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!"

• Sti...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 21, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I did one injection and have been ill since. I have had acid reflux, burping, vomiting, constipation, headache, and dizziness. I tried to eat small meals and drink plenty of water as directed by my physician, but I have been unable to hold anything down. Five days after my first injection, I'm off work, drinking Pedialyte, trying to get my strength back, and avoid being hospitalized. This is the worst that I have ever felt in my life."

• Ama...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 15, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I never had any weight issues until I turned 60. All the weight gain seemed to go right to my stomach. No matter what I did (including exercise and diet), nothing worked to diminish the belly fat. I started taking Ozempic at 0.25mg/week for 4 injections. I lost 15 pounds on that starter dosage. I increased to 0.5mg the following month and lost another 15 pounds. I will begin the 1mg dose this weekend for the next month. The Ozempic seemed to target that subcutaneous belly fat, which is where I had the greatest weight loss. Except for a mild headache after the first dose and subsequent constipation, there were no other side effects. I took something to relieve constipation. My stomach is now almost as flat as a board, and I don’t look pregnant. I know carrying all that excess subcutaneous fat is very dangerous, and Ozempic melted that fat away. I would recommend keeping yourself very well hydrated and asking your doctor for a prescription to address the constipation. Truly amazing!"

• Dim...
• April 7, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "Been using Ozempic for 7 weeks, lost 12 pounds. I also take Xigduo and Lantus at night. Gas, nausea, headache, and a few low A1c. But my number is down from 8.1 to 5.4. For the gas, I find that Gas-X helps. And for the nausea, I sip on cold water and keep my meals small. I haven't thrown up yet and no constipation or diarrhea."

• Anonymous
• February 7, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "My doctor put me on Ozempic to lower my blood sugar and A1c, as every time I check my blood sugar it’s extremely high in the 200s and 300s. So that is why my doctor put me on Ozempic. At the beginning of the year, before the medication, my A1c was 10.8, and my blood sugar was in the 200s. Five weeks later, I went to the doctor this week and got my sugar checked, it was 72. I couldn’t believe it, plus my A1c is 8.2, and I lost 5 lbs in just a short period. I take my shot every Sunday, .25. The day after I take the shot, I do experience some nausea, headaches, and constipation, but it’s only for one day, and it’s worth it for these low numbers. I was scared to take this new drug because I already take metformin 1000 mg once a day, but I’m so happy my doctor introduced me to this medicine. If you guys can get through the side effects, keep taking it, this medicine really works."

• Typ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 16, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "I am on my 3rd month of taking Ozempic. No decrease in A1C as of yet. Weight loss, none. Ease of use, I find handling the needles cumbersome. The needles are smaller than Trulicity and less painful to inject. Less bruising at the injection site. Current side effects: nausea, stomach pain, stomach discomfort, swelling, bloating, increased constipation, increased hunger, sour stomach, headaches. I find I am forced to take additional medication/supplements in attempting to eliminate some of the side effects. I've taken stool softeners and laxatives in order to improve constipation with limited success. I am taking a pain reliever almost daily for headaches. I am also taking medication to help ease the nausea with limited success."

• 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."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 4, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Two days after the injection, I get a pretty bad headache, indigestion, and a bloated feeling that lasts the day. This week (6th shot) has been different. It’s the second week the dose was raised from .25 mg to .5 mg. I felt like I had to throw up. The indigestion, burping, constipation, sore muscles, aches, and heavy sweating all felt like I had a horrible flu. I stayed home from work. I went back to work today, when I normally get the headache, and had heavy sweating, burping, indigestion, cold clammy skin, bloating, diarrhea, and depression and anxiety (years since I had either one). Tonight I still have bloating, wrists and shoulders sore, and indigestion with burps. My neck is really stiff. The normal headache has started with a little dizziness. I am still debating what to do as this has been an effective medicine. My blood sugar has gone from 290 to 90 to 140 when I check it. I have lost weight as well."

• IBN...
• July 4, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Ozempic for 3 weeks. Yes, it is making me lose weight, obviously because I'm so nauseated all the time that I can't eat. I have stomach cramps, constipation, headaches, body aches, and nausea so severe that sometimes I can't even lift my head up. I'm really trying to give it a chance since a once-a-week injection seems better than taking a bunch of pills. I just don't know how much longer I can suffer with the terrible nausea and stabbing stomach pains."

• JLa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on Ozempic 0.25 for five weeks, it's great for losing weight, but the side effects are not worth it. Let me review what Ozempic has been like. The first three weeks were okay, and then I started noticing nausea, stomach burning, headache, dizziness, upper back pain, severe constipation, and feeling very tired and depressed. I ended up in the ER with a mild pancreatic attack and high lipase levels. I've had no desire to eat or even drink water. It makes me gag, and I used to drink a lot of water. I'm done with these injections. I will stay on my metformin, but I can do better on a healthy eating lifestyle than on Ozempic and all the negative side effects. Quality of life has gone from a 10 to a 1, and that is not me. I'm taking my life back. It's really just healthy eating, and we can all do that with willpower. Good luck to everyone else."

• 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."

• Ver...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 24, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Ozempic for about 3 months. At first, it was great. I wasn't hungry and felt so much better. Increased to 0.5, and I feel terrible. I've gained 15 lbs, I'm bloated and sick, constipated, exhausted, elevated heart rate, ventricular tachycardia, my period was on point every month, but now it's messed up. I feel full but hungry, and it never stops. Have Dexcom, sugar between 250 and 390 always, but my A1C has dropped from 8.4 to 6.4 (I don't understand that). I hate milk, but since I've been on Ozempic, I crave it and have become addicted to it. I drink a gallon a day. Literally. On the 0.25, I was very hopeful and thought this would be great for me, but it is not. I see my endocrinologist soon to discuss other options. Overall, I'm exhausted, sleeping all the time, elevated heart rate, weight gain, milk addiction, messed up period, constipation, increase in physical pain and depression, headaches for days after injection... just not worth it to lower A1C only 2 points."

• Hoo...
• May 17, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "Initially began Ozempic 0.25mg for 4 weeks. Side effects were tiredness, constipation. My fasting blood sugar numbers were lower in the morning. When I began the 0.50mg dose at 5 weeks, I had nausea, dizziness, and lethargy the day following the first dose. The second day following that dose, I felt about 70% better. With the second dose of 0.50mg, side effects were less severe, some minor nausea, headaches, and the tiredness continued. I hope that these side effects disappear. I plan to take this medication until I get my 3-month labs, and I expect that my A1c will be down significantly. It was at 5.9 in July of 2017. Due to the stress of caring for a dying relative from September through December, it jumped to 9.3. At my next appointment, my doctor suggested I try Ozempic in combination with Metformin 500mg twice a day. I received a 3-month discount card and have not yet checked with my health insurance provider to see if it will be covered. I am an active 61-year-old female, but type 2 diabetes does run in my mother’s family."

• 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..."

• Wri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been taking Ozempic for 10 weeks for both weight loss, which I have struggled with for years, and diabetes. I experienced nausea, constipation, slight dizziness, and headaches, but nothing that I couldn't manage, and only for 1 or 2 weeks of each increased dose. Went from 0.25 to 0.5, and now I'm on week 2 of the highest dose, 1.0, and currently have no side effects. I have also lost 19 lb so far, the doctor advised a 1200-calorie diet, and I couldn't be happier. My blood levels have come down from high 7's to 6.4, and the doctor is considering taking me off my usual diabetic medication, Empagliflozin. Some folks are saying, 'don't take it,' but just because their body didn't take to it doesn't mean you won't! And you could be missing out on what I would say is a game-changing medicine. I would say give it a go. And I wouldn't give up now for anything. My health has significantly improved. (Free to diabetics in the UK)."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 23, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "Twelve hours after I was injected with 1 mg Ozempic, I had severe headaches and vomited for almost four days. No matter what I eat, I feel dizzy and have a bad taste in my mouth. I ate soft and nonfat foods, but still, the vomiting continued. I never had constipation or diarrhea."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 22, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "This is a horrible drug. I thought I was dying, my stomach hurt so bad. I'd be in a ball on the couch. I had headaches, constipation, vomiting, could not eat, lost 20 lbs so fast, my skin sagged. Do not take this medication."

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 10, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "Newly diagnosed with type 2, started with .25 for 5 weeks. Lots of waves of nausea, headaches, and overall discomfort. Week 5 did get better, the side effects lasted just a day or two after injection. .5 has been a 2-week nightmare. Extremely painful headaches, nausea, and now constipation. I am hoping there's a different med I can try that isn't so hard."

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 10, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "Newly diagnosed with type 2, started with .25 for 5 weeks. Lots of waves of nausea, headaches, and overall discomfort. Week 5 did get better, the side effects lasted just a day or two after injection. .5 has been a 2-week nightmare. Extremely painful headaches, nausea, and now constipation. I am hoping there's a different med I can try that isn't so hard."

• not...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "I unfortunately had a very severe reaction to Ozempic. I usually do suffer side effects from most medications, but thought I would give it a try. The first two weeks were headache, general stomach ache, and constipation lasting 2 days after each injection. Weeks 3 and 4 got worse. Stronger reactions, lasting longer. Week 5, I started the double dose, and I was pretty ill for 2 days. Week 6 and 7 was rough, but I thought I could ride it out. Week 8 had me in emergency twice for diarrhea, vomiting, headache, and major dehydration. I was unable to eat or drink anything. I had to get rehydrated and be given anti-nausea meds on both occasions. I guess my body slowed the release of food so much I had a massive buildup to the point even a sip of water made me extremely nauseous. Ozempic is not for me."

• Rih...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 20, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have type 2 diabetes and I am obese. I started this medication in November 2023. I stopped using it for three months due to a shortage in the market in my country. I used 0.25mg for the first month, 0.5mg for the next three months, and 1mg for two months. The last dose of 1mg was taken on May 17, 2024. In November, I weighed 91kg, and I have reached 75kg or perhaps even less now. For my health, I feel significantly better while working or going upstairs. Regarding side effects, I experienced tiredness, vomiting, headaches, nausea, constipation, and stomach pain."

• Pri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 20, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "My doctor put me on this because I was pre-diabetic, and he said I was insulin resistant. Since I’ve been taking it, I’m not as hungry, but my head hurts, and I always feel dehydrated, and so I’m peeing all day. I feel short of breath, and my chest has been feeling pains. I’m also experiencing constipation and constant light-headedness, and I’ve only been on it for 2 weeks. I may give it another 2 weeks, but not sure if the side effects are worth all this. I feel no energy, and my legs are always sore, and I’m so tired all the time. My way of living has suffered because I’m too tired to do anything and feel yuck all the time. Trying not to be frustrated because if this doesn’t help me, he wants to put me on Jardiance, but I hear so many horror stories about that one. This one isn’t as great as everyone said it would be, so who knows, maybe Jardiance will be better for me."

• 2nd...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 21, 2024

"I lost 20# in 5 months over a year ago and gained it all back in 6 mos. The top side effects then were nausea, constipation, bloating, and big hair loss, strangely starting a month after discontinuation and lasting 5 mos. Much hair grew back. I started up again a week ago and more, this time unbearable side effects. Horrible headaches at the base of my skull, acid reflux that chokes me and burns my throat at night, flashes of light and wisps of wind in my face at night, nightmares, hair coming out in swaths, erratic high BP (I have high BP, but it was under control before O.), bad joint pain (hips especially), extreme urinary incontinence (swelling down there with pee dribbling), and extremely emotional (incessant crying) just 5 minutes after injection. Five minutes after the second shot (second week), all the above that had “slightly” eased up came back full force! Husband again losing weight with doable nausea and blah feeling. *I have a lot of side effects to most meds."