Semaglutide and Constipation: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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."

• 9ru...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Absolutely horrific. I get it works for most people, but unfortunately not me (and should not be promoted as a miracle drug that can help all obese people lose weight, as it doesn't work for everyone). I took 0.25 (the smallest dose) for 3 weeks and nothing (I yo-yoed with my weight; lost a bit then gained it again). After 3 weeks (not sure why 3 weeks for me), the main side effects kicked in. Diarrhea/loose stools, constipation, vomiting, nausea. Worst side effect was for 3 nights in a row, at about 3 a.m. I projectile vomited. First night I almost aspirated and choked on my own vomit trying to make it to the toilet without throwing up. Second night, even though I had the bathroom bin next to my bed, I was still projectile vomiting, and I couldn't sleep as I had a panic attack that I'd pass away overnight and my family would find me dead as I couldn't breathe as I had undigested food stuck in my esophagus. Gave up after 5 weeks of the lowest dose."

• Bis...
• April 7, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am going on week 11 with Ozempic, and have lost 24 pounds. I have had all 5 of the main side effects, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. I am happy with the weight loss, so am learning to manage these. By trial and error, I've found that I can't eat much at one time (don't really want to), need to avoid fatty foods, drink lots of fluids, and take Senna laxative every night for the constipation, and keep Zofran around to help with nausea. Yes, these first few weeks have been difficult, but the weight loss is worth it to me. Plus, the side effects get less the longer I'm on Ozempic. I am currently on 1.0 mg and think that's quite enough. I am rarely hungry and often have to make myself eat. I hope to lose 65 pounds total."

• DLy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "Have been taking the low dosage for 2 weeks now. I have no appetite and have dropped about 7 lbs during that time. The problem is constant GI pain. No nausea, just never-ending constipation and gut pain. I am taking myself off this until I can find an alternative. The weight loss is nice, but the pain just isn’t worth it."

• nau...
• December 30, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic .25 mg subcut 8 days ago. I took my second dose yesterday. My first week, I ended up in the ED. I thought I had a bowel blockage or ileus. The ED visit was preceded by 6 hours of constant, sickening, odiferous belching, constant flatus, eruptive vomiting, cramping, and pain. A CT scan revealed gastric paresis. The event was precipitated by a fatty meal. I have since learned that the decreased gastric motility demands drastic changes in the volume of food intake, fat content, and most importantly, patience with what I consider to be major side effects. Now, I have no appetite. I am nauseated all the time, taking Zofran 4 mg before any meal. The belching is greatly reduced, same with flatus. I feel constipated, but that is easing off. I am avoiding high-fat foods and eating smaller portions. I am profoundly fatigued. Tomorrow, I am getting on the treadmill for 30 minutes each day to stimulate endorphin release to feel better. I have read the symptoms are reduced after 4-6 weeks."

• Eri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 17, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a 45-year-old woman. Started Ozempic .25 mg dose 6 weeks ago, increasing to the .5 mg dose after 4 weeks. Lost 13 pounds so far, which makes me happy. Started with some nausea, some explosive diarrhea, and a general fullness feeling, and no cravings. Now I’m experiencing more constipation, and after the last injection, a dizziness/lightheaded feeling. Don’t like that at all. It never goes away. Don’t know if it’s related, but also tingling and some numbness in one foot. I’ll try injecting my thigh next time and see if that helps the dizziness because I definitely do not enjoy that feeling. Almost a jittery feeling as well. Weird. So I’m hoping these will improve over time as I am liking the weight loss results so far. I’m wondering if anyone else has had this dizzy/jittery feeling and if it will go away."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "I did not have a good experience with Ozempic. Other than a 35 lb weight loss in 4 months, there is nothing else good I can say about it. From the first dose, I’ve had nausea and dizziness. The second dose has been a rollercoaster of constipation, stomach pain, fatigue, with continued nausea and dizziness. I’m constantly sick, I can’t eat anything more than a couple of bites of food. Nothing tastes the same, and the smell of food makes me head to the bathroom with nausea. So going out to eat is only a memory now. I do not recommend this medication. This cannot be healthy for anyone. I’ve stopped taking the Ozempic and am wondering if these side effects will end, they say it takes 5 weeks to leave your system. I’m counting the days!!"

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Taking Ozempic for insulin resistance type A and PCOS. Took 0.25 for the first 4 weeks. Side effects included: severe nausea and flu-like symptoms. Constipation is still a problem. Mild nausea when I upped the dose to 0.50, but taking a generic store-brand nausea medication has helped a lot. Appetite greatly reduced, and I find smaller meals and snacking more frequently throughout the day to be very helpful. My side effects only lasted 1.5 weeks and have not returned with increased dosage. Started at 193 lbs and down to 186.8 lbs in only 1 month. Will continue to take!"

• Hop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2022

"I've been on Rybelsus for about 6 weeks now and am up to the 7 mg dose. I was placed on it to help lose PCOS-induced weight gain. It took about a month to get used to (minor vomiting, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea during the adjustment). I've lost almost 15 lbs, my anxiety levels have plummeted, and my skin is the clearest it's been in ages. I no longer have sugar or processed carb cravings, which I think is helping all of this. I'm lucky that my insurance is fully covering the medication since it is pricey."

• Suc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 26, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I've been on Ozempic for 4 months. My doctor tiered the dosage from 0.25 mg for 4 weeks, then 0.50 mg for 4 weeks, then increased to 1 mg for the remaining time. I've just gone in for a check-up and increased to the 2 mg dose beginning this week. Each dose, I experienced some stomach knots, but they resolved after the first day of the adjustment. I did initially have some very mild nausea, but all I needed to do was take a sip of cold water to take care of it. I stress, the nausea was very, very mild. I do have a bit of constipation, but I balance with stool softeners and strict keto (high fat). I've lost 21 pounds to this point, and this medication is the first thing that's controlled my appetite. I used to feel hungry all the time, but now I don't feel like I need to eat all the time. I don't snack all the time like I used to. I was doing everything I was supposed to, I was working out and strict keto. But I was stuck and couldn't lose any more weight. I've gone from 203 to 181."

• Sic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 13, 2019

"I’ve been on Ozempic since May to help with weight loss. Started with 0.25 and now am up to 1 mg. The nausea has been fearless. The constipation is unreal. I’ve ended up with major hemorrhoids. I’m always tired. I have lost 14 lbs, but these side effects are ruining my life. This is not worth it."

• Sas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 26, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Been on this for 5 weeks now. Levels are finally starting to stabilize, and I feel more like a human. The nausea has been horrendous, the weight is falling off, 10 lbs so far. Can't overeat or the nausea gets worse, and I throw up. Abdominal cramps were bad week 2 & 3 but are less frequent and not bad too often. Constipation has been hard for sure, I have to take something to help me go. Just increased from .25 to .50 five days ago, and the nausea is hitting me more frequently again. Tums, a fan on near my face, and nausea suckers are so helpful. The side effects can be pretty severe, but I gotta keep trying to push past it. Good luck if you take this."

• LuL...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 8, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic on June 6, 2019 (weighing 190 lbs) at .50 dose and was very nauseous and ended up throwing up and felt extremely sick all week. The next week I lowered it to .25 and stayed at that dose through July. I bumped it back to .50 and the nausea has been better and controlled with Zofran and Dramamine, but the constipation has been horrible. I can only seem to use the restroom via an enema. I have lost weight, currently at 157 lbs, so it has all been worth it to me. I am taking an RX to help with the constipation now and plan to continue the shot until my next Dr's visit in September; we'll see from there."

• Sli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 1, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "So I am 5'4" and I found myself at the weight I was when I delivered my children, 145 pounds. For three years plus, I desperately tried to approach my goal weight of 125 pounds, dieting and feeling miserable for 3 years. I told my doctor I was dieting and exercising and could not budge the scale. At 60 years of age, the weight just doesn’t come off like when you are young. I’ve been on Wegovy for 6 weeks and have lost 12 pounds-a miracle! Now at 133 pounds, I’m staying the course to my goal. I will say the nausea is the worst side effect and comes in intermittent waves. I have Zofran (ondansetron) for when I can’t take the nausea. One of the best side effects for me has been totally eradicating my diarrhea. I have irritable bowel on the diarrhea spectrum, and luckily I did not get the diarrhea side effect but more the constipation, which has totally normalized my GI tract! I am so happy about this and assume this is due to slowing gastrointestinal motility."

• Joe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 5, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Started on .25 and now onto .5 for the next 4 weeks. My side effects have been mild nausea, a lot of constipation, slight anxiety, mild diarrhea, mild tummy ache, intermittent tiredness, and feeling somewhat under the weather. There is no pattern, it’s random. I do think it’s the medication, as prior to this, I had none of these symptoms. It is not great, but tolerable. I think the meds are really kicking in now. If I have a small snack, the nausea subsides. I have little to no appetite, probably consume 1000 calories a day. And my mind is not consumed with food, and before I had an obsession with food. For me, it’s been life-changing. I put on 15 kg during Covid lockdown. Was 85 kg, now 81 kg."

• Cej...
• December 15, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’ve always had a BMI of around 23-25, but menopause saw my appetite skyrocket, and it went to 26. I’m 5'5" and my weight went up to 166 pounds on a slight frame. My private doctor in the UK started me on Ozempic for weight loss. It cost £120 a month (sorry USA folks, but you pay way too much for your drugs!), and after a month on 0.25, I’m now on 0.5. I don’t want wine or sweet things noticeably, and I’ve lost about 4 lbs, but now I’m on a higher dose, this is accelerating. I feel like the old me in terms of being able to control my food, which is great! Side effects are occasional nausea and near-constant acid reflux, but I can control this with Rennie right now, and also constipation, unless I drink a lot of water. It’s really worked for me to prevent a slide into obesity."

• joh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 16, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "Reduced blood sugar from 10 to 7.1. Killed my hunger completely, no more food cravings. Side effects became disabling, had to discontinue using. Became bloated, nausea was bad, 1st time I have vomited in 50 years, fatigue, constipation, going to the emergency room as no doctors available to help."

• Dro...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 2, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've lost about 40 lbs since starting Ozempic 11 months ago. My A1C is now within normal limits, but I still take Metformin. My non-alcohol fatty liver disease has resolved as well. I experienced nausea and vomiting early on in treatment, but that has mostly resolved. I feel hunger less and feel full longer. Constipation is a big problem, so I use an occasional stool softener or eat some prunes to keep things moving. The medication decreases the pleasure I get from food, which is weird sometimes. When I go out of town, I used to look forward to trying a new restaurant, but now it's just 'meh' no matter what I eat. I found that I have more nausea if I inject in the abdomen, so I do it in my arm or thigh instead."

• ACD...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 27, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have experienced severe gas, belching, flatulence, moderate nausea all night, not heartburn but feels like seasickness, and moderate constipation. Have had about a 7-pound weight loss in a month. Simple to use with no problems injecting or at the injection site."

• Joe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 20, 2021

"So after 7 weeks on Ozempic, I’m calling it a day. It not only got rid of my appetite completely, it left me unable to look at food and cook for my family. I developed a complete aversion to food. This left me with no energy, anxious and depressed. It’s not worth it. I am unable to exercise and have now lost the love of life. Two days after injection is the worst, particularly with nausea, and the constipation is terrible."

• Tin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 8, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Been on Wegovy 0.25 mg for 6 weeks now and have lost 15 pounds. I have had side effects of nausea after injection for about 24 hours and constipation, which is resolved with laxatives. Wegovy curbs your appetite and has changed the taste of certain foods for me. I am increasing the dosage to 0.50 mg to see if weight loss is quicker."

• 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."

• Geo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 23, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "Been on Rybelsus 3 mg for 16 days. Sugars have improved somewhat already, and weight down about 5 pounds, unexpected. BUT, no appetite, stomach feels full all the time, hard to even drink enough water each day because stomach so uncomfortable. Constipation that is not very responsive to Miralax. Cold hands. Some nausea. More heartburn than usual. Increased fatigue. And the worst is: dizziness and/or vertigo and a feeling of weird fullness in my head along with tinnitus. What the heck? Given the high cost, and that I've all these effects even before going on the 7 mg dosage, I don't think it's worth it."

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 2, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I am so grateful for this site. I thought I was alone in experiencing these awful side effects. Yesterday was the worst. Started with horrible rotten egg burping. Woke up with vomiting. I started on 0.5 and decreased to 0.25 because I was experiencing nausea all the time. I am tired. Two weeks ago, I had severe constipation. It really helps with glucose control. I have been on it for four weeks. I plan to see my MD this week. I don't think I can continue. I've only lost 1 lb so far."

• Gpo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 11, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Don’t try it!!!! Should be taken off the market. I lost 6 pounds in a week, but the nausea and abdominal cramping along with severe constipation aren’t worth it. I wish I wouldn’t have ever tried it. I was supposed to take my 2nd dosage on Saturday, but I didn’t-still feeling sick after I eat. I hope I get better soon. Worst decision ever. Once again, don’t try it!!!"