Liraglutide and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Kel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 25, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started on Saxenda in July 2019 (5 ft 9, 90 kg) - 20 kg overweight and having tried everything to get it off. My endocrinologist put me on Saxenda. The weight started falling off after about 2 months - and by December I had lost 17 kg! I never went above 2.4 mg. Each time I increased the dose, I felt a bit nauseous for a couple of days - like mild morning sickness. I truly ate whatever I wanted - but the fact was I didn't WANT anything. I had half-size portions at family meals, the thought of fried, fatty, or sugary food made me feel gross, and I even cut down to almost no alcohol. The biggest challenge was constipation initially. Laxatives didn't work, but the cereal 'All Bran' turned out to be the solution. I stopped Saxenda in Jan 2020 and didn't gain any weight back for 4 months. After being 10 months at home during COVID eating comfort food, I did gain 8 kg and am back on Saxenda now - this time I will keep the weight off. For me, Saxenda was life-changing."

• Tha...
• June 28, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've struggled with my weight for years. I am a total binge eater at night. My doctor first brought up Victoza, and I was really hesitant to take it (the whole injection thing scared me), but honestly, it's not bad at all! You just have to pinch your skin wherever you're administering the medication, and you won't feel anything. The needle used is, I think, a 38g, which is SUPER small. No bruising or anything around the site of the injection. This is my second week on it, and I've already lost 5lbs. I haven't experienced any side effects. I did get a little nauseous the first two days, but it wasn't anything that was so horrible I couldn't continue. I don't have any problems binge eating. It's great! I hope to see more results in the next few weeks!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Ms ...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 29, 2014

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Victoza since August 2014 (9 mos). I had to increase the dosage between 1.2 and 1.8 gradually... 1 click of the 'pen' every 4 or 5 days to avoid the nausea. Now at 1.8 for several months. I have lost a total of 57 lbs! I want to lose about 25 more. So far, I am thrilled with the results!"

• 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."

• MrB...
• July 24, 2010

For Type 2 Diabetes "Just started on Victoza three days ago. Self-injection seems a bit daunting at first, but in reality, it's nothing. No nausea at 0.6 so soon to 1.2. Right now, I weigh 295 pounds, and should weigh 180, so we'll see what happens. Morning blood sugar this morning was 93. I can live with THAT. By the way, 'eggy burps' usually means your stomach flora are dead, and you need live culture yogurt, or acidophilus milk to re-establish your colony. --Jerry"

• BHa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 28, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I said I’d update as I continue on this medication. I started on October 26th at 287 lbs and have now dropped to 269.8 lbs as I approach the 5-week mark. 17 lbs down in almost 5 weeks is definitely nothing to scoff at! I’m on the max dose now, 3 ml, and all the nausea and other side effects have disappeared as well. I hope this helps other individuals seeking a non-invasive option to assist in weight loss. It’s not been easy, but using this medication combined with MyFitnessPal to keep track of calories and make better choices has been key for me."

• 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."

• Bob...
• August 9, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Victoza now for a month. I'm 57 and previously always had high blood sugar. Nothing seemed to work until my PCP started me on Victoza. First 2 weeks were good, nausea in the second 2 weeks, then went away. I have lost 20 lbs and feel so much better. Blood sugars have been in the low 150s. This medicine saved my life. Be sure to ask your PCP for some Zofran, you will need it in the second and third week for nausea. Don't give up. Thank you, Victoza. A Disabled Veteran"

• 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."

• Bet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Saxenda since September. It is now the beginning of January and I have lost 32 lbs. I experienced a lot of nausea in the beginning, however, I stuck it out. Currently, I am at 3.0 dose and feel amazing! I started at 216 lbs and now weigh in at 184 lbs."

• 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."

• 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."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 30, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "First week down, I'm down 3 lbs. I originally was not happy about that, but I can feel the difference. I have started to monitor my food on MFP to make sure I am doing it right and up the dose tonight. The first few days, I was pretty nauseous, woke up with heartburn in the middle of the night (injection at night), which was resolved with some peppermint oil. I have been eating between 1200-1500 calories a day, and I find that if I cheat (for experimentation) and have a piece of chocolate, then I'm uncomfortably full for what feels like hours. Make sure you stop eating your meal when you feel the slightest bit of no longer hungry. I read somewhere on here that Saxenda is like weight loss surgery in an injection... I couldn't agree more. I will keep updating!"

• T G...
• August 29, 2010

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on Victoza for almost 3 months. Why didn't someone tell me about this sooner. There are some side effects in the beginning: nausea, headaches, loss of appetite, but they only lasted a few weeks. I did experience bad stomach cramps and major nausea when I increased to 1.2, but I called my doctor and she told me to stick with the 0.6 until my next visit, which she kept me on. My sugar levels have been great, 95-115, a far cry from the 200-300's. My A1C went from 7.6 to 6.2 in 2 months, and I have lost 22 lbs so far. I also take metformin 1000mg 2x a day. I have noticed that my blood pressure has increased slightly, so we are watching that and may need to increase my blood pressure medicine. About administering the shot: I was intimidated at first, but it's painless."

• T G...
• August 29, 2010

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on Victoza for almost 3 months. Why didn't someone tell me about this sooner. There are some side effects in the beginning: nausea, headaches, loss of appetite, but they only lasted a few weeks. I did experience bad stomach cramps and major nausea when I increased to 1.2, but I called my doctor and she told me to stick with the 0.6 until my next visit, which she kept me on. My sugar levels have been great, 95-115, a far cry from the 200-300's. My A1C went from 7.6 to 6.2 in 2 months, and I have lost 22 lbs so far. I also take metformin 1000mg 2x a day. I have noticed that my blood pressure has increased slightly, so we are watching that and may need to increase my blood pressure medicine. About administering the shot: I was intimidated at first, but it's painless."

• 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."

• 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."

• Wav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 20, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Victoza since Jan 9th. I am impressed with how well things are going. I was diagnosed as insulin resistant and am overweight and would like to lose 70 lbs. I have lost 20 lbs so far. I modified my diet and faithfully use a Fitbit daily to log my activity, diet, and glucose levels. I am staying on a 0.6 dose and am happy to say my glucose levels are ranging between 85 and 105. I had one day of nausea."

• Cdn...
• April 12, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on it for a month and I'm up to 3ml. I had a lot of trouble during the month with eating, and I was very nauseous in the beginning. I was eating about 1-2 times a day, but that started to wear off the 2nd week at 3ml, and I'm back to 3 meals a day. I've lost 12 lbs this month, and I have to admit I was not as diligent with my nutrition and exercise as usual. If this works as well with partial doses and a diet not nearly as clean as usual, this gives me hope. Looks like I can finally reach my weight loss goals!"

• But...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 3, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "My doctor told me upfront I would experience nausea for around a couple of weeks. I did. My numbers dropped like a rock. Lost 40 pounds, and look better and feel better, and have a new closet of clothes. After about 2 weeks, I realized the nausea was gone. If you can 'hang in there' with it that long, this might be just what you need to help with your diabetes."

• TSa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Victoza about a month ago and have lost 5 lbs. I do well at the 0.6 mg dose, but when I bump it up to the 1.2 mg dose after a couple of days, the nausea is unbearable. Does this go away? I'm not sure if I should go back to 0.6 mg as I was up all night with nausea, but hey, no appetite :-)"

• 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."