Liraglutide and Fatigue: What Users Say

• 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. :("

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 12, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This is an update to a post from about 4 or 5 months back. As I said, my starting weight was 293 lb or 294 lb. In my first review, I was at 245 lb. Since then, I've lost 15 lbs (230 lb). Just remember, guys, it works SLOW. Give it a chance, stay off the scale! Take it at night to help with the fatigue, all the other symptoms will go away. Eat plenty of fruit and fiber to combat the constipation, drink plenty of water, that will help also. I promise you it will get better! Again, STAY OFF THE SCALE. Give it time, when those pants start feeling loose, then get on the scale! Lol. It's been 14 months for me now, and I am going to continue to keep taking it. Oh, and don't give yourself injections in the same spot. It will become itchy. Good luck, everybody, and STAY OFF THAT SCALE!! EAT FIBER, DRINK PLENTY OF WATER xoxo"

• T2D...
• February 15, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "I'm a 45-year-old woman, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 4 years ago. I was prescribed Metformin, then added glipizide, which made me gain half a pound a day until I quit taking it 30 days and 15 lbs later. Then I was prescribed Victoza. The first 3 weeks, I was sick to my stomach all day, every day. I had NO energy at all. I would get out of bed, get dressed, and then lay back down - it was really THAT bad. BUT after around the 4th week, I started feeling normal again. My A1C went from 9.2 to 5.4 in just 5 weeks. Now, I am never above 130 - even after having a can of Pepsi. Also, I lost 30 lbs in 45 days. Just amazing! Suffer through the initial sickness, don't give up on it, Victoza is a life-changer! Victoza website for a discount card. I pay $25/month."

• 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."

• 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."

• pam...
• March 14, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My Dr. Suggested adding Victoza to metformin and Actos treatment for diabetes since my A1C levels were getting progressively higher and I am 100 lbs overweight. In 5 weeks I lost 23 lbs. For the first 3 weeks, I experienced nausea and extreme fatigue. I love Victoza because for the first time I feel full after eating small portions, I have a greatly reduced interest in food and appetite. I feel relieved that I can finally eat to live and not live to eat."

• 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 ❤️"

• Jen...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 1, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Saxenda two years ago. I was at my wit's end. I was 37 and weighed 235 lb, which was the most I’d ever weighed. I’ve struggled with weight loss my whole life. Saxenda takes some getting used to. Make sure you titrate up to the recommended dose or you will feel very ill. Headaches, vomiting, fatigue. I am sensitive to medication side effects. I fought through that, and after about 3 months, the side effects went away as long as I took it at the same time every day. I dropped 20 lbs immediately, then it slowed. I was 207 lb for a whole year and was ready to quit, when I dropped another quick 20. I am now 160 lbs (just dropped 5 lbs last week) and, literally, none of my clothes fit me (even my 'skinny' clothes). I work out sporadically and I eat what I want, just much less of it. I don’t feel hungry anymore. I stop eating after about eating 1/2 of my food, and I feel stuffed. I never thought I’d find something that worked so effectively for me."

• 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."

• Son...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 13, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am 49, perimenopausal, with hypothyroidism and just recently found out I also have prediabetes. For the last 6-7 years, my weight has been increasing regardless of what I do. I was training 4 times a week and walking 5 times a week. Still, an increase to 88kg and on the rise. I was upset, so after some discussion with my endocrinologist, I started Saxenda. That was 4 weeks ago, and today I am 82.2 kg. It does suppress appetite. I am still training 4 times a week, not walking so much. It's impressive with the weight loss. The downside effects for me are fatigue and nausea, as well as a bit of constipation, but that seems to have settled a bit. I have kept myself on 0.6mgs, as I am a bit scared to up the dose, as I don't want to get any more tired. I get those 3pm droopy eyes and weariness, that seems really hard to shrug off some days. I'm losing weight, so there doesn't seem to be a reason to increase the dose when I have the required effect with less of the drug."

• 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."

• Lan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 29, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Saxenda on 3/22/19. I am 5'3", 44 years old, and my starting weight was 162.4. I work out 5-7 days per week and eat a very healthy diet. My metabolism just hasn't been working in my favor, so I reached out to my NP and got started on Saxenda. To date, I have lost 7.8 pounds in ONE WEEK!!! I do get some headaches, fatigue, and I am thirsty all the time. I had 2 days of nausea without vomiting. I find eating a rice cake with peanut butter first thing in the morning coats my stomach, and then small meals throughout the day keep the nausea away. I am very pleased with the results thus far and am looking forward to more weight shedding off. I increased my dose today to 1.2 mg. I am an RN and a huge promoter of exhausting all options first, like eating a healthy diet and exercising. Saxenda is best, in my opinion, for people who work hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle and just need a boost."

• Cur...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 17, 2014

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Victoza for just over a week, started on 0.6 and today moved onto increased dose of 1.2. I am also on 4 x 500mg of metformin a day. I have had some stomach ache/sickness/fatigue with the Victoza but I'm sure it will get better. I've lost just under 7lb in this first week which is astonishing and I'm very excited to continue to see weight loss. I definitely have seen a big reduction in appetite, I don't want food as often and I don't eat as much so it's a win-win for me. I have not yet built exercise into my routine yet, just because the fatigue is making it difficult for me even to do household chores at the moment but hope I can soon get back in the gym and aid any weight loss Victoza gives me."

• Ell...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking Saxenda since August 14, 2019. Overall, I’m very pleased with the results. I needed to lose 80 pounds. I weighed in today for the first time since starting. I’ve lost about 20 pounds! Yay!!! My appetite has drastically reduced. I was so hungry all the time before! However, the fatigue and indigestion were pretty bad at the higher dose. My PCP said I can lower the dose. I find 1.8 works best for me, for now. I can increase later if I can tolerate it. I find small meals 4 times a day work best for me. Best of luck to all of you!"

• 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."

• Num...
• January 28, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Victoza for weight loss in July 2017. Weight 240 at 5'8'. Female, age 50. No diabetes but borderline A1C of 5.7. Obese and very physically active (long-distance bicycle tours and commutes) since just after college. Initial side effects of nausea, fatigue, and burping subsided after 2 weeks. After 6 months, I had lost 40+ pounds, so I was under 200 lbs for the first time since college. Often had to remind myself to eat. I found that simple carbs in the morning sabotaged the meds. Doctor put me on metformin for additional appetite control. After trying different doses and types, what works for me is 1.8 Victoza in the morning and 500 mg metformin ER with each meal. Lost another 10 lbs. For the past year, my weight has fluctuated from 187-194. It's amazing to not be hungry and not be obese. I'm still 20 lbs overweight, but A1C down consistently to 5.4 and lipids much better (I also take a statin)."

• Hop...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 10, 2014

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Just finished my first week at 0.6 and was quite ill all week. Headache and nausea being the main symptoms along with mild fever and lack of energy... But I'm down 7 lbs! No wonder though, I hardly ate. I'm a little nervous about upping the dose to 1.2 tomorrow as I'm just starting to feel better, but I'll give it a shot. If I find it's too much too quick, I will go back to 0.6 for a while longer until my body can tolerate it more. Even though I was sick, the 7 lbs lost in that first week was worth it and gave me that boost I needed. I feel motivated now."

• 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!!!!"

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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?"

• Cra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 25, 2014

For Type 2 Diabetes "Tonight will mark my first week on Victoza. I am on this medication primarily to get my blood sugars within normal range, with the added hope of weight loss. I am amazed that within one week my numbers-fasting and non-fasting-are within normal range. I hope this will continue to be the case. I have been plagued by nausea and fatigue this first week. We'll see what tonight's increase to 1.2 mg brings. I also began to exercise on a daily basis. I started out slow and will continue to increase my activity. My clothes are fitting me better, but I don't know exactly how much weight I've lost. I don't really want to know as in the past I have sabotaged myself when I began to lose weight."

• Cyn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 14, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Ok, I have tried everything to lose weight!!! Victoza so far, in one month, has helped me lose 14 lbs!!! I’m even eating what I want, but 75% less of it.... As far as the side effects go, if you are nauseous, start with less clicks and increase one click at a time. Also, taking at bedtime helps with the fatigue."