Victoza and Headaches: What Users Say

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• New...
• July 30, 2014

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was put on this medicine just 6 days ago and I feel great! Slight headaches and had nausea last night, but my most persistent symptoms are GONE! My fasting blood sugar would always creep overnight to 110 to 120 range. After my first meal, blood sugar would come under control depending on what I ate. Now on Victoza, I have seen a fasting blood sugar in the 85 to 105 range this week. As an added bonus, I lost 6 pounds in six days. Hopefully the long-term prospects are as favorable as the short-term ones have been."

• 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."

• And...
• July 9, 2014

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Victoza for 3 months now. I am a type 2 diabetic with poor control. Victoza has steadily increased and I am at 1.8. I am slightly overweight but since starting Victoza, I have dropped 15 pounds. I did drop all this weight in the first month and have not lost any weight since. I did find the first month to be a little difficult with nausea and headaches. My fasting blood sugar levels have gone from the 150s down to the 90s, and I'm very happy with this! I am really hoping this will work long term!"

• Anonymous
• October 6, 2011

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I take this medicine for weight loss only. I am not a diabetic. Lost about 20 lbs in about four months. The first month saw the most weight loss. I now lose about 4-6 lbs a month. I am happy that I am still losing weight. The only side effect I have had is a random headache, but that started when I upped my dosage to 1.8. Yes, the medicine came with some side effects, all drugs do, but you need to take it to see what side effects you may have since everybody is different. Then you need to outweigh the pros and cons. For me, I will put up with the random headache to keep losing the weight."

• Ms ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 6, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Dr. prescribed Victoza 3 mo. ago for weight loss, which was affecting my health. High BP, arthritis in knee, low thyroid, weight was 183 lbs. Loved it, no side effects, lost 40 lbs. But, just recently all at once, got headaches, lightheaded, unbearable pains in stomach, anxiety, fast heart beating, I thought I was going to die. I stayed up until 4:00 am, I felt out of control from all the anxiety. Thank God I had some Xanax! I love the weight loss results, however I don't ever want to experience that terrifying experience of feeling like I was going to die. It was that frightening, I stopped the next day!"

• Tay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 28, 2014

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started taking Victoza on 10/18/2014, and the first four days I was fine. I had a slight headache, on the fifth day, I was dizzy and vomiting. I couldn't keep water down. I skipped a day of Victoza, and started back the following day with no problems. I'm down 7 lbs."

• Fai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 22, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started on Victoza 0.6, and initially, the nausea was so bad I could not continue after 1 day. I stopped for about a week and decided to try again. This is now day 3, and I’m actually tolerating it better. I have not drunk any alcohol, and last time I had alcohol the same day I started my injection. Very bad idea... I now also take Pepto or an anti-nausea med right before I do my injection, and I take it at bedtime. This has helped tremendously!!! I still have some belching and a slight headache, but nothing like before. I’m really excited that my body is tolerating it. I’ll post again in a few weeks, and hopefully, I’ll be a few pounds lighter."

• Anonymous
• May 29, 2010

For Type 2 Diabetes "So far, I have been on Victoza for three weeks now. At first, being on the 1.2 dose was very nauseating. So, I went back to 0.6, and that reduced the nausea. However, that was not the solution to the blood sugar highs. Now, being back on the 1.2 dosage, the nausea is not bad, and my hunger is so reduced that I now have to force myself to eat. My only main side effect so far has been the headaches. I love the fact that I only have to take this once a day. Insurance companies and the government need to take note of the successes some are having and start including this on all medical/prescription plans."

• Dyn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 30, 2014

For Type 2 Diabetes "I'm 64 yrs old, 5'2" female with an A1C of 8.1 and an average 3-month glucose of 185. My morning sugars are 160. Evenings from 170 to 290. I'm on 2000 mg of Metformin and 100 mg of Januvia. My new doctor suggested Victoza. First week had 1 day of nausea, 4 days of loose stools, and 1 day with a minor headache. All was gone by day 6. Have lost 10 pounds in 10 days. Sugars now run in the 140's in the morning and 120's - 140's in the evening. Not as hungry. Have not specifically exercised but have tried to eat at least 2x a day and -0- after 8 pm. Less thirsty too. Now to get my thyroid levels back under control, which I was just informed were off and need a higher dose (0.150 mcg) of Synthroid. But I'm THRILLED with this medicine after 10 days of use."

• mov...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 20, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I tried Victoza 0.6 a few months ago, had severe dizziness 24/7; stopped. Wanted to try it again, as I have to lose weight and am insulin resistant. This time started at 0.3 (5 clicks). Had the headaches (head, neck), burping, and some nausea, but stuck with it for 3+ weeks before moving up to 0.6. After 2+ weeks of 0.6, I'm now at 0.9, largely without side effects except constipation. My endocrinologist says the best weight loss is at 3.0, but at 0.9, I'm absolutely seeing weight loss (6 lbs in a month) and noticing a distinct lack of hunger. I'm cautiously giving it a rating of 8 because it still beats amphetamine-like appetite suppressants. If you have trouble, start very low and take your time moving up; so far, I believe it's worth it."

• Lat...
• January 16, 2012

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am pre-diabetic and overweight. I needed to lose 65 pounds and failed after every single diet I tried. My doctor put me on Victoza and started me on 10 clicks a day and increased my dose every week until I reached 50 clicks on my FlexPen (3 mg). At first, I experienced constant headaches and nausea in the morning when I took my dose at 9 pm. I changed my dosing time to 5 pm, and the nausea subsided after 8 weeks. My eating habits have changed (I'm less hungry and eat less), and for the last 4 months, I lost 15 pounds. Look, this medication works, but you can make small changes week by week to the way you eat (I cut soda out altogether by week 9). Victoza has changed my life."

• Anonymous
• December 11, 2010

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on Victoza since July 2010. As of December 2010 (5 months later), I have lost 50 lbs. My appetite has still not been much since I've been on Victoza. My blood sugars have been in the average of 140s, 2 hours after I eat, and I feel great! I hope this keeps up because it does help me with the weight loss issue as well as my type 2 diabetes! When I first was on Victoza, I had really bad headaches, nausea, and some diarrhea. But that lasted about a month to a month and a half, and since then, I have not had any issues with side effects. I highly recommend this prescription for those who have tried everything under the sun to keep their sugar in control, and the only possible next step was going to be insulin. I would recommend giving this medicine a try."

• Anonymous
• May 18, 2010

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Victoza for approximately 3 months. It has brought my A1C down from 11.7 to 5.8. I had headaches and nausea the first couple of weeks - that has passed. I used to wake up with sugars in the 300s (dawn phenomenon) - now my sugars are stable at 100-115. I also lost 17 pounds in 2 months so far. This drug works, but unfortunately, my insurance refuses to pay for it because it is too 'new.' I am using up my last sample pen, and then I will probably go back to using Symlin."

• Bob...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 14, 2012

For Type 2 Diabetes "I changed doctors. The one I was going to did nothing for me no matter what we tried. I'm a 64-year-old male who was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes about 4 years ago. Started seeing my new endocrinologist July 20th, 2011. The first thing he did was stop me from taking Actos. The second thing he did was put me on a testosterone gel, and the most important thing, had me start Victoza. My headaches and upset stomach were minor and ended about 10 days after starting. I'm about 5'4" tall, weighed 280 pounds. Since then, I've lost 70 pounds. Went from a size 48 waist slacks and jeans down to 38's. Most importantly, I went from having sugar levels in the 350's and 400's to 120's, 110's, even at times mid 90's. The doctor and this medicine have saved my life."

• Tad...
• July 23, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "Didn't do bad on 0.06 the first week, but still had a strong urge to eat. Had diarrhea and headaches. Then I started 1.2 two days ago, and today I was so nauseated I prayed to vomit. Then I started vomiting, and it won't stop. I take medication other than Victoza every night at bedtime, including Metformin, and a few minutes ago, I threw up most of my pills from last night still intact but swollen. The food from 4 days ago smelled like roadkill. I fear how long it will be before someone dies of an overdose from old medication in their stomach not digesting in time for future doses. It's been more than 20 hours since I ingested anything but water and a vanilla breakfast shake. I will not be taking my regular meds tonight. Victoza is out!!"

• SAI...
• August 20, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was told I had to lose 44 lbs in 3 months so I could have IVF. I've been using Victoza for 3.5 weeks, and I've lost 14 lbs. Took 0.6 for the first 2 days and been on 1.2 ever since. I had some nausea and lethargy for the first 4 days, but after that, I felt great. I've been working out about 5-6 days per week and feeling strong. I wanted to ask whether Victoza side effects get a 'second wind' after a while because today I feel terrible. I had a rather fatty meal yesterday for lunch, but a small portion. Felt ill almost instantly and have been feeling headachy, queasy, and 'fuzzy' all day today. I also think I might have a fever. I am very healthy otherwise, so I don't think it can be anything but Victoza. I have ZERO appetite today."

• Pat...
• July 8, 2014

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been taking Victoza for 4-5 weeks. Seems to keep my sugar in line. Was 190 - 240 range, now 71 - 117 range. I was a little nauseous the first week at .6 dose, BS 110-138. Next week, went up to in between .6 and 1.2 dose. Some headaches, but experienced a full day of diarrhea (it was hell for that day). Stayed at that dose for almost 2 weeks, blood sugars were 91 - 135, mostly below 120. Testing 6-8 times a day. Increased dose at about the 3rd to 4th week to 1.2. Blood sugars are mostly normal: 71-122. Although fasting, morning BS is 135-155. Yet I test in the middle of the night, my BS is 99-107 (I am experiencing insomnia). I have been experiencing loose bowel movements and diarrhea for the last 2 weeks. I hope to go back to normal."