Saxenda and Constipation: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Sz2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 29, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Tried this over a 3-month period so I could review as honestly as possible. The first 2 weeks, great, lost 6 pounds. As soon as I increased the dose to 2.4, crippling pain in my stomach, CONSTANT nausea. Was never sick, but often constipated. Dropped the dose back down and still terrible stomach cramps. In the end, had to drop it down to 0.8, which just didn’t do enough to curb hunger, just felt the same as when I wasn’t taking it. All in all, for me this didn’t work. The fatigue and tiredness were one of the worst things I’ve experienced. Absolutely no energy, not one bit. Trying to work and go to the gym, walk the dogs was the worst battle ever. And that was for the whole 3 months. Also, rapid heart rate, I wear an Apple Watch and my resting heart rate went up by 15 bpm on average. I would get a tight chest too. For me, not worth it! Back to the drawing board and padlocking the fridge lol."

• Bab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 16, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Saxenda for 5 weeks now. I have lost 15 pounds. I take my injections at 7 pm every night. I wanted to avoid the side effects by taking it at night. The nausea has been really bad for the past week since I have been on 3 mg. Zofran has helped. I find I do have to take a laxative to aid with the constipation. I'm happy it is working. A long journey ahead."

• A B...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 9, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm a 45-year-old female, 5'6" tall, and my starting weight was 220 when I weighed in at the doctor's office on August 31st. I have some health concerns that led my doctor to prescribe this for me. My doctor helped to administer the first dose so I would know what to do the next day. I felt okay the first 2 days with little side effects. The 3rd day I couldn't stand the smell of bacon. Who doesn't like the smell of bacon? This girl now! The 4th day I threw up my morning coffee and meds. I have been experiencing constipation as well. I am currently on 1.2 mg and on day 9. I've lost 5 lbs so far, so I'll keep dealing with the side effects. I did start to inject at night to help with the nausea. I am very hopeful this medication will do the job!"

• Ole...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 10, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am just shy of a month and just upped today to 2.4 dosage. In the beginning, 6 days or so, I had bad nausea, some vomiting, and constipation. I almost stopped but just stayed in the .6 for an extra week, and I have been a bit more tired, but the other side effects have gone away. It has drastically curbed my appetite, and I just weighed myself and I am down 12.4 pounds and feeling very good. I am making better food choices as I get full after eating about 1/3 of what I used to, which was big portions and seconds. I have also bumped up my activity and averaging 13,000 plus steps and 100 plus active zone minutes on my Fitbit. I am happy so far and glad I didn’t pull the plug in the first week."

• Mau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 24, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm a 43-year-old woman, 5'6. Originally, I weighed 210 pounds. I started Saxenda 30 days ago. I now weigh 193 pounds. I am currently injecting 1.8 and still have 10 days left on that dose. Not much side effects, just a little nausea. I did get diarrhea a few times after I consumed carbohydrates. I have no appetite and am never thirsty, so I need to remind myself to hydrate. A few times I didn't hydrate enough, which led to constipation. I also try to walk 3k every evening, getting my 10,000 steps in a day. It is definitely working for me."

• MzL...
• April 24, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started this journey on April 11th, 2016. Today is April 24th. I'm down 13 lbs. The first day was the hardest: vomit and nausea, very sleepy. The next day, symptoms gone. I'm on a 2.4 dose, and it's going well. The only thing I experience is constipation, but then again, I'm not eating like I used to. I have to force myself to eat. The only thing I can handle is yogurt. I drink a lot of water, that helps with the dry mouth. But overall, I love the results. Can't wait till my next appointment to check blood pressure and cholesterol levels."

• Rus...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 14, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was on Saxenda for a total of 31 weeks. Mild side effects at first; mild constipation, headache. They wore off soon. I was slow to increase my dose - staying at 1.2 mg and 1.8 mg for many weeks before increasing. Could not tolerate 2.4 mg - vomiting, sulfur gas, diarrhea. Went back down to 1.8 but never felt right again. 28 lbs lost in 34 weeks. Average weight loss 0.8 lbs per week. Pros: It helped control cravings and made me feel less hungry. Cons: The side effects. Not bad until I went past 1.8 mg. Then it was unbearable. I also found it inconvenient to take. I don’t hate needles, but it was a process. Also expensive. My insurance covered it (otherwise I wouldn’t be on it at all), but not the needles or the swabs. Traveling with it was annoying."

• Fin...
• February 3, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Saxenda 14 days ago and have lost 5.4 lbs in total (started at 195.2, currently at 189.8). HOWEVER, that has yo-yo'd several times a week. The constipation is awful, I finally broke down and bought laxatives because it has caused so much bloat, and I honestly can't believe I'll lose weight without passing anything that I eat. I started at the lowest dose and didn't notice it helped, so now I'm at the highest dose and considering talking to my doctor about increasing it or adding another med to combat cravings. I use a calorie tracker and try to stay at 1,200 calories a day or less, and I cut myself a break on weekends, but don't go too overboard because it makes me ill. I have to say, after reading other successes at this point, I'm pretty disappointed that I haven't lost more. I'll be sticking with it though, because I'm determined to get this weight off. Good luck to everyone on this journey, I'll be updating regularly."

• Jmo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 4, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "UPDATE: I have now been on Saxenda since 2-19-17, April 1st (41 days on Saxenda). I weigh 190, I started at 208, so this is a total of EIGHTEEN POUNDS loss in 41 DAYS. I am not at a 2.4 dose. I do walk a lot at work and do a lot of yard work, but other than that, I have NOT worked out or exercised. I do feel full at about 700 to 900 calories. Some days I cannot eat more than 500 or so calories. I also have kept it below 100 carbs per day. I feel healthy, a little tired, but not so much it interferes with my day. Occasional nausea, but not often at all. I do have severe constipation and a sour stomach. I do not tolerate meats well, especially red meats (but this is also not new for me). My skin is dry, and there is irritation around the injection site."

• Lau...
• March 7, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Saxenda for a week and a half. In this time, the only side effect I've had is constipation. The injections don't hurt, and I've only had one small bruise. I don't know how much I've lost as I'm waiting to see my doctor for my check-up, but I know I've lost it as I can see it. So far, I would recommend it to anyone. Another great thing, this doesn't react with any other medicine. Therefore, I have been taking it with Champix to give up cigarettes. I have not felt like eating to counteract the cravings and have been smoke-free for two days (I've smoked for 25 years, so this is a big milestone)."

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 21, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am 46 years old, 5'3", and have a BMI of 41. I just injected the first dose of Saxenda after watching YouTube tutorials and reading reviews all day. I have struggled all my life with my weight. I have PCOS and have been gaining weight steadily for the past 4 years. I have worked with a dietician, done WW, and other diets. I also have fibromyalgia, so it is imperative that I lose weight and get moving... My plan is to increase my dose slowly and have healthy snacks around to nibble on to stave off nausea. I am also going to go back on Metamucil twice a day to help with either diarrhea or constipation. Here goes nothing...."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 29, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Barely 4'11", age 50, started Saxenda 9/10/16 at 134. Today I'm 114.4. I'm thrilled with a 19.6 loss in less than 2 months, and cravings for sweets are gone. Dr. chose Saxenda for me after months of no success with diet and exercise alone. Dose was 0.6 mg until last week. Now at 1.2 mg. A few days of nausea at start on 0.6, but none since. Only side effect is occasional constipation. My insurance doesn't cover Saxenda, and I think it's very expensive even with the savings card, but it's been worth it to avoid another back surgery."

• But...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 21, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Saxenda for almost one month. Previously lost 63 lbs on Contrave and a low-calorie diet between August 2020 and December 2020. Had to quit it due to severe constipation and insurance no longer covering the drug. I gained about 8 lbs back between December and early February before starting Saxenda. I have lost 10 lbs since starting Saxenda on February 4 for a grand total of 65 lbs. I’m looking to lose another 39 to reach my goal. I have had no side effects at all but didn’t find it helped my appetite until I reached the 2.4 dose this past week. Now I literally have no appetite and need to remind myself to eat. It’s really amazing."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’ve been on Saxenda for 7 weeks. At the beginning, the side effects I personally got were complete exhaustion. After the second week, I was constipated for 6 days, and it was brutal, the worst feeling I have ever experienced. I incorporated Metamucil daily, and that seemed to work. I have lost 26 pounds, and my dose is 1.8 still. I’m not hungry and don’t think about food as before. It was 24/7, always in my mind. Give it a chance, the side effects get much better and don’t increase if you don’t need to."

• Ben...
• July 29, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started the injection 1 week ago today! I literally went from being a greedy pig eating anything sweet in sight and drinking several alcoholic beverages per week to almost nothing now. The medicine stopped my junk food cravings, and I don't even want a glass of wine with dinner. I used to skip breakfast and lunch sometimes and overeat for dinner and snacks. Now I'm eating a small dinner, and that's about it, lol. I have to force myself to eat sometimes! I'm 34 years old, 6'2, 243 lbs as of last Friday, which is the heaviest I've ever been. I haven't weighed myself yet, but I'm certain I've lost weight. I'm using My Fitness Pal to keep my calories below 1500 per day. My side effects: constipation, indigestion, insomnia, regurgitation, nausea."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 23, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started 3 weeks ago. Immediately dropped to 1200 calories. Side effects include constipation, a funny feeling in my stomach, absolutely devastating fatigue. I didn't think I could make it through the day. It was terrible...my belly fat has not budged and I've only lost 1 kilo! Don't know what's happening to my body. I feel so out of sorts. The last 3 days under 800 cals and still no weight loss, only debilitating fatigue. Reached 1.8 dosage as I wanted it to work so desperately but have to face it...it's killing me! Last dose today, no more. Good luck to you lucky ones that are having great success with it!"

• nig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 10, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking Saxenda for 5 weeks now. I have been titrated from 0.6 for 7 days and increasing every 7 days by 0.6 until I got to 3.0. The nausea and constipation are awful. The fatigue-walking across a room and back makes me feel as if I had run a marathon! Terrible stomach pains and bloating! Yuck. But I will continue taking this as long as the VA will pay for it. I have to lose more weight in order to get my new knees. Does anyone notice if the fatigue and bloating and nausea lessen over time?"

• Ali...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 22, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Sooooooo sick, that's my main issue with this medicine. I throw up daily, and I'm constipated. I've lost 12 pounds in less than 2 weeks. Started at 286, now 274 in 1.5 weeks. No diet or exercise happening. I sleep nonstop, have no energy, I'm always thirsty and dehydrated. Plus side, I'm never hungry, and I lost weight quickly. I don't know if I'll be able to continue if the side effects are unyielding."

• now...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 4, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have lost 33 pounds since June 29 (weeks) by taking Saxenda and modifying my diet; no exercise. I have gone from 302 lb to 269 lb, and my blood pressure is 134/73-the lowest in at least 10 years. I find that I rarely have no urge to eat and really have focused on smaller quantities, fresh food, and no processed foods or pasta. I find keeping a food diary very helpful. I had terrible side effects for the first 2-3 weeks, but now just burps, reflux, and constipation. I have experienced bruising around my abdomen where I inserted needles, but no pain."

• Lov...
• September 25, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've lost a little weight, 5-7 lbs in 2 weeks, and have lost some of the binge eating. So it's worked, but has side effects like nausea, throwing up twice now, constipation. My wife thinks I'm grumpier, definitely maybe? Losing weight ain't no pleasure cruise, but not ready to succumb to diabetes."

• Jor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Saxenda mid-October and have lost 10 pounds, which seems to be a bit slower, but still healthy weight loss. I have PCOS, so losing weight is very difficult. It definitely curbs my appetite, but I was still not eating the healthiest meals. It was like, I'm not hungry, but I'd still like some Mexican food (if that makes sense?). I LOVE food. So, I am now on Weight Watchers, learning to eat healthy, too. The insurance paid for mine. I have BCBS and only paid $30 for it with the savings card. I only have experienced nausea if I take it early in the morning before eating. Lunch is best. Otherwise, the only side effect I experience is constipation (extreme!). Laxatives wouldn't work. This is the only negative I've experienced."

• Sax...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 11, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Saxenda for two months and have lost about 10-11 lbs so far. I'm a 43-year-old male and started at the 0.6 dose, and ramped up and stayed at 1.8 so far. I intermittent fast overnight and drink water and coffee until lunch. I can stay under 2000 calories daily without issue. Lunch is around 500 calories, maybe a snack mid-afternoon of 100 calories, and dinner is around 800-1000 calories. Lots of water, no real side effects other than occasional constipation (fiber pills help with that within a day). I hit the treadmill for 60-90 mins daily, and lift weights every few days. This gets me weight loss of about 1-2 lbs a week, which my doctor says is about the right pace. I've been able to halve my blood pressure meds as a result of all this. The big benefit is I don't binge eat and can maintain intermittent fasting every day. No urges to eat after a meal, and most importantly, I don't feel the need to eat after dinner. It's been a game changer for me so far."

• Kim...
• May 1, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Beginning week 6. 15 pounds down. When I eat too much (more than 1/2 a regular meal), I feel very full and get indigestion. I am trying to ensure I take at least 10,000 a day. Been taking for 17 days...10 pounds lost. Controls hunger. I try to eat 700-900 calories a day and work out 2X a week. I have experienced throwing up, headaches, lightheadedness, and constipation, but now, side effects are minimal. Looking to lose 50 pounds by the end of the year."

• NJM...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was just given this drug by my PCP because my obesity is out of control. I think my BMI is 47, not sure, but it's a crazy high number. I'm 5'5" and weigh about 285, size 22/24 pants, 2x/3x top. I have read a lot of the reviews, and I am kind of scared about the side effects. I can probably deal with the headaches, nausea, constipation, or diarrhea because there are times when I get that now (I have hypertension, prediabetes, and IBS). But the severe stuff, like pancreatitis and kidney problems or thyroid cancer, is making me think I may not go through with it. Tomorrow is Friday, so it might be best to start. I'll most likely try it at bedtime and see how that goes. I want to lose the weight, and I hope this works because I'm always hungry, and I hate that feeling. That also comes along with guilt, sadness, and hopelessness whenever I go shopping or when I see myself in pictures. But then again, I think that's why we have all resorted to this drug. In any case, wish me luck! :)"

• Jay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 10, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "One week on Saxenda completed, and I have lost 2.2 kg. Have used my reduced appetite to help make slightly better food choices (salads, porridge, bananas, etc.), though I haven’t had to make huge changes as I eat relatively well. The only side effect I have noted is constipation, but other than that, no side effects whatsoever. Worth noting that I have been diagnosed with MODY (mature onset diabetes, not type 2), and this is a treatment option that some researchers recommend for MODY as opposed to me taking it as a pure weight loss treatment, so I don’t know if this changes the way that it works with my body."