Saxenda and Fatigue: What Users Say

• Pal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "The worst experience in my life… Ended up with horrendous insomnia, couldn’t function for days due to the tiredness and fatigue… felt so low and anxious."

• Zos...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 12, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm currently in my third week of Saxenda, but it doesn't feel like I've lost any weight. The side effects have been quite bad. I experience nausea and significant indigestion. I find myself eating Tums like crazy, especially at night. I also have a daily headache and an overall feeling of malaise. My energy levels are low, and I could easily sleep all day or stay in bed. If I cough too much, I'm at risk of vomiting. It's hard to say if it's worth it at this point. I'm hopeful that this terrible overall feeling will eventually go away and that my body will adapt, but the lack of weight loss is discouraging. Maybe Saxenda isn't the right drug for me. It's difficult to tell. I still have four pens left, so I'll try to stick with it. Interestingly, I have absolutely no appetite, which makes it even stranger that I don't feel like I've lost any weight. It's frustrating. I was really hoping for better results."

• 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."

• Kim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started 12 weeks ago and have lost 13.2 kg (29 lbs). During the increased dosage phase, I had mild nausea for the first day or so, then very little side effects. I struggle to consume more than 1,000 calories/day while on Saxenda. As time has passed, side effects are coming to light: low Vitamin B12/low energy, general fatigue, lightheadedness, and irritation at the injection site (although that comes and goes). However, I believe these are from a significant decrease in caloric intake, not the medication itself. I have started taking a high-quality multivitamin, so hopefully that will remedy some of these issues. My weight loss each week is directly linked with how much water I take in. Low water weeks = low weight loss weeks. 3+ liters each day, and I lose at least 1 kg a week. Increasing my water intake has also helped to alleviate mild constipation and general bloat."

• Kim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started 12 weeks ago and have lost 13.2 kg (29 lbs). During the increased dosage phase, I had mild nausea for the first day or so, then very little side effects. I struggle to consume more than 1,000 calories/day while on Saxenda. As time has passed, side effects are coming to light: low Vitamin B12/low energy, general fatigue, lightheadedness, and irritation at the injection site (although that comes and goes). However, I believe these are from a significant decrease in caloric intake, not the medication itself. I have started taking a high-quality multivitamin, so hopefully that will remedy some of these issues. My weight loss each week is directly linked with how much water I take in. Low water weeks = low weight loss weeks. 3+ liters each day, and I lose at least 1 kg a week. Increasing my water intake has also helped to alleviate mild constipation and general bloat."

• JAG...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’m 47 years old. After four weeks of daily injections, I have lost 14 lbs with minimal side effects. I had burping and heartburn in the first 2 weeks and fatigue lately, but well worth it. Feeling much better overall and pleased with the initial weight loss."

• Hat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 2, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Weight has been a struggle for me for most of my life, so I was excited to give Saxenda a try. Over the year I was on it, I lost 50 pounds, but the 'cost' of it wasn't worth it. Around 3 months in, I developed night sweats, but I had no idea the havoc it was taking on my hormones. Several months later, I realized my libido was completely gone. Not just decreased significantly, but completely gone, along with my ability to get aroused. Also, my depression got worse, and I had absolutely no energy. I don't even recognize myself anymore. I've been off Saxenda for 4 months now, and none of those issues have been resolved. I didn't start any other new medications, and the other medications I was taking I'd been on for years without any issues. I'm certain that these are just the side effects I suffered from using Saxenda. So, it's great for weight loss because it definitely decreases appetite, but I feel like I don't have a life worth living anymore now."

• 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."

• ETN...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I used Saxenda for about 6 months last year. I experienced fatigue and major heartburn. I did lose my appetite at first but did not really lose weight and gave it up because of the heartburn. Also, the daily injections were hard. Sometimes it was fine, but then there would be bruising that lasted for a week or 10 days."

• Dgr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 9, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Saxenda almost 2 weeks now. Still on the 0.06 dosage because I haven’t needed to up it. Side effects are nausea and fatigue. The nausea has been pretty bad, but I am hanging in there because they say it goes away after a couple of weeks. Definitely losing weight because it only allows me to eat very small portions. Recommend Saxenda!"

• All...
• August 30, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Week 5 on Saxenda, 1st week on 3ml dose, weight loss 1 stone, side effects to start were nausea and fatigue, but forced myself to carry on. Managed gym 3 to 4 times a week. Only side effects now are constipation and stomach cramps. I'm taking Buscopan, which helps. Some foods give me reflux, so I have to eat bland food, which is good. Felt full from day one, never hungry. If I feel nauseous, I have a small glass of lemonade and a dry cracker. I take the medication at night, feel slightly groggy first thing, but once I start moving around, I’m okay. Another 3 stone to go, hopefully my body will start getting used to the regular dose. Worth the money."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 13, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "When I went to my physician in tears because nothing worked, and he didn't have any suggestions, I went on my own search. I came across a few promising treatments. One was Saxenda. I started taking this 3 weeks ago and have lost 17 lbs. The only side effect I have is being fatigued. If you, like me, have tried them all and nothing works, ask your doctor about Saxenda! I love it!"

• Iri...
• May 28, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Was on Saxenda for about 6 weeks, working up to max dose. In that time, no side effects nor lost weight, so it didn't work. I track my food intake and am not a big eater. When I reached the max dose of 3.0, within 36 hours, I began experiencing the worst stomach issues I ever recall-sulfur burps that came frequently and were unstoppable, churning stomach, and unrelenting diarrhea that came in explosive (sorry) and sudden bouts, which lasted three days. On my doctor's recommendation, I dropped down to the next threshold. Two days of break from the med and the diarrhea (with the aid of a lot of anti-diarrheal meds) eased a bit. Upon restarting the med (two nights), it came back with a vengeance-worse than ever. Plus, terrible fatigue that caused me to take two days off of work (and I couldn't be away from the bathroom). Sulfur burps very bad, too. I cannot tell you the regrets I had for taking this med that I had so much hope for. I may have lost 4 lbs from all the dehydration and diarrhea-but not worth it."

• Fat...
• May 2, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was excited to have Anthem Blue Cross cover this medication. I'm 42 years old, 5 feet 6 inches tall, and 175 lbs. I always take the latest diet craze and have had mixed results, but never side effects like this. It is debilitating, and I'm not sensitive to new meds. Man... I don't think I can hang with it at all! It's just me and the dogs, and I'd really need someone to take care of me if I was going to take this awful drug. Of course, you lose weight. You're too damn sick to take a sip of water, puke your own spit, and your head hurts like a mix of a migraine and allergies all in one. I can't recommend this drug to anyone at the dose recommended. I am a glutton (LOL) for punishment and carbs, so I'll probably try to take a super low dose as soon as I get my ducks in a row to be able to take care of myself and my dogs in the event the side effects are just as bad as they were on the recommended dose."

• Chr...
• April 13, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have now been on Saxenda for 5 weeks and 2 days and on 3 mg for the last 9 days. Some slight nausea in the beginning and some heartburn last week, also some fatigue, but otherwise okay. In the first week, I lost 4 pounds, but in total, I have lost about 9 pounds, and during the last week, nothing at all. I am on a diet of about 1200-1300 kcal/day. I have about 30-35 pounds to lose, a 58-year-old woman with many years of yo-yo dieting. I still have the same cravings and also appetite, but I feel full very fast, so I eat less. Anyone who has experienced that weight loss increases after some time? Or am I a weak responder to the treatment?"

• Vir...
• March 17, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have battled obesity/binge eating since age 11. Add to that depression, low self-esteem, and now COVID-19 lifestyle with 4 kids at home and working from home. I topped out at 263 lbs last year. Oh yeah, I left off that I have insulin resistance and PCOS. I started Saxenda right before Christmas 2020, and the nausea was pretty intense to start at 0.6mg, but thankfully no vomiting. Taking injections at night worked well for me. Fatigue was an issue in the beginning, and I can honestly say that once I truly modified my intake, my cravings faded. I do my best to stop at 1800 calories a day. I started at 3000 steps a day and am now up to 7500+ steps daily. After 3 months, I am down 38 lbs, weighing in at 225 lbs. I must admit that the injections don't do the work alone. Some days are really tough, but I have learned to stop eating at the point of satisfaction. I am excited about the next 3 months. Remember to drink your water and rest-it matters."

• Zoe...
• March 3, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm just over one week into using Saxenda, so far, I have lost 8 lbs in 7 days. You do need to control your calorie intake, but even on 0.6, my appetite disappeared. For the first time in years, I could leave food if I felt full. I have experienced a lot of fatigue, but my body isn't getting the sugar rushes and carbs that it's used to, so I will accept that as a side effect for now, my body needs time to adjust. The nausea was helped with ginger tea, but for me, it was minimal. Constipation can be helped with Movicol or Dulcolax (I needed it by day 4, but beware, as your digestive transit is slower, add another 6 hours to the time you think the laxatives should work!) You do need to drink a lot of water, which isn't a bad thing. I cannot praise this enough. For me, it's the boost I needed."

• DJa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 1, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Saxenda 2/24/21 and so far on 3/1/21, I have lost 6.2 pounds. The only side effects that I have had are headaches and fatigue. It’s not horrible for me, and I’m able to continue. I’m still on the 0.6 dosage and look forward to losing an additional 29 pounds. Good luck to everyone ❤️"

• Nin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 22, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "On Saxenda for 5 days, still on 0.6mg dose. First day was horrible with side effect symptoms of nausea and stomach pain, but other than the first day and occasional headaches and low energy, I am fine. I am 5'7" and 190 lb, after five days I have lost 10.5 lb. I was a dieter for my life and my thyroid is underactive, hardly lose weight on a 1200-calorie diet. Now I cannot consume more than 400 calories a day."

• jaz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 3, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Saxenda in Dec of 2018 at 230 lbs. By April of 2019, I made it down to 195. I had struggled with weight ever since I was a child. It was the first time I remember seeing my weight in the 100s! It’s 2020 now, I can’t afford Saxenda and haven’t been on it since May of 2019. I haven’t gained weight though! I’ve been between 195 and 190. Unfortunately, I struggle with weight loss so it’s been a pain, hoping to find Sax at an affordable price to go back on it. I had side effects such as fatigue and being a little grumpier but that’s about it. Sometimes I’d get nauseous but that wasn’t too bad. It does work! But it also takes work. I also ate healthier while on it and did low-impact workouts for 15 to 30 mins every few days. I just wish it were cheaper to get. :("

• Sid...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started 0.6 mg then moved to 1.2 mg 1 week later. Horrible bloating, gas, nausea, vomiting. It did take my appetite away completely, but to an unhealthy point. I lost 28 lbs in 2 months (starting weight 240 lbs, female, 36, non-diabetic, binge eating disorder, PCOS). I could only barely tolerate the 1.2 mg dose. I increased my water intake to 80-100 oz, and if I ate more than 600-800 cal during the day, I’d feel like throwing up. I had to stay on a liquid diet of smoothies and protein shakes, as solid food increased the nausea and bloating. I added a probiotic per my doctor, but no help. I tried taking the injection at night to decrease the side effects, it only made sleeping more difficult as I was up during the night with a headache and diarrhea. I experienced extreme lack of energy and shortness of breath in doing simple tasks (such as taking out garbage). My doctor and I decided to stop due to the side effects. It helped start the weight loss, but I’m not convinced it was healthy for me."

• Jen...
• October 22, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Just started taking Saxenda on Sunday, October 14. My start weight was 112.2 kgs (247 pounds). I weighed myself on Sunday, October 20, and the scales really shocked me, it said I was 108.4 kgs (239 pounds). I have been overweight and dieting all my life. I was recently diagnosed with PCOS. Losing weight has been very hard. I track my steps and calories, I have been reducing the size of my meals. I had half a tuna sandwich and had to stop eating. The drug works on suppressing appetite, but the side effects are also very high for me. I have had diarrhea, constipation, lack of energy, headaches, feeling sick, and vomiting. I have dry mouth and am taking Hydralyte to compensate for the lack of fluids I can keep in my system. I am in two minds about this drug, I don't know if I am going to continue it after I finish the 5 pens in my first box. The drug costs so much, $389 Australian, and can't claim anything back on my private health."

• AND...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 11, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Saxenda 4 weeks ago. I lost 6 pounds in the first two days. To date, I have lost 13 pounds. The side effects are hard. I have large red bumps that get hot and itchy at the injection site, severe fatigue, headaches, and sometimes nausea. I have not been able to increase my dose higher than 1.8 because the side effects are so hard right now. Does anyone else have the red spots on the injection sites?"

• 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?"

• Cra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 19, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’ve been on this for two weeks and lost 2.6kg. Currently on 1.2ml. My advice: keep your fluids up. I got super dehydrated, headache etc. I’ve been drinking mineral water which has fixed it. Also, in relation to feeling tired and sluggish, I would recommend that you need to eat quality food/smoothies. Because all my cravings and appetite have disappeared, I can’t eat rubbish because I get full, and then don’t eat anything good. Then I feel sluggish. I hope this helps some of you. Good luck with your journeys and keep going! Remember, courage is not finding the strength to go on, it’s going on when you no longer have the strength."