Ozempic and Headaches: What Users Say

• Zel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 29, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic 9 months ago. At the time, I was a little over 200 lbs and was taking 1000 mg of metformin daily. Metformin had worked for me for almost 20 years, so I didn't expect that it had suddenly stopped working. For 3 years, I gained weight even though I worked out, and I thought it was just my appetite out of control. One random day, I realized my metformin was the problem. I saw a new doctor who prescribed Ozempic. What a miracle! 9 months later, and I’m down 40 lbs, my A1C dropped from 8.1 to 5.6, and I have virtually no symptoms from the drug other than fullness. The symptoms in the beginning did not last long either. Nausea, headache, fatigue...all cleared up within a week or 2 each time my dose was increased. It can cause what feels like constipation, but for me, it’s just that I simply haven’t eaten enough. This drug feels too good to be true. I’m so pleased with my experience so far!"

• Bak...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 24, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Ozempic for 3 months now, and I find this drug works like none I have tried before. The first 6 weeks were rough: burping, headaches, fatigue, nausea, but I stuck it out. I’m so glad I did. My A1C has gone from 8 to 6.8 in three months. I have lost 20 pounds, going from 180 to 160 lbs. My daily sugars have seen a vast improvement. The major thing I have noticed after being on the drug for this long is that recovery time after eating high-carb or high-sugar foods is back to normal. Appetite is still lacking, but it’s mostly an aversion to ‘bad’ food. I can no longer sit and eat an entire burger, it’s just way too much, but a healthy salad, I can eat the whole thing! I have seen major benefits from this drug. I have way more energy and no more 3 pm crash. Tips while adjusting to the drugs: Tums, Gravol, lots of sleep, light healthy meals, and remember to drink water! Also, I found injecting Ozempic in the hip lessened the symptoms for the first while."

• oze...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2020

"I have been on Ozempic for 5 full months to help me lose weight. In that time, I have lost exactly 60 pounds (I had about 100 to lose). I was on 0.25 mg for 6 weeks, moved up to 0.5 mg thereafter, and have been on 1 mg for the past 4 weeks. I certainly experience stomach pains, headaches, absolutely no appetite, severe constipation, feel full almost immediately after eating more than 3-4 bites, and I am not sleeping as well. As of right now, the benefits are outweighing the negatives. I do not plan to stay on Ozempic long term because the possible thyroid cancer/tumors scare me. I am nervous upon stopping Ozempic that the weight gain will come right back."

• Mon...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 15, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started Ozempic in January 2019. I have lost 24 lbs, and my A1C has gone down. My appetite has been cut in half. The only side effect I have had was in the beginning: slight headaches. Those have gone away. If I overeat, I’ll get a sour stomach. But other than that, I didn’t get those bad effects I have been reading about. Definitely happy with the results."

• Jpa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 15, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’m into my 5th week and have increased to .5. In addition to diabetes type 2, I have PCOS and IBS. I’ve been doing well so far, other than a mild headache and stomach upset. My appetite is obliterated, and I have to make sure I’m eating regularly. Otherwise, nausea and lightheadedness end up being my trigger to eat because I’ve gone too long in between meals. It’s been confusing for me, as overeating has always been an issue. Now I have no desire to eat and am working at adjusting by eating small portions throughout the day. I’m definitely losing weight, which is much needed. In addition to Ozempic, I take Metformin and Tradjenta, which I’ve been on for a very long time. This week, my fasting blood sugar decreased from 155 to 135. That makes me happy."

• Wan...
• September 24, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started with the 0.25 dose. The next day, I had a mild sinus-type headache and loss of appetite. No food cravings, no overeating. So far, so good, right? Well, it's now 6 months later, and I've lost 36 pounds. I can hardly eat anything. I am nauseous all the time. No energy. I'm eating primarily cereal, jello, and peanut butter. My A1C is 6.7. However, I need to go off it so that I can get some nutrition in me. Miserable experience."

• Liz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 16, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "On the fence. Took my first shot of Ozempic .25 last Wed at the doc's office. I was nervous as I couldn't tolerate Metformin's side effects. But she reassured me this was gonna be the answer to my prayers, so I agreed to try it. First day I was fine, then they hit. Woke up feeling dizzy, nauseous, and shaky. My fasting blood sugar was 157. Lower than it's been in quite some time. Ozempic does its job. My BS has been managed quite well. I definitely don't have an appetite. Have to make myself eat and drink. Have very low energy. Tired all the time. Aside from that, it's the other side effects I'm having trouble living with. Waking up in the wee hours of the morning clammy with severe nausea, mild headache, and dizzy. But it's only been 6 days. The constant nausea, dizziness, and headaches are almost unbearable. Not sure if I'm gonna continue. If the effects are like this now, what are they gonna be with the increased dose? There's gotta be a better way!"

• Dck...
• January 13, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’ve been on Ozempic for 8 weeks, .25 starter dose for the first 4 weeks; it suppressed my appetite, a couple of mild headaches, and intermittent nausea. Moved to .5 at week 5 and have no desire to eat at all. It’s almost a problem as I feel so weak and have all-day nausea. Hard to tell if the nausea is from not eating, Ozempic, or both. At week 6, I also started taking Humira for spondyloarthritis; the combined side effects are brutal. Sick nearly 24 hours a day, constant nausea, vomiting with any exertion. Backed off the Ozempic to .25; the side effects are better, but still troubling. As a positive, I’ve lost 30 lbs in 8 weeks, all from not eating as I feel too sick and weak to walk or work out. The docs prescribed Zofran 8 mg po every 8 hours as needed. It helps, and I do manage to eat a couple of small meals. Weigh the benefits and downsides, but it does work. A1C dropped from 8.7 to 7.4 in the first 8 weeks and should continue downward with prolonged use and accompanied weight loss."

• All...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 21, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "On December 19, 2022, I saw my medical provider and requested a prescription for Ozempic. She agreed that at 5’3” and weighing 192 lbs, it would be a good option for me. I started Ozempic on January 3, 2023. The first time I weighed myself after starting Ozempic was at the beginning of February, and I weighed 179 lbs. Through February, my weight bounced between 181-175, then I lost another 5 lbs in the first two weeks of March. I’m hoping to reach 160 by mid-April. My weight goal is 130-135. I am very happy with Ozempic’s effect on my weight loss. I have had assorted side effects. I had two days of extreme headaches after my first dose, but I’ve only had mild headaches with dosage increases since. My stomach is mild to moderately upset most of the time, and most of the time I don’t have much appetite. I’m at a 1 mg/week dosage now, and I’ve started having a lot of bad-tasting burps, but constipation is by far my worst side effect. I don’t know if I would have bowel movements without laxatives."

• All...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 21, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "On December 19, 2022, I saw my medical provider and requested a prescription for Ozempic. She agreed that at 5’3” and weighing 192 lbs, it would be a good option for me. I started Ozempic on January 3, 2023. The first time I weighed myself after starting Ozempic was at the beginning of February, and I weighed 179 lbs. Through February, my weight bounced between 181-175, then I lost another 5 lbs in the first two weeks of March. I’m hoping to reach 160 by mid-April. My weight goal is 130-135. I am very happy with Ozempic’s effect on my weight loss. I have had assorted side effects. I had two days of extreme headaches after my first dose, but I’ve only had mild headaches with dosage increases since. My stomach is mild to moderately upset most of the time, and most of the time I don’t have much appetite. I’m at a 1 mg/week dosage now, and I’ve started having a lot of bad-tasting burps, but constipation is by far my worst side effect. I don’t know if I would have bowel movements without laxatives."

• jma...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 27, 2023

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I started on the lowest dose of Ozempic in October 2022. One injection, in my thigh, once a week. I didn't make it past the first 4 weeks or the lowest dose. My physician hoped that since I do not have a gallbladder, many of the reported side effects of nausea and vomiting would not affect me. Wrong. First week and all things went well. I experienced no real side effects and had decreased appetite and energy. I slept well and was active. Second, third and fourth weeks, not so good. Modified my entire diet, but could barely eat or drink anything but a little chicken. Constant and severe nausea, vomiting, sleep deprivation, headaches, body aches, and zero energy for the next three weeks. It was like having a severe case of stomach flu for 4 weeks. Oh, I lost weight, between 18-20 lbs. Unfortunately, this is not a sustainable way of life. I couldn't function; I didn't leave my house for a month. I pulled myself off of it, and it took another 3 months to recover fully."

• Ver...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started taking this Ozempic 0.25 dose injection for my first week. On 04/17/19, I have lost a total of 4.5 pounds so far. I am on my second week of Ozempic. The first week I didn’t have stomach pain, headache, or any side effects. But I notice that my appetite had a big change. I am not hungry all day. I am eating small meals now. I have been drinking more water than normal, but after reading all the reviews, I was really scared too. I wasn’t sure if this was going to be the right medicine for me. But it works!!! No side effects yet!"

• Mim...
• January 18, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started taking this drug 4 weeks ago. I got just a light headache at first, then I'm fine. My appetite is definitely under control. No cookies, junk food, etc. for the last 30 days, and I have lost 17 pounds! I take .50 per week! Wow!"

• Kom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 27, 2019

"Oh boy. I just started Ozempic for weight loss at .25. After my first injection, I was fine for two days, and then was constipated for two days—and since then I’ve been pretty darn sick. Violent diarrhea, headaches, some nausea, and very low energy. I’ve taken several days off from work as I’ve felt so bad. I’ve lost weight since I have no appetite, and nausea follows whenever I eat—even broth and crackers. I have international travel planned in 10 days, and I hope that I’m recovered by then. I may try again after my travels, but this has been rough. The worst side effects I’ve had from a new medication."

• C01...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 6, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "3 weeks in... Initially prescribed for weight management. While my appetite's drastically reduced, I've experienced headaches, some brain fog, and felt a little under the weather. Nausea slightly though it reduced day by day. Fatigue's unbearable. I typically have an upbeat, positive attitude and noticed a not-so-good version of myself just recently. Contemplating discontinuing treatment as excited as I am for the weight loss aspect of it :("

• Joa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 16, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on this medication for 10 months. I started with .25 for 4 weeks, then increased to my prescribed dose of .5. My doctor and pharmacist correctly recommended this gradual increase. However, after beginning the .5, I became very nauseous, had diarrhea and/or constipation, terrible headaches, and all-around lethargy. It was awful. I toughed it out for 2 weeks, but that was it. At the advice of my pharmacist, who happens to be a diabetic counselor, I went back down to .25 for a couple of weeks, then very gradually increased my dose. A few extra clicks of the pen each week until I reached .5. Success!! Now I have no side effects and have lost 25 lbs, which is a significant amount for me. My appetite is very low, and I just don't experience any cravings that I used to. My guess is this very slow, gradual, almost click-by-click increase may be effective for a lot of people. I have read through many of these reviews and cannot imagine jumping right in with a .5, however, I am not a doctor, so..."

• deb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 13, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started taking the .25 a week ago. The first 2-3 days, I had stomach pain, headache, and vomiting, none of which were bad. I took my second shot yesterday, and the gas was awful. The one thing that I really wanted to do was to lose some weight, and so far, I've lost 3 lbs. My appetite is slowly fading, but I have to watch myself because I'm still craving sweets at night. I have to make myself drink fluids, but luckily the one thing I did crave was Cokes, and I don't even think about them anymore. I love this med."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 2, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "1st week stomach discomfort (not too bad). 2nd week flatulence (sudden, uncontrollable, embarrassing). 3rd week sore throat, lots of phlegm, hard to swallow! 4th week, no appetite at all! Sudden diarrhea, no control, running out of me like water! I’m experiencing back pain in between my shoulders! Headache! 8-9 in pain! 10 excruciating!"

• Lka...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 21, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started on this drug 4 weeks ago. First 2 weeks at 0.25, a little bit of headache and appetite totally gone. Second 2 weeks I went to 0.5, and that's when I felt bad. Bad headaches, double vision, dizzy, and I feel like I have the flu. The upside is that I lost weight, but it's not worth the side effects... I am going back to Saxenda despite the price."

• Iri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 10, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started Ozempic a month ago. I had a bit of diarrhea with the first two injections. Now it is just the headache and fatigue feeling. I haven't noticed any changes in appetite. I had been losing weight for three months prior to starting Ozempic. I was down 42 pounds, since starting, I'm up six pounds. I haven't noticed any difference in my blood sugar numbers. Not impressed so far."

• And...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 18, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic injections 3 weeks ago (by the way, I live in the UK). I also take Metformin and Foxigra. I had a slight headache and nausea, which I seem to get a few days after the injection. I don't find I get any appetite decrease that much, and I've put on weight this week. But sticking with it, so we shall see."

• Jea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 7, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "Nausea, bad acid reflux at night, nightmares, headache every morning, constipation, chills, fatigue. Just started a week ago. Blood sugar levels in the 80s and 90s. Have lost no weight. Zero appetite. Blurry vision."

• hal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 4, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "The major side effects are all I got with this med, which includes upset stomach, heartburn, burping, gas, bloating, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, stomach flu symptoms, headache, dizziness, and tiredness."

• Meg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 16, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I started this medication last week on Tuesday. The first two days, I had a headache and a flu-like feeling. Throughout the week, I felt nausea almost daily, bouts of diarrhea, and bloated. Today is my second dose of 0.25, and I lost 4 pounds in 7 days (probably the fact that anytime I eat, my next bowel movement is diarrhea). I have felt a general unwellness for the last 7 days and am anxious about how this week will go, as I haven't been able to accomplish what I normally am able to. If this week gets worse and I start vomiting and being really unwell, then I will stop taking this medication. I definitely don't have the same appetite I did before, and my junk food craving has basically been vanquished, however. If the symptoms don't peter out or they get worse, I don't see the point, as it affects my son's life as well when I can't be the best mom I can be."

• Lad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 8, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "This is week 1, and I’m already feeling the side effects: headaches, diarrhea, stomach ache, burping frequently that smells like rotten eggs. I get nauseous and gassy. I don’t have an appetite for food. I just started this medication, but I like its cleaning out my digestive system. I am reaching out to my healthcare provider to see what I can take to help eliminate the burping."