program set up by a dietitian. I drink about 3 liters of water a day. This will be a long road for me, yet very positive! My cravings have stopped altogether, and no more late-night snacking. I started to give my injections in the morning, but I was feeling so tired throughout the day. Now I'm feeling much better giving them at night. I do feel a little bloated and have had to use a gentle laxative for constipation."

• JDI...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 2, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started 5 weeks ago, and I have lost 18 lbs. Life changer how I feel. I started at 288 lbs. I started at a low dose week one, and week two went to 1.2 dose. Have had no need to increase it. Only one issue is constipation. I take a stool softener. No headaches or vomiting for me. I am full with about 1500/1600 calories a day. I eat 3 meals. Will start exercising soon. All I can say is it works for me."

• FSU...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 24, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "End of week 3 and lost 8 pounds. Life changer in controlling appetite. No side effects except constipation during week three, which resolved quickly with fiber. Also, dry mouth, but gum helps. The needle doesn’t hurt. Highly recommend if you have a lot of weight to lose."

• Mel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 21, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This is my third week on the medication, and I'm down 11 lbs - a miracle for me! Starting weight was 198 lbs at 5'7, and with PCOS, weight loss has been difficult before Saxenda. I no longer crave sugar, and I'm finally that person who can have a square of chocolate and put the rest in the fridge! I haven't cut out any food groups, but it's been a godsend for portion control - I'm simply not hungry. I've only just upped my dose to 1.2 and was on the min dose of 0.6 for 2.5 weeks. I don't think I'll go any higher. Side effects have been constipation and some heartburn, but the positives massively outweigh this. My goal now is to focus on healthy eating, as when I come off, I don't want to be craving sugar, etc. Wish I'd found this sooner!"

• Wam...
• December 15, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "On November 18th, I started Saxenda. I'm now into my fourth week of the injections, and I am happy to report I have lost 20 lbs. Finally, a medication that works in the fight against obesity. Constipation can be an issue, but I find I can keep things moving, lol, by taking one Senokot twice daily. I had very few side effects that only lasted a few days. However, I do find if I eat too much, I get a stomach ache that only lasts a few minutes. I love this drug! I will probably be on it for a few years. Good luck to anyone who is considering this drug."

• JMo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 17, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Update #3 or 4, lol. I've been on Saxenda, 2.4 current dose, I have lost a total of 28 lb in 2.5 months! I am having some gut issues now: constipation. DO NOT eat sweets, I get very sick when I eat anything like a bite of a brownie or a York patty. My body won't tolerate the sugar, which for me is GREAT. I started at 208, I am now 184, an average loss of 2 lb a week. I'm super happy with this medicine. I do feel as if I've hit a plateau, so I need NOT to drink wine or diet sodas. When I drink only water and some milk, I drop about 3 lb a week."

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 7, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Update: I have now been on Saxenda for 10 weeks. I have lost 28 pounds. I eat about 1,500 calories a day, tracking on MyFitnessPal. I never feel hungry. The only side effect is constipation. I would recommend this if you are trying to lose weight. I have been on many diets, and never have I felt this good."

• LAB...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 22, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Saxenda stops food cravings. Sweets can make you feel sick as well. I have lost 16 pounds in 6 weeks, and my calorie intake ranges between 1,100 to 1,800 calories per day. I'm 5'6" tall, and my starting weight with Saxenda was 185 pounds. I will admit that I have not been exercising, and I clearly need to each day, as my weight loss could have been much greater than what it currently is. Side effects of Saxenda (for me) were nausea, slight headaches, the feeling of nausea when eating anything sweet, and severe constipation. My provider advised me to take one capful of Miralax with 8 oz of water each day to keep the constipation at bay. No constipation after beginning this daily regimen. The PCP that I see is taking blood and running full panels at the 8-week mark to make sure my body is handling the Saxenda, as it does cause cancer and other complications. My labs will be drawn on 4/2/19, and I'm very hopeful that everything looks GREAT!"

• Pet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 15, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a 54-year-old female that was diagnosed with pre-diabetes, high cholesterol, and my blood pressure was starting to climb also. I gained a lot of weight after menopause and even more during Covid. My self-esteem was low, and I was very frustrated with myself. My doctor started me on Saxenda. And what a blessing it has been. I am in my fifth week right now and have lost 11 pounds so far! My biggest side effects are constipation and occasional dizziness. Other than that, I feel great. I am on 1.2 mg still, and my appetite has decreased dramatically! I can still enjoy a little chocolate and an occasional glass of wine! I’m very pleased with the results so far and wish to lose another 20 pounds. I will then have my blood work repeated to see if my A-1C and my cholesterol are starting to drop! Fingers crossed!"

• San...
• February 28, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Saxenda on Feb 1, 2016. Minimal side effects, no issues with constipation. Only able to tolerate small portions and must eat every 3-4 hours during the day. If I don't eat, I get nauseous. Worst time for me used to be around dinner time when I could not stop snacking, now those cravings are gone. YAH! 10 lbs lost in 4 weeks, just what I wanted: slow and steady. Insurance does cover, so will be continuing until goal weight of 150."

• TJa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 17, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been consistently losing an average of 2 lbs. per week. This is an extremely healthy and successful rate! It's been about 3 weeks, and I am down 6 lbs. There definitely are side effects to this medication. The one I struggle with the most is the constipation. I am increasing my water intake and taking Colace (an OTC laxative) to manage it. My appetite has decreased significantly, almost without me noticing. I do have some nausea and belching as well. When you make the decision to take prescription drugs to help you lose weight, you have to expect to compromise, though, right? As long as these symptoms remain tolerable and the lbs. keep dropping, I am sticking with it. Hopefully, I won't grow a third leg or grow any thyroid tumors. Day by day."

• Vet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Saxenda on 12/14/15, weighing in at 210 pounds. As of today, 01/15/16, I weighed in at 193... 17-pound weight loss! I have been doing 30 minutes of cardio 4 times a week. The downsides I have experienced are constipation. I have found the only way I am able to go to the bathroom is by taking a liquid laxative on the weekends. I have also experienced some nausea that has been pretty bad at times. Overall, I am really excited about my rules and hope to reach my goal weight of 160 by the summer! Saxenda rocks!!"

• Jos...
• January 6, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm in my second week, and since I have upped the dosage, I have noticed constipation and, for the last day, moderate abdominal pain and diarrhea. I definitely don't eat near as much as I used to, and I am very happy about that. I did have headaches the first week, nothing that Motrin couldn't take care of. I am 5'5", I weighed in at 230 pounds, and I have lost 5 pounds as of the first week, not sure today. I am very concerned about the possible side effect of cancer in the thyroid since I do have Hashimoto's disease. But I was considering the gastric sleeve surgery before this medication and really want to give it a shot because I don't want a large portion of my stomach taken out. I'll check in and update you all."

• Gre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 3, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Saxenda on Jan 21, 2016, with 0.6 mg, and I weighed 222. The first three days, I could not eat, when I did, it was very little. I always felt sick, but after the three days, I felt better. No cravings at all, actually no desire for food, I just eat to eat and give me energy. I always used to eat sweets after every meal, I have not had one sweet since doing the injections. Today, it has been 13 days on injections, I am up to 1.2 mg and am down 9 lbs, to 213. I feel good and barely have any symptoms. I read that the number one side effect is constipation, so I started taking magnesium citrate, and I have had no issues with that. I have also started going to the gym. I take the medication right before bed around 11-11:30 pm."

• CMB...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 25, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This is an update: I am officially down 14 lbs. I am 5'5" and started at 225.7 (home weight) and I am down to 211.7 since beginning on February 4th. The negative side effects have seemingly subsided, except for being a bit backed up. Though I imagine that the decrease in food intake has changed my personal regularity. I will increase to 2.4 today. I am more positive about seeing the scale under 200. It will be a first in over 5 years. I don't crave food at all. For the first time, in a long time, I am able to look at food as something I have to do instead of something I constantly need to do. The next two to three weeks are crucial for me, as I generally sabotage myself and stop being consistent with my healthy ways after about a month."

• Wil...
• July 5, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Saxenda 5 weeks ago. Was lucky that the drug plan covered it. My pharmacy doesn't stock it, so I have to order a couple of days ahead. Down 10 lbs, I believe, and 2" off my waist. Walking every night. A step counter or Fitbit really helps with this. Getting treatment for sleep apnea as well, which has really made me feel better and have more energy to exercise. Will start more vigorous exercise soon. Some nausea when I went to 1.8ml, but only for a day. At full dose of 3ml per day at dinner. Some constipation, but trying to drink lots of water. The drug makes you feel full after small meals. I haven't finished a lunch in a restaurant in weeks."

• now...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 14, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Okay, so after day 32 (and only day 2 on the full 3.0 dose), I had lost 21 pounds. I am seeing the doctor every 2 or 3 weeks and only get on the scale there. I'm at day 40 and feel that when I go to see her in 2 weeks, I will be down another 5 or 6. In addition to Saxenda, I've adjusted my eating -- mainly smaller portions, more veggies, fruit, protein, less carbs, pretty much no frozen or pre-prepared foods. My energy level is good, and the only real side effect I am still dealing with is constipation, but I am increasing water intake, and it seems to be helping. My blood pressure has gone down, too. I'm going to try and add in some light exercise next ... need a knee replacement, so that rules a lot of things out."

• Tal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 22, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I began taking Saxenda on January 8th. The first month had a few side effects (acid reflux, nausea, injection site discomfort, and constipation). This all subsided over time. I've been going strong for 4 months and have lost a little over 30 pounds. I started at 246. Since my appetite has been suppressed, I eat smaller portions 5 to 6 times a day. Prior to Saxenda, I would eat large quantities for lunch and dinner, never breakfast, and certainly snack at night. So, it's forced me into better eating habits. I also try to eat whole grains, turkey, salads, etc. It's changed my lifestyle."

• MDL...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 24, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started taking Saxenda and initially saw some limited results. Side effects were minimal, I had some heartburn and constipation, but nothing else. Lost approx 7 lbs in conjunction with a 2000 kcal p/d diet. However, was unable to lose any more weight despite consistently being in a calorie deficit. Also discovered that Saxenda really didn't help very much with hunger/cravings as it was supposed to. I haven't binged while on it, but remained constantly hungry. Ultimately, a disappointing result."

• Bai...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 22, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’ve been on Saxenda for 6 months and lost 40 lbs in the first 3. Since then, I have maintained the weight loss. I just started working out on it and hoping I will lose my last 25. In the beginning, I felt a little nauseous, constipation, and had some minor headaches, but it subsided after the first month. About 6 weeks in, I had terrible sulfur breath and burps. It lasted about 3 weeks, but I was able to control it with chewable Pepto Bismol. I have had a great experience, but if my plateau doesn’t break, I’m hoping my doctor will increase the dosage."

• Msm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started using 1/5/19, and it immediately stopped any cravings, just thinking about food made me sick. So I decreased my caloric intake right away. I had nausea for the first 3 weeks, and it was awful, but I didn't care. If you're nauseous, you can't eat. I am 5'5" and my starting weight was 214 pounds. I am going into the 6th week at the maximum dose and I am down to 194 pounds. Side effects have been severe nausea, constipation, extreme dry mouth, abdominal upset, no cravings ever, and no appetite. I love this medication. I calculated body weight percentage lost, and it's 9%. I plan on increasing my activity and am trying to find out how to cut out any excess calories."

• Tor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 22, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Yesterday I was three months on Saxenda. Starting weight 194 lbs (I am 5’2”). Today I’m 160 pounds. Very mild side effects in my first week, until I switched the administration time from morning to bedtime. No more nausea. Constipation is still a problem for me, still working hard to manage this. Injection site also has become a little challenging, but because it’s summer I don’t want to use my arms or legs, so I stick with my tummy area, which has become very itchy and lumpy. My fitness pal app also helps with watching my cals, I am not exceeding 1000/day. It works for me, and my life is getting better every day."

• flo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 26, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Thursday, Aug 29 will be 3 weeks on Saxenda. I have lost 10 lbs so far. My side effects have been mild constipation, extreme thirst, and dry mouth. Bad breath and nausea. I am currently taking the 2.4 dose. I will be going up to 3 this weekend, hoping to lose more. Eating very small things several times a day. Spicy is not good while on this drug, it is best to eat bland foods. For me, anything greasy or too much spice in it gives me a lot more nausea. I have a 3-month amount. I will definitely do it until then to see if I lose any more weight, but after that, I am not sure. Good luck to everyone who thinks this will help them. It has helped me so far."