Saxenda and Fatigue: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Bpe...
• October 11, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Lost 20 lbs in the 18 days since starting Saxenda. Definitely killed appetite, as many have mentioned. I was telling my friend that I actually can hear the growls and gurgles of hunger sometimes, but that message no longer seems to be transmitted to my brain. After the first week, I was experiencing elevated heart rate, extreme fatigue/shortness of breath (SOB) with minimal exertion (not norm). MD suggested electrolyte replacement, which initially seemed to help. However, this week started exercise with a personal trainer, and I can barely do anything. I get dizzy, sweaty, SOB, and fast heart rate immediately and have to stop. I have been chugging Gatorade (for sugar and electrolytes), but it does not seem to be alleviating anything. I am not sure whether I should stop so that I can tolerate the exercise, which of course we all need, or try to find another solution. Obviously, I thought doing both would be my best chance at significant success. Anybody else with similar side effects? Suggestions?"

• 123...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 27, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started using Saxenda 5 weeks ago. I increased dosage every week as suggested. The nausea and fatigue have been very noticeable, but my appetite for heavy carb foods is gone. Carbs had always been my biggest downfall in all dieting. I started at 215 lb. I lost 15 lbs. and weighed in again today and have lost another 3 lbs. I am starting back at the gym today in hopes of toning some inches lost. I have pants and shirts I have not been able to wear for 2+ years, and they now fit. It seems that this medication is a perfect fit for me."

• Pri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 4, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Saxenda on November 7. I'm down about 10 pounds already. I didn't experience a lot of side effects, just very fatigued/tired a lot. I had extremely low energy. My doctor said, get this, I wasn't eating enough. Wow! Once I increased my fiber and protein, I started feeling much better. Feeling very hopeful about this journey."

• Pri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 4, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Saxenda on November 7. I'm down about 10 pounds already. I didn't experience a lot of side effects, just very fatigued/tired a lot. I had extremely low energy. My doctor said, get this, I wasn't eating enough. Wow! Once I increased my fiber and protein, I started feeling much better. Feeling very hopeful about this journey."

• Mrs...
• October 2, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on this drug for about three weeks now. I'm on the 1.8 mg currently, and have lost about 14 pounds. The only side effect I've experienced was a little nausea and some fatigue. I can't believe I finally found something that seems to be working. I'm not hungry all the time and am very satisfied with the small portion of food. I have a lot of dry mouth issues, but I'm glad I do. I'll be able to take in more water, which is what I struggled with. I need to lose an additional 35 pounds to get to where I need to be. I'm confident that this miracle drug will help do the trick!"

• Car...
• March 18, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Began with the minimum 0.6 mg dose of Saxenda on 9 February and increased by the same amount every 7 days. My appetite disappeared, but the acid indigestion was horrible. I also felt tired, lethargic, and dizzy most of the time. After 3 weeks, I decided to increase the dosage every 14 days instead, which helped. I'm now steady at 2.4 mg. The side effects have disappeared, except for the fatigue. I wear a Fitbit and try to do 5,000 steps per day. Cardio is out of the question; I'm just too tired, but I have lost 5 kg (approx. 12 lbs). I feel and look so much better. I've started getting an itchy rash at the injection sites. Fatty or sugary food is repulsive; I can easily eat less than 1,000 cal/day."

• Los...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 19, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Saxenda for over a year. Lost 40 lbs in the first 6 months with diet and exercise. Stopped losing weight and appetite returned, despite staying on the same dose. Gained almost all the weight back and having terrible fatigue and headaches. I’m thinking I should come off and go back on in a few months. Anyone have any experience with this? Thoughts?"

• EmT...
• March 28, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I haven't been using this very long, but I am already amazed at the results. I started on 3/25/2016. I do an injection first thing in the morning, rotating my upper arms and thighs. I'm still at 0.6, of course. Today is 3/28/2016, and I've lost 6 pounds already. The side effects are mild headaches and severe fatigue. It's hard to wake up and hard to stay awake during the day. This could also be because I completely cut out my caffeine intake from 5-6 daily to 0. I have no nausea or vomiting. I have no appetite. I forced myself to eat a sandwich and drink a protein shake this morning. I only ate once yesterday, too. I make sure to drink plenty of fluids. Also, I haven't had constipation like some have had. I love it so far!"

• pan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 11, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have started to take this drug on January 18, 2017. Today is February 11, and I have lost 10 pounds. I am 5'5", 235 lbs down to 225 lbs. I am at 1.8 dosage and have nausea, diarrhea, no appetite, cramping, fatigue, and newly developed belches that taste like rotten eggs! I might need to back down to 1.2. I have been moving slow with the dose increases as well. Losing weight, though, but these side effects......we will see!"

• Car...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 21, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This is the worst drug I've ever taken in my life. I did have prior anxiety and depression around 13 years ago, and within 2-3 days of using this Saxenda pen, I was facing the darkest depression I've ever had. I was suicidal and thought I had illnesses that could kill me. It was also causing me to be paranoid, and the anxiety was like nothing I'd ever experienced before. I was having palpitations and panic attacks too. I have to be honest, it only helped reduce my appetite a little bit, but I was eating less. This medication made me so ill with anxiety that every muscle in my body ached, and my muscles were extremely tired. I was really, really fatigued like nothing I've ever felt in my life. But after a week of feeling extremely suicidal and experiencing extreme anxiety, I had to stop this medication. Within 24-48 hours, I was back to myself again. So, definitely, Saxenda caused me to feel suicidal and have extreme anxiety. I tried it again for another 5 days, and the suicidal ideas and anxiety returned."

• Lil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 6, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Saxenda 2 months ago and quickly lost 7 kgs. I started off on 0.6, then weekly added 0.6 until I reached 1.8. However, I find I have so little energy, and I'm so fatigued that I can't bring myself to exercise. The few times I have managed to exercise, I saw a drop in weight the next day. I am determined to keep going and force myself to exercise, as I can see it really works."

• Tee...
• October 8, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm 66 years old, and I've tried every diet out there, some with minor results but never permanent weight loss. I was excited to start Saxenda. It is expensive, but my insurance plan actually covered 80%, but it wouldn't cover the needles, which I thought was a bit odd. This is day 4 for me, and I'm down 7 lbs, but not without nausea, headache, insomnia, and extreme fatigue. I can't function during the day, so I'm going to try taking it at night along with a sleep aid, hopefully, I can sleep through the worst of it. I'll give you an update in a few days."

• Gbo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Completed two weeks on Saxenda today and experienced an 18-pound weight loss. Began at 284 lbs, now 266 lbs. I'm a 55 yo male and 6' tall. About to commence the 1.8 dose, experienced fatigue and nausea most days, hoping the side effects settle down over the next few weeks. Haven't felt hungry since taking the first dose, getting by quite well on two small meals per day, drinking plenty of water and mint tea. No cravings for anything, really pleasantly surprised the mind and body have finally aligned to make real weight loss a possibility. Taking the shot at night just before bedtime to minimize exposure to nausea, not so sure it's working. Would recommend highly to those who have previously unsuccessfully attempted dieting and exercise regimes."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 15, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Week 8 on Saxenda, and I’m at the max dose of 3.0 mg, and I've lost about 10 pounds in the first 6 weeks. Fatigue is the only side effect I’ve experienced (some very occasional diarrhea). My appetite is coming back, and I am really having to use some self-control now. Still not craving sugary foods, though. No exercise yet. I’m going to refill my prescription, and I’ll update next month. My insurance covers all but $200, and with the savings card, my out-of-pocket is $50 per 6 pens."

• Kat...
• March 30, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm a 5' 7", 197 lb, 46-year-old female. Started Saxenda back on 2/11/16 with the standard 0.6 dose and lost 8 lbs the first 2 weeks. Had a migraine a couple of days in but didn't know if it was the med or a coincidence. I stayed on the lower dose as long as possible - any time I increased it, the nausea would worsen. The sample pen my gyno gave me ran out before we could get insurance approval. I have BCBS and was approved for a 3-month supply at $85. When I went back on the med, I got another headache just as before, so I guess it was the reason. It only lasted a day each time. The main side effect I've experienced is EXTREME fatigue. Have to make myself do stuff. Hubby says he doesn't know if it's worth it. I'm hoping it lessens with time."

• Try...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 2, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Headaches, dizziness, and fatigue have been my experiences so far. I am on the 2.4 dose, and this is week 4 for me. I have lost five pounds, and feelings of hunger are somewhat nonexistent. I am excited about this new journey. I just wish I had more energy. Does fatigue ever subside?"

• dav...
• January 30, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "First of let me say that I was only able to take the sample pen of Saxenda because it was too expensive, and my insurance, BCBSIL and Express Scripts, only covered $150 of the total $1300 plus that it cost. But I will say that in those 3.5 weeks I lost 16 lbs. It did give me headaches and really bad heartburn. My appetite was gone, and I had no urge to snack on junk food. Between meals, small meals, I would eat a handful of peanuts or a tangerine or small apple and would be completely good. I did not work out. Couldn't really due to fatigue, which was also an issue. If I didn't eat enough through the day, though, I would end up eating bad at night. You must eat but eat healthy. Tums, Pepto, and fiber were my best friends."

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 4, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "After losing 30 lbs, I hit a plateau, so my doctor prescribed Saxenda to restart my weight loss. It definitely works, however, it made me extremely nauseous and fatigued. I was able to stick with it for 5 weeks, and then I had to stop. I couldn’t take the nausea anymore. I lost a total of 15 lbs while on Saxenda, and I do recommend it to people who have tried everything else because it does work. Just be prepared for the side effects."

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

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Update to my post from March 30. I've lost 15 lbs so far. The extreme fatigue has gotten much better as I think my body is adjusting. I'm still only at a dose of 1.5 (1.2 plus 5 clicks). I am increasing the dose VERY slowly. If I go too quickly, it makes me sick. If I only increase an extra 'click' on the pen each week, it seems to work well. I'm very happy with this medicine. I've just had to learn to go slowly. I have to pay attention to the last time I had a bowel movement. I'm fine for 3-4 days with normal movements, but then I have to take a very mild laxative to help things along."

• Sas...
• April 14, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Saxenda on March 14, 2016, and I have lost 19 lbs. I have had some nausea, and I'm very fatigued! I have about 40 more lbs to drop, and I will discontinue it then. The cost is 1200, but I got a prior authorization from insurance and a savings card, so out of pocket is 30 a month plus 7 for needles."

• Dav...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 22, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started June 24, 2017 - on my 4th week. Dose 1.8. Down 10 lbs. Age 59, 6'2", started at 300 lb - now 290. Expected faster loss as I tend to lose quickly on diets (but it comes back). Weigh daily - notice up and down swings of 5 to 1 lb some days. Walk 3 miles a day under 40 minutes. Side effects - nausea, some fatigue - especially in the afternoon. Body is adjusting to the drug slowly. Absolutely no hunger whatsoever. Eating smaller portions and adjusting diet. Cravings for sweets and carbs have subsided."

• 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."

• Rac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 13, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Saxenda for about a month now and have lost 16 pounds. I've struggled with weight loss for years, and this has really helped. I had minimal side effects-mostly just fatigue. If you eat too much, you will absolutely be uncomfortable and will most likely throw up. I drink 64 oz of water a day and have not experienced any constipation on this medication. I found that when I eat very carb-heavy foods, I do feel nauseous. This medication is really changing the way I look at food, and I've been more in tune with what I'm putting into my body. I'm at the 3 mg dose right now, and I truly couldn't be happier with how well Saxenda has worked for me. I hope to start adding exercise to my routine soon, as I've been way too fatigued to do so before."

• dsc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 11, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’ve been on Saxenda since mid-May of this year. I’ve been on the full 3.0 dose for 1 week. I started at 235 lb and am now at 213 lb, down 22 lbs. I increased my dosages slowly to try and avoid side effects. The ones I have had have been minor and disappeared over time. The biggest ones were headaches and fatigue. I’ve also had problems if I overeat and eat certain foods. I’ve pretty much eaten what I want but can only eat a portion of it. Sweets/carbs tend to give me lots of gassy cramps, but I am able to help control that by watching what I eat and by taking Gas-X. Everyone has a different experience, and for me, the obesity was worse than the side effects, and I had to at least give it a try."

• Ano...
• November 5, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been taking this for 3 months. I lost 30 lbs in the first 2 months and have maintained for the past month. This past month I've been eating horribly just because I've been distracted by other personal problems. But I haven't gained a single pound back, mainly because this stuff will not let you overeat. I have next to no appetite, so even when I do eat junk, I can only eat maybe 1/3 of it. I've had to remind myself to eat a few times; that's how much this has killed my appetite. The first month was rough with side effects: lots of vomiting immediately after eating, fatigue, etc. But the weight practically fell off against my will. It's a life changer!"