Liraglutide and Headaches: What Users Say

• Lau...
• January 15, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Saxenda 2 months ago. I can’t get over the headaches and nausea I get when I take it! I lost 38 pounds but feel awful. I wonder if all this misery is worth it. I will post again when I increase my dose."

• 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."

• 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."

• Mel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’ve been using this for 3 months now, and I’ve lost 16kgs so far. Sometimes it fluctuates, but generally, I’ll lose weight quite rapidly. Every time I changed the dosage, I’d have headaches all day. I do have some weeks of bad constipation, thus not losing any weight over that time, but I take medication for that. Overall, I’m happy with the results. Change of diet is definitely key. As I’m in lockdown, our gyms are closed, so I haven’t been able to do much exercise at all."

• LLa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 17, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Just started Victoza 3 days ago. Down 9 lbs already, mostly fluid I'm sure, but it's a great feeling. I have started keeping track of my calorie intake and today it was below 1000. Amazing because I was always hungry before. Only side effect so far is a mild headache, and if I eat too much (last night was steak with sweet potato and squash), some slight cramps but pretty sure it's because I ate too much. I should have stopped about 5 bites before I did. I take the injection at night before bed. 0.6 for now. Don't even feel it. I'll report again in a few weeks and see how things are going. I would recommend if you are like me and can't control your appetite. So far so good."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 12, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’ve been on Saxenda since 3rd January. I’ve lost 9.5 kilos thus far! It hasn’t been easy, but so worth it. My advice is take it before bed for fewer side effects, always have pain relievers for the headaches and nausea tablets for the nausea. As it costs money, I’ve made a massive effort to eat super healthy, sometimes having to force myself as I just didn’t feel like eating. I’ve also logged into MyFitnessPal every single day. So, I’m definitely putting in the effort to get the best results from the medication."

• Sta...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 28, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a Latina female who is 5'4" and about to turn 39. I started taking Saxenda on May 13th at 332.6 lbs. I was really ill and started a low-calorie diet and tried to get at least a small walk in daily. I have lost almost 40 lbs already, which is just so crazy! When I first began taking the medication, I had headaches and I did feel sick and nauseated for the first few days. I almost wanted to quit, but I told myself this was very important to me, and I worked through it. Every time I upped my dosage, I had a day or two where I felt a bit queasy, but it passed quickly. I no longer feel sick from the medication, and I find it helps me to feel very full very quickly, and that it is almost like gastric bypass in a needle. I also no longer crave sugar, which is a huge deal for me. I think it is amazing, and I would recommend it to anyone considering gastric bypass. They should definitely try this first!"

• 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."

• Pat...
• June 5, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Saxenda for 1 week now and just increased my dose to 1.2 today. From the first day I experienced a suppressed appetite, which was great. When I started last week, I was 120 kg, and today I weighed in at 118 kg. I am happy that it is heading in the right direction. At day 5 of injections, I became very ill with reflux, vomiting, headache, burping, no energy, bloating, and abdominal pain... a horrible feeling. Because of this, I have not exercised at all. Today on day 8, I feel a little better, but the bloating still remains and is uncomfortable. I will stick with it because I do have high hopes for this medication. In Australia, I’m paying around $380 plus needles (100 for $19). It is suppressing my hunger and cravings, my body wants fruit and veg, anything else feels wrong and does not satisfy. Stay hydrated. I'm off to the chemist to hopefully find some relief for my bloated tummy... it’s like I’m 7 months pregnant!! Hope to follow up with some good news next week!!"

• Dai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 6, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Today is my 3rd day on Victoza 0.6mg. I’ve lost 3 lbs of water weight, I’m sure. First day just got a slight headache, second worse headache and upper stomach pain with loose stool, today oh my god, I was in the bathroom all day, and bad bloating. No headache today though. So I’m hoping the other side effects get better soon. I will try to post an update by the end of the month if I make it."

• MaG...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This drug has been a 10 for me in terms of rapid weight loss in the short time I've been on it. I have zero cravings for sugar anymore (I used to eat 3-4 chocolate bars a day). Now I can sit beside a cake & not even want a little bite. Saxenda has decreased my appetite so much that I have to choose healthy foods because I eat so little that I want my body to have healthy fuel. I sometimes have to even force myself to eat because I'm not hungry. I am now eating to live, not living to eat!!! Unlike other reviews, I find myself very alert & energetic on Saxenda, or maybe I'm just motivated because I see results! BUT for side effects I give it a 3 rating. My only complaint is headaches. All the time, every day. But for me, the positives outweigh the headaches!"

• Las...
• May 23, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started on 0.6 mg Saxenda on May 8th, weighing 342 lbs. After 7 days, I upped the dosage to 0.9 mg for 5 days, then to 1.2 mg. I have had no side effects from the medication aside from a very slight headache the first few days, could be unrelated since it's allergy season right now. Today is May 23rd, and I've lost 15 lbs. I am using this drug along with a low-carb diet. My constant hunger was gone starting with the first injection. Is this how normal people feel? I don't wake up hungry, I don't go through my day always feeling hungry, I don't go to bed hungry. It's so liberating to be able to focus on other things instead of constantly being consumed by hunger."

• Jun...
• June 14, 2010

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Been on Victoza for 6 weeks now (along with Metformin) for insulin resistance and weight loss. Have lost 17 pounds so far, 25 more to go. Started taking the Victoza in the morning and had nausea 8-10 hours after injecting. Switched to taking it at 4 or 5 pm and now sleep through nausea. Definitely suppresses appetite. Feel satisfied eating like a normal 'thin' person now. Have more frequent headaches but ibuprofen takes care of that. Very thankful to my gynecologist for sending me to an endocrinologist for help. It's so liberating to think my weight problems are not just because I'm weak and have no willpower! There's a physiological reason it's been so hard for me to lose weight! Very happy with this medicine."

• Ver...
• June 24, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm very tall and very overweight. Six months on a controlled diet and exercise program yielded no results. My doctor put me on Victoza, suspecting some sort of metabolism issue (fasting blood sugar was a constant 101 for several years). Starting dose of 0.6 gave me a 20-minute headache each morning and left me lethargic. It got better in a week, upped to 1.2, same thing started. 20-minute headache, no energy. Again, it got better each day. Hit maintenance level of 1.8 and the weight began pouring off me at roughly a pound a day! A very effective appetite suppressant and my fasting blood sugar averages 91 now."

• Boo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 11, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I just started on Victoza on Jan. 2. Started at 0.6 for 5 days, then moved to 1.2. Side effects minimal. Experienced a headache 1 day, mild nausea first few days, a little more tired at night, which is when I take it. I'm down 8 pounds in 9 days. Am in my 50s, menopausal. I love, love, LOVE the CONTROL this medication gives me over food and my appetite. I have insulin resistance and mildly elevated blood sugar. Diabetes runs in my family. I guess my insurance (BCBS) figured 'close enough' because they're paying for it!! Am so excited and LOVE this drug. It is so much more effective than amphetamine-like drugs for weight loss. I will check back in in a few and give you an update. As someone said, 'Victoza is not for wimps.' But if you can man it up, it's totally worth the side effects. Good luck, all."

• Bos...
• July 24, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started on 22/07/19 with a 0.6 dose, however, I accidentally doubled up on the following day. Day 1, I ate like a horse. Day 2, I wanted nothing to do with food, which was odd as food is my go-to for comfort and enjoyment. I also found through my lack of desire to eat that food was a time filler for me, something to fill boredom. It came to dinner and the food smelt delicious, and because of my history, I thought I would be able to override the medication and eat as normal, however, the desire was not completely there. If I am being honest, the habit was there, but because the desire was not, it took very little willpower to overcome the eating for the sake of eating (I feel that is very important). The side effects: I feel very vague, headaches, nausea, neck hurts a lot, and lots of cramps, but nothing unbearable. I know it's only day 4, but I am very optimistic, and it is definitely working, my eating is 95% less, which is extraordinary."

• Hap...
• February 17, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "On Sept 1, 2020, I was 210 lbs and 5.1 ft tall. The start was terrible. Got all the side effects: headaches, dizzy, nausea, heartburn, no energy, irritable, and bad stomach pains. But I stuck it out. The smaller doses didn’t stop my cravings; I was still hungry, so I ate small healthy snacks and smaller meals. As doses increased, side effects got worse, and constipation set in. I’ve been losing approx 5 lbs per month, but I’m okay with my slow progress. Side effects got better except for heartburn and constipation. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and was given 1 year to turn it around. As of last week, I am no longer diabetic. Today is Feb. 16, 2021, and I am currently 180 lbs. I’ve lost 2 clothing sizes. I give myself small goals to keep myself motivated. There are days I don’t want to even look at food and some days that I still get cravings. But I’m good with only having a small portion to settle my cravings. I walk and climb an average of 3 times per week for 40 min."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 19, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have just been on this for 5 days and have already lost 5.5 lb. The only side effect is headaches, nothing that paracetamol will not take away. I am only on 0.6 and don't feel hungry at all, sometimes I have to force myself to eat."

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

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started the pen in late January. I’m a mom of two (19 months and 3-year-old) so I rarely have time to exercise. I started this with low expectations, but it has been amazing. You will have no appetite, but you will have nausea and headaches at first. This is your body’s way of telling you it needs fuel. Try eating small snacks during the day. You basically have to force yourself to eat something. I found that eating about every 3-4 hours (almonds, fruits, yogurt) will stop the nausea and headaches. Drink plenty of water because you will get dehydrated. I had horrible sulfur burps and heartburn for a couple of days. Nothing a little Pepto couldn’t cure. I’m on the 2.4 dosage and have lost 15 lbs in one month. I’m going to try to start walking more once the weather permits. I started at 238 lbs. My goal is to be under 200."

• 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."

• Suc...
• June 26, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Saxenda on 6/1/2019. I was gastric sleeved in 2012 and have gained back a lot of weight. Was drinking pop, not eating slowly, lots of carbs, etc. I have gone back to eating how I ate after surgery. My doctor told me to eat 1,100 calories and now I have problems getting 700 calories a day. I eat dense protein and drink decaffeinated tea. I am down 18 lbs. I am up to 2.4 ml a day. Only side effects have been headaches this week, not sure if it is the medicine or not, could be the weather. If I eat quickly or eat junk, then I feel nauseated, so I stay away from them. As long as I am eating high protein, I am not hungry. I have not started exercising and am fatigued, but I know it is because I am not eating a lot. Probably need to supplement with 1 or 2 protein shakes a day to get a little more energy. I am very pleased with the help this medication is giving me. It is all about changing your bad habits and when I follow good habits I feel good, and when I don't I pay for it."

• Hig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 2, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started on Saxenda after a lengthy prior auth process. Right away, I had dizziness and vertigo, plus mild nausea. When I finally titrated to the 3.0 dosage, I had not only dizziness and vertigo but also nausea and vomiting, and headache. Meanwhile, I have lost 15 lbs. It really seems to control the hunger. However, I just couldn't live with the side effects. So I discontinued the drug. I am hoping that the weight loss will 'spur' me on to continue with healthy choices and that I can keep up the weight loss."

• alb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 20, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on Victoza now for just over 2 years. From reading the reviews, I'm one of the lucky ones side-effect-wise. In other words, no nausea, increased headaches, etc. I started at 0.6, and after a month, moved up to 1.2, where I have been since that time. I reduced my adjunct Metformin from 1500 mg daily to 1000 mg daily. Weight loss has been a nice side effect, especially since it impacts the illness in the first place. The only issue I have now is that my blood sugar can go low quite easily, so I will be cutting back the dose to 0.6 for a test run of a month. Unhealthy high levels of blood sugar are a thing of the past. Hopefully, that stays the same at 0.6."