Liraglutide and Constipation: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Blo...
• January 5, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Saxenda about a month now. I am 5 ft 6 inches and weighed 169 when I started it. I am now down to 160. It definitely does make me feel full faster and sometimes I forget to eat. But my problem was never portion control, I have an underactive thyroid and in menopause, so that’s a double whammy. I also take Metoprolol, which slows down your heart rate and makes it harder to lose weight on my own. The only side effects I have had so far are constipation, acid reflux, and sometimes a sharp pain in my stomach. I stayed on the 0.06 dose for 2 weeks and am beginning my second week of 1.8. I do notice my heart rate goes up sometimes quite a bit. I don’t feel it, but my Fitbit tells me. Sometimes it gives me cardio and peak when I’m not doing anything that’s strenuous-just walking. And I do a lot of walking because I’m a home health aide. I’ve been to my doctor, and he says I’m fine. Was just wondering if anyone experienced the same thing?"

• Anonymous
• September 28, 2020

"This is the beginning of my 3rd week of taking Saxenda. I am on a 1.8mg injection, I am really struggling with nausea and constipation. I have tried Fibrogel for constipation, but this hasn't helped, and I am suffering terrible bloating and cramping pains in my stomach. Do I persist at 1.8mg, or do I drop down the dosage? If I drop down the dosage, will I continue to lose weight? I found I was feeling okay on 1.2mg. I have lost 11lbs in just over 2 weeks so far. I am super pleased with my progress, and it has definitely suppressed my appetite, helped me eat smaller portions, and snack less. I just need a way to overcome the nausea and constipation. Any advice would be super grateful for."

• Zen...
• June 16, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My doctor just prescribed me Victoza. I was really scared to take it at first. I have been on it now for a week. I experienced little nausea and a slight headache the first two days, the third day, constipation. Other than that, everything is back to normal now. I will post later with results. My starting weight is 235, so ready to see if Victoza works for me. Hope I don't give up, lol."

• Can...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 30, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I figured it would be time to post my review! I've been using Saxenda since December, and now it’s almost June! No big side effects except for a lot of fatigue in the first few weeks and constipation. I would highly recommend this to people who are in need of a healthy weight loss track! My starting weight was 215 pounds, and my weight now is 179 lb! I’m super happy with my results. Just remember, nothing happens overnight, and exercise is a must! Don’t listen to all the bad reviews because everyone’s body and results are different. I am so super happy I took the chance and didn’t listen to everything I read online. Take it for a few weeks and only let your decision reflect how the medicine actually affects you. Your doctor will guide you along the way, and if it’s not for you, there are so many other options out there. Good luck! I have another 21 pounds to go, but so far I am very happy with my results."

• IAM...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been using Saxenda for 7 weeks now. I am at the full dose of 3.0 mg daily. I started experiencing terrible constipation, something I've struggled with all my life. So, double dose laxative and started on every other day using the Saxenda. This seems to be working. I'm down 11 lbs, which I'm happy with, was hoping for more, but slow and steady is okay, too. So far, the only side effect is the constipation."

• Ang...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 7, 2024

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "An update to my earlier progress: I have been on Saxenda for 10.5 months now and have lost 29 kg (64 pounds), and I only take 1/5 of the dose by staying on the 0.6 mg. I never got past 1.8 (briefly), as the constipation was too bad. Most of the time, I did not exercise - a combination of being hard as a big person, a bad knee, and working awful hours. I have started walking more recently, which feels great to be able to move more easily. I have moved from Obese Class 3 to Class 1; and in 5 more kg, I will move to Overweight rather than Obese - which I am excited by. At this stage, I expect to stay on this low dose approach to lose another 10-15 kg, then I will try to wean myself off and monitor what happens."

• Zoe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 2, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Saxenda at 349 lbs. and an insulin-dependent diabetic. I've been on it before, go a couple of months and have to go off it to reset my body due to side effects. Each time I go back on, the side effects are worse and I have more of them. I don't have a scale at home so I don't know if I've lost any weight. Right now, I have had one critical low that could have killed me but was treated in time. Constant nausea and gagging, vomiting on occasion but always feeling like I need to. Diarrhea is epic, and so frequent that I experience bleeding. I know if I continue, the constipation will take over and that will get VERY bad. The exhaustion is constant. The side effects are severe and I don't know if I'll be able to stay on it this time. They keep getting worse."

• Tra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 28, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Follow-up... I'm about 1 week and 3 days in, and I have lost 12.2 lbs! I can notice that my appetite is suppressed, but no crazy headaches or other side effects. Today, I battled with constipation, so I will increase my fiber. Overall, I'm very satisfied with the results and will try to incorporate some exercises to maximize my results! Stay tuned! #Victoza"

• J-s...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 18, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started using Victoza on 7-10-19 on a dosage of 0.6 mg a day. No hectic side effects. Before I started, my weight was 112 kg, and I am now at 106.8 kg on 16-10-2019. I do intermittent fasting as well, so coffee with no sugar in the morning and lunch and supper, with supper no later than 8 pm. I usually eat light meals for lunch and supper. I drink a lot of water, a minimum of 2 L a day and some days more. I'm struggling with constipation, but I'm thinking of trying veggie smoothies for lunch next week. I don't exercise at the moment because I have knee problems, although I want to try walking at least for an hour on the treadmill. My goal weight is 60-65 kg. I'll see my doctor at the end of October, and she will most likely increase my dose. Fingers crossed I reach my goal weight within 6 months."

• Bee...
• November 26, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a weight loss war veteran. My highest weight was 337 and have had two bariatric procedures since 1996. I started 1.5 years ago on a low-carb diet and went from 245 to 213 but was stuck there for 9 months. In June of this year, I started Saxenda. I have reached my goal now of 165. I will continue on the medication to get a bit lower. I hope to find a stabilizing dose and continue taking it forever if possible. It absolutely shuts off your appetite. I used to obsess about eating and getting 'enough.' The drug cuts down those thoughts. I eat very small portions but get full very fast. Side effects can include nausea that could be from having an empty stomach (sour feeling.) Soda water seems to help. As noted, constipation is a problem."

• Mam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Saxenda on 02/26/2020 at 0.06. No nausea, mild constipation, but still able to go. No headaches. I have no desire for food, but I know I have to eat. So I eat regularly. Breakfast (eggs and a slice of bread with a water bottle and about 4 oz of OJ). For lunch, it's usually rice and chicken (about 1 cup and 1/2 of rice and chicken is 2 oz, give or take). Throughout the day while at work, I drink about 10 8 oz glasses of water and do 10 flights of steps, 5 days a week. For dinner, 1/2 of rice, and whatever meat I have made for the night, about 2 oz, and more water. I would have a small snack, but it's just because it's the norm for me. Tomorrow, 03/04/2020, I am going to start on the next dosage up to see if there will be a difference. So far, I have only lost 1 lb. Started at 228.8, now I am 227.8. Thighs are a little sore, and I take the medicine at night. So far, so good. Will update."

• Hei...
• August 10, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Victoza 8 days ago. When I started Victoza, I weighed 212 lbs. So far, I have lost 10 lbs, and I didn't even exercise. I did feel nauseous for the first 2 days, and constipated. Also, I have no appetite."

• Pal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 25, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a 39-year-old 5'6" female and started at 295 pounds on May 30, 2019. Today was my last day of the 2.4 mg dose (starting 3.0 tomorrow) and so far, so good. I am down 9.5 lbs. in 4 weeks, and this is including a 10-day vacation with lots of eating out and drinking. I have noticed that I will suddenly feel full when eating and can just push the rest of the food away. Before, I felt like I was NEVER full. I have experienced some mild sphincter of Oddi spasms and really mild constipation (improved with fluid intake and activity). I have also had a few headaches, which are normally rare for me. The worst side effect has actually been pain at the insertion site and mild bruising. I've tried two types of nano tips and am skilled with injections (hospital RN), so this has surprised me. Overall, I am really pleased and have high hopes for continued progress."

• Nic...
• April 23, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have lost a total of 62 lbs and still counting. I have been using Saxenda for 8 months. I work out daily to keep my body toned with muscle. The side effects in the beginning were horrible, which included vomiting, nausea, constipation, and no energy. After I reached the highest dose, it all went away. I feel great, and I'm enjoying my results. Hang in there, it gets better!"

• Hop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 25, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started trial of Victoza from Dr. He wanted to check side effects before prescribing Saxenda. Lost 12 lbs in 2 weeks. BUT, insurance denied coverage for Saxenda, so back to Dr. Second request for authorization and gave me another trial of Victoza. Insurance denied Saxenda again. I registered for the Saxenda prescription savings card and today went to my pharmacy, $1021!!!! Talking to the pharmacist, he recommended getting a script for Victoza because insurance likes the price. Approved, and my copay is $25! I do get nausea when I increase the dose, it doesn't last. Dry mouth bad first few weeks but helped me be motivated to drink water. Diarrhea, yes, rotating with constipation. Food doesn't appeal to me. Often don't eat dinner or just a few bites. LOT of fatigue. Heartburn mild but I think it's because I forget to eat and my stomach is empty. BOTTOM LINE.... love this for weight loss. Side effects aren't permanent. I'm losing weight. BEST part? I figured out how to get insurance coverage!!!!"

• Kri...
• June 14, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Saxenda 9 days ago today, initially weighed 301.2, and I'm down to 291.2 lbs, so ten pounds! I am so excited, I've been to the gym 5 times this week, eating less than 1200 calories a day, and have had no desire for sweets or sugary sodas, which were my two main vices. I am really happy with my results thus far. I have been lucky to not have any major side effects: some random stings at the injection site, slight constipation, and maybe 10 seconds of nausea here and there. I just increased to the 1.2 dosage... ready to see where this will take me."

• Cin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 1, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have had a great experience with the effects of Saxenda. I'm in my 4th week, at a 2.4 dose, and lost 11 lbs. No side effects, other than constipation. I have used an app to help monitor my food intake. I have easily been able to eat 800-1000 calories today. Other than walking on the treadmill for 20 minutes a day and working in the garden, I don't do any heavy activity. I'm 60 years old, retired. I wish luck to everyone trying this medication."

• 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."

• Ell...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 12, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm a 28-year-old who started Saxenda on 18th of October at a starting weight of 120 kg. Reasons: binge eating disorder (BED) from boredom. So on the Saxenda, I feel much less hungry or interested in food at all, and doses 0.6 and 1.2 worked wonders. But I am at dose 1.8, and my stomach is really bad for me. I have lazy digestion, so I feel like the medicine is aggravating my stomach cramps and causing added constipation. But the worst is when I have, on occasion, eaten more than normally, I have or around 1700 calories. I get so nauseous and have severe vomiting. If I stay under 1200 calories, I feel fine, but I feel I need to stay aware that I am eating at all. I need to drink way more water, and if I don't get my protein, I feel dizzy and exhausted. So watch out for the side effects and drink lots of water and eat protein."

• IRe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 8, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’ve been on Saxenda for just over a week. Admittedly, I only injected the 0.6 dosage for two days before I increased it to 1.2 because I wasn’t “feeling” anything. I did 1.2 for the rest of that first week and increased to 1.8 today. I have noticed a significant decrease in appetite over the past few days. I haven’t started working out yet. One night I woke up with a really bad taste in my mouth. I did an internet search and found out it’s a common side effect. I’m also experiencing a bit of constipation and a couple of headaches but no nausea. My goal is to lose 100 lbs, and I’d really like to do it with bariatric surgery. Hoping Saxenda will help me out."

• Lan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 23, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been taking Victoza since February of 2017. At first, I had nausea and constipation. I upped the dose to 1.2 and was really feeling bad. When I went up to 1.8, it was continually making me feel sick. My doctor told me to go back to 1.2. After a week on the 1.2, things started getting better. I still have the nausea, but it is only sometimes. The constipation I solved by taking a stool softener. I feel full after eating about a fourth of what I used to. Sometimes, just the thought of food makes me feel queasy. The best thing is the weight loss. I started out weighing 323 lbs. I went to the doctor today, and my weight is down to 280. It feels so good to lose weight without feeling hungry. A1c number went down from 9.3 to 6.6."

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

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started Victoza in December 2015, now in April 2016, I'm down 45 lbs. It has helped control my appetite. I have some constipation, but no other symptoms. I was on Lantus but have been able to stop using it, and blood sugars have remained in the low 100s. I am currently on 1.2 ml."

• Kim...
• March 15, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "So, started Saxenda Dec 31, 2018. I am 45 yrs old, 5' 3" starting weight 193 lb. It is 3/15/2019. I now weigh 165 lb. I toggle between doses. My body cannot handle 3 mg dose. I get sulfur burps, hard stomach pains, constipation, then loose stools. I am talking worse than the flu sick. I cannot drink wine or eat fatty foods. That's a good thing. If I watch what I eat and keep small portions, things are good. Mess up, and the food will sit in your stomach. Slow gastric emptying really stinks. Zofran has helped with the nausea. I will remain on Saxenda until I cannot tolerate the symptoms. I am a nurse, we make really bad patients. Listen to your body. Eat right! Good luck."

• Lot...
• May 13, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Saxenda in early February. Initially, the nausea and fatigue made me wonder if it was all worth it, but after losing 7 pounds the first week, I decided to stick it out. The best part, I have zero sugar cravings. My first month, I drank vegan smoothies and small amounts of veggies and grains because that was all I could tolerate. I lost 30 pounds in three months. Every week, when I would increase the dose per directions, I would have three to four days of horrid nausea and fatigue. I had to force myself to eat or drink anything. About 3 weeks into the treatment, I started burping like a frat boy beer-bonging. They stunk too. Painful and embarrassing. Stool softener will address the constipation, but be careful, that can turn to the opposite on a dime. I also added a probiotic to help with regulating. Now that it's been about a month or so on the full dose, I am getting used to it, and I am functioning near normal. Bottom line: This drug is like gastric surgery in a needle."

• Nov...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 26, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on Victoza for 18 days. Started with 1.8. Since day 1, I was a little weak and constipated for the first 3 days, but after that, I started to feel good again. So now I only eat 3 little meals a day, and I've lost 6 pounds so far from 202 to 196."