Liraglutide and Fatigue: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 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."

• 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."

• Fif...
• August 8, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a 54-year-old female who, for most of my life, never had a weight problem until age 40. I am 5’5” and was 228 lbs. Due to prednisone, stress, and menopause, I gained a significant amount of weight. I started out on an 800-calorie high-protein diet in April 2019, supervised by my doctor. As of June 2019, I plateaued at 205 lbs for 3 weeks. My doctor suggested Saxenda. I started using it on July 10. I noticed nausea and fatigue as side effects the first two days after dosing up. Then it subsided. It’s now August 7th, and I’m down past the 200 lb mark! I dosed up to 2.4, and I couldn’t stay awake and felt very nauseous. My doctor said to go back to 1.8 and hold there. I’ve never had any issues with appetite or overeating. My issues were not eating enough and eating the right foods. One of the other reviewers mentioned that they felt sicker when they ate the wrong foods, I notice the same thing. When I eat high-protein and fiber and drink plenty of water, it eases the nausea."

• Ama...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 28, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started using Saxenda for weight loss 7 days ago. I chose to take it at bedtime as I’d read about people experiencing nausea and diarrhea soon after taking it. My starting weight was 224.6 lbs. The first couple of days I had to remind myself to eat as food and hunger did not enter my mind. Towards the end of my first week, I noticed I was starting to feel a bit more hungry - but I am coming up to doubling my dose to 1.2 mg. Anyway, my loss after one week was 6.6 lbs. I am over the moon. Saxenda is successful for weight loss. I’ve had no negative side effects apart from a little bit of fatigue. My daily calorie intake has been approximately 1000-1200. I will attempt to give an update on a weekly basis. I am really happy so far."

• Bro...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 20, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started on Saxenda as a last resort in late February. I'm 26, 5'6", and weighed 217 when I first started my weight loss journey. I've lost inches on my own by working out every single day and watching what I eat, but the pounds were staying the same. I've taken Phentermine, HCG shots, and so many different weight loss pills only to be disappointed and not successful. It's been almost a month since I started Saxenda, and I'm down to 196 lbs. I'm never hungry, and even though I have nausea and fatigue, I'm not complaining. I plan on staying on this until I lose my goal of 70 pounds. With my insurance alone, the medication was going to be $100, but with the coupon card on mysaxendacard.com, I got it for $30 for 5 pens!"

• Chi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 23, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "So... what is this miracle injection? Wow. I started Saxenda on Feb. 1, 2019, at a scary weight of 299.6, and in conjunction with a carb-conscious diet. As of this morning, Feb. 23, 2019, I weigh 276.8. That's 22.8 pounds lost in 3 weeks. While these results have me thrilled, I'm also a bit concerned. Is it possible to lose weight too fast on Saxenda? I feel... weird. Definitely lacking energy. It feels like a major effort to walk from one room in my house to the next. I have to remind myself to eat, and even then, usually can't finish what I've made to eat. The only other side effect I'm noticing is dry mouth, but that's easily resolved with more water. I'm at the 2.4 dose this week and do not want to stop, but I feel sluggish and 'heady,' not quite dizzy, but like I'm moving in slow motion, watching myself from a distance. I'm just scared that 'losing' this fast isn't healthy. I love the scale numbers, but in my messed up body image mind, the weight loss can't be real..."

• Chi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 23, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "So... what is this miracle injection? Wow. I started Saxenda on Feb. 1, 2019, at a scary weight of 299.6, and in conjunction with a carb-conscious diet. As of this morning, Feb. 23, 2019, I weigh 276.8. That's 22.8 pounds lost in 3 weeks. While these results have me thrilled, I'm also a bit concerned. Is it possible to lose weight too fast on Saxenda? I feel... weird. Definitely lacking energy. It feels like a major effort to walk from one room in my house to the next. I have to remind myself to eat, and even then, usually can't finish what I've made to eat. The only other side effect I'm noticing is dry mouth, but that's easily resolved with more water. I'm at the 2.4 dose this week and do not want to stop, but I feel sluggish and 'heady,' not quite dizzy, but like I'm moving in slow motion, watching myself from a distance. I'm just scared that 'losing' this fast isn't healthy. I love the scale numbers, but in my messed up body image mind, the weight loss can't be real..."

• 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?"

• Dcp...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 1, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "Tried metformin and other oral meds, but none could control my fasting levels, and metformin makes me very nauseous. Endo suggested Victoza. Gave me samples to test. Lost about 10 lbs in the first 1-2 weeks of using it. No obvious side effects initially. Sugar levels seemed to normalize, and I had a complete loss of appetite. All seemed well. The samples ran out, and I went for a period without using it while I awaited an endo follow-up. I could see the difference in my blood sugar levels when I stopped. However, after getting back on it, the weight loss did not continue. The longer I use it, the less it works. Now experiencing shortness of breath. Seeing a cardiologist tomorrow. Side effects I've experienced are constipation, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath."

• 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?"

• Anonymous
• July 7, 2010

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This drug makes me so lethargic I can't drive for fear of falling asleep at the wheel. I can barely get out of bed. This got worse when my MD upped the dose to 1.8. I think maybe I should go back a dose. I lose 5 lbs in 4 weeks, but I haven't decided it's worth it since I am so fatigued I can't function on a normal level. Most days I can't even get out of my pajamas, but it is the only symptom I have experienced. My MD said he had not heard this complaint from any other patient."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• May 4, 2012

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I took only two days at 0.6, and by the second day I was totally confused, weak, nauseous, acid reflux, ears ringing, circulation issues, the works, etc. It really curbed my appetite, but I literally caved under the side effects. I stopped for two weeks and started again this week at two clicks, which is about 0.1. The side effects are still there, but more bearable, however, my appetite is not fully curbed, only a bit at lunchtime, and not really at night. I will increase the dose slowly to curb appetite more, despite the remaining side effects. I really hope to lose weight gained in a year because my adrenals/hormones gave me huge cravings at night because of deep fatigue. It's worth it to stop and try again at a different dose."

• 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?"

• Dob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 29, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "Been on Victoza for 2 weeks. Started with 0.6 mg for 1st week, then up to 1.2 mg now. Some nausea and headaches, but not bad at all. Glucose levels are way down, anywhere from 75-119. Before Victoza, glucose was in the 270s. My only complaint is fatigue. I just want to sleep and lay around. Difficult to go to work every day. I hope this passes soon. I would like to stay on it because of the improvement in blood sugar, and appetite is down. Anyone else have this issue?"

• Ms ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 20, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Metformin 500 mg 2 weeks ago and started .6 of Victoza 9 days later. My doctor gave me enough meds (Victoza) for 4 months! I've dropped 12 lbs, but I feel horrible. Fatigue, nauseated, and can't even stand the smell of food. My fasting numbers were 270s and now they're low 140s and 130s. I hope the horrible side effects resolve so these numbers will stabilize and I can drop at least 30 more pounds!"

• 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!"

• Cyn...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 5, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "On Victoza for 16 mo. Prior to Victoza, I suffered severe fatigue, high blood pressure, hypothyroid, depression, Epstein-Barr, and other symptoms. Prior to my endocrinologist, I went to 5 different doctors and they all medicated me without results. After Victoza, nausea and headaches for about 2 weeks, then I felt like a new human being. Energy, no depression, lost 30 pounds. My endocrinologist and I decided to slowly come off the meds. After 1.5 weeks, I began to feel fatigue and began to gain weight. TERRIFIED... that I would go back to my old self again and of all the reports of pancreatitis, thyroid and pancreas cancer. If I go back on, am I taking a risk? Scared..."

• 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!"

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 26, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been using Victoza for 3 weeks. I followed protocol exactly to increase the dosage to 1.9. I've lost 10 lbs, but the side effects are so severe, it's not worth it. I have alternating constipation and diarrhea with painful cramping. I am nauseated all day with little appetite. Most food tastes terrible, so I am eating very little. I also feel tired with little energy all the time. I've tried taking Victoza in the evening, but nothing seems to help. I'm prediabetic, but I think I may have to try something else."

• 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."