Semaglutide and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 3)
Brand names: Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy
Reviews for Semaglutide
- JLa...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- May 3, 2019
Semaglutide 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."
- Dix...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 11, 2022
Semaglutide for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Two days after my first injection, I had horrible sulfur burps that were making me feel sick. By that evening, I had horrific stomach cramps; by 11:30 pm, I had uncontrollable diarrhea! My prescriber advised me to eat six small meals a day and that the symptoms would improve with each injection. I left it twelve days before my next one (as I had a couple of social things I didn’t want to miss if it happened again) and thought at first it was better. A headache day one, nausea on day two, but sulfur burps again by day three. I got indigestion medicine, but it didn’t even touch it. That night, same again; cramps, diarrhea, more burps, and this time intense nausea too. I decided at that point it might not be for me! I really hope it helps some people lose weight, but don’t expect a quick easy fix! I actually felt fatter the whole time I was on it as I was so bloated and tender."
Frequently asked questions
- Ozempic Side Effects to Watch For
- Wegovy vs Ozempic: Which is Right for You?
- Tirzepatide vs semaglutide: How do they compare?
- Which GLP-1 drug is best for weight loss?
- Flo...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 16, 2024
Semaglutide for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am on my 3rd injection today of Wegovy. Started at 234.5 pounds. Down 8 so far. I'm not sure it's all Wegovy, as I've been able to lose 40 lbs on my own 2 separate times, and I am still doing the things that gave me that success before. Eating close to 1200 a day calories, walking 10,000 steps a day, and lowering alcohol consumption. Still, I do believe it is helping me get a good start and get my mind right. The fear of the side effects is what is probably keeping me in line. So far though, I've only had headaches and fatigue a day or so after the shots. Otherwise, no other side effects, so I am pleased so far with how things are going."
- Sam...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- October 2, 2019
Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "I am a type 2 diabetic, but just took my first and last dose of Ozempic 25 mg. I had been taking Belviq and Phentermine, which actually helped me lose 20 lbs without side effects and dropped my A1c from 8 to 6.8. I wanted to try something different. Never again will I use this drug. Day 4 of the first week, and I am so dizzy, nauseous, headache, I can hardly walk. Also sweating, shaky, and my heart rate has dropped. Using Zofran and Dramamine to help the nausea. Trying to push lots of fluids. Praying this doesn’t take 5 weeks to go away. Beware."
- Avi...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- July 16, 2024
Semaglutide for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am 58, have IBS-D, no gallbladder, GERD, and am 60 lbs overweight. This is my second attempt at taking Wegovy. The first attempt was disastrous! I didn't make it through the first week before I was hit with diarrhea, nausea, acid reflux, dizziness, cramps, and had headaches. I missed four days of work and went to ER twice. The doctor did tell me to stop taking this, but I honestly did not think it was the Wegovy (I had not done any research on side effects). Once I got back to my normal state of digestive issues, I became proactive. I started back on Wegovy (.25 lowest dose) 6 weeks ago, but now I take a dose of Pepto-Bismol daily (twice a day the day of and day after the shot) and I take an OTC daily antacid. I still get mild side effects (nausea, headache, and fatigue) the day after the shot or if I overeat. I have not lost any weight at this dose so I am going up to the .5 dose next week. As others have said - everyone will react to this med differently."
- Mar...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 21, 2019
Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "I took my first dose a week ago. I began to have a reaction the next day. It started with a mild headache, a little nausea. Then, as the week progressed, I began to be super lethargic, tired, taking day naps. Fast forward to Sunday, I am literally near passing out at a wedding. This is not for me. I will continue to watch my calories and stay on my regular regimen. I have been ill for 4 days and can't wait for this to be over."
More FAQ
- Why am I not losing weight on Ozempic?
- Does Ozempic cause muscle loss and how to prevent it?
- How much does semaglutide cost?
- How does semaglutide work for weight loss?
- All...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 21, 2023
Semaglutide 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
Semaglutide 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."
- Seh...
- November 6, 2019
Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "Horrible diarrhea after just the first use. Headache. A LOT of lightheadedness. Not pleasant, but I can live with it. I received a sample from my doctor with 6 doses. When I went to have it refilled, there were issues with my insurance (BCBS). The medication is listed as $12,051.19 before insurance! I returned to the pharmacy today. With insurance, 'only' $1,897.99. I will not be getting this medication refilled given the horrid side effects and the IMMORAL pricing. C'mon people, this medication does not cost that much to manufacture."
- jma...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 27, 2023
Semaglutide 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."
- blh...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 31, 2024
Semaglutide for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "First dose 0.25mg, had slight stomach pain/discomfort. Later that same night, my appetite disappeared. Just seeing a fast-food commercial on TV made me feel nauseous. I thought if that's the worst of the side effects that affect me, then I'll be very happy with that. By the next day, stomach pain and nausea increased. By 4:00 am, BAM! Diarrhea, severe stomach pain, projectile vomiting, headache, chest pain, severe itching mainly on the palms of my hands and arms. I truly thought 'this must be what it feels like to be poisoned!' I was scared. It is now the next day and I feel fine. A little tired from lack of sleep from feeling so sick. I think I will do my second dose next week...but I'm quite nervous of a repeat of feeling like I was dying from the stomach pains and vomiting. Will I continue with this drug?...jury is still out! On the positive side, I've already lost 5 pounds; but of course, I can't & don't want to eat, too much nausea and vomiting."
- IJK...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 30, 2025
Semaglutide for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Was on Ozempic from April to July 2024 - lost 5 kg; then Ozempic was out of stock and the pharmacy was not very helpful. Started on Wegovy; first 0.25 mg dose yesterday, Jan 29, 2025. So far, side effects - mild headache. Current weight 82 kg... hope for the best."
- edw...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 28, 2025
Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "Insurance is Medicare Advantage AARP United Health. The 1st 3-month supply was $130. The 2nd 3-month supply was $450. I expect the medication will not be affordable for the future. There was no advantage in the first 3 months taking the 3 mg dosage. A1C is 7.4% from 7.6%. Now taking the 7 mg dosage; waiting for my next doctor evaluation on Feb. 26, 2025. I get frequent headaches, dizziness, upset stomach, bloated feeling, and sleepy/low energy levels. No weight loss."
- Ano...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- April 8, 2025
Semaglutide for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am in week 10/injection 2 of 1 mg and taking Wegovy for weight loss. I started at 142 kg and am down to 132 kg, which is wonderful. My goal weight is 115 kg as I'm tall and solid build. The side effects, nausea, fatigue, headaches, and some bowel upsets tend to dissipate 3 days after the injection. Avoid big meals and heavy/fatty foods in particular to minimize side effects. Not enjoying food and the social side can be a bit tough, but the results far outweigh any downsides. You actually save money overall due to eating less. I intend to stay the course and highly recommend this life-changing experience."
- Chr...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 28, 2022
Semaglutide for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started on Wegovy in December 2021. In the beginning, it made me sick to my stomach. I had the belching and very little appetite. When I got to 0.50 mg, oh my God! I could hardly eat anything for a couple of days. I was scared to go to the next level, but I did. When I was on the 1 mg dose, I didn't have any issues. Once I got to 1.7 mg, it wasn't bad either- a little belching, headaches for a couple of days, upset stomach, and constipation kicked in. Getting ready to start the maintenance level of 2.4 mg, and let's pray I tolerate it well. So far, I have only lost about 27 lbs, trying to lose about 17 more to get to my ideal weight. This is the best medicine that has helped me lose and, prayerfully, keep it off. I have learned how to eat small meals and make better choices in foods."
- Tme...
- May 26, 2019
Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "I love this medication. I've been on the med since 3/8/2019. 11 weeks. I have lost 27 pounds and feeling good. I have learned to switch the spot where I give the shots. I find when I give them in the stomach only, I get constipated. And the day after giving the shot, I get a headache. I sleep with two bottles of water by my bed daily. If I don’t drink it at night, in the morning I do."
- Ver...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- July 24, 2021
Semaglutide 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."
- Bet...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- July 5, 2019
Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "Only second week in on the lowest dose. Feel lighter, no hunger at all. Suffering from nausea, wind, and headaches. I would really like to go the distance with this medication. I have overeaten for years and am wanting this to work. Not thinking of eating is quite liberating."
- San...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- July 10, 2022
Semaglutide for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am about 6 months in, and at 2.4 per week, I have lost 17 lbs. It does work to curb your appetite, but I always feel sick. I have noticed I have developed severe migraines after week two, but kept going. I am currently on migraine medication, Ajovy, and it is not helping. Sometimes, it comes with blurred vision, which gets a bit better once it gets closer to taking it again. I have gone to the ER three times over 6 months with severe headaches, but nothing helps. It has really impacted my way of life, and I do feel like a worse wife and mother because I am always sick and have a constant headache that never, ever goes away. I gave it a go, but at this point, the cons outweigh the pros for me. I did stop Wegovy two weeks ago and noticed an improvement in my headaches and my menstrual cycle. Headaches basically gone, why didn't I stop sooner?"
- ASi...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- June 1, 2025
Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on Rybelsus tablets for 6 weeks now. I felt no difference on the 3 mg, but the 7 mg has given me headaches, bloating, diarrhea, and blurred vision sometimes. However, because it has brought my blood glucose from an average of 14 - 16 mmol in the morning to 9 mmol, the side effects are worth it. I've tried so many medications over the past 15 years, and only insulin and this Rybelsus have ever actually made any real difference. Since moving up to the 7 mg tablets, I have lost 5 pounds in a week, so all in all, this drug has been a Godsend to me. I only wish the tablets tasted better and were smaller to take. They taste vile to me, and I do struggle to swallow them because of their size and mostly because of their taste. So far, I am very pleased to finally have a drug that actually does seem to work. I am so grateful that I am in the UK and I get this medication for free."
- Pat...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 24, 2022
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This was the worst medication I have ever taken. I was sick, literally so sick to my stomach I could not concentrate. I lost 3 days of work and was not given anything by the weight loss center for the extreme nausea. I also had side effects of headaches, my BP rose to a point it has never been, I felt so weak and tired, looked like death, I had no color in my face. I literally have a cast iron stomach and nothing ever bothers me, this, however, was a pure nightmare. It is not worth taking for losing a few pounds, please stay away from this drug. I had to literally stay as still as I possibly could so I would not throw up. For whatever reason, I even lost my taste, and it has been 10 days. I just can't say enough bad things about this medication. I am just a regular mom trying to look my best and thought this would help, however, this is one of the biggest mistakes I have ever made and I still regret it. Please think twice before you inject this into your body, I wish I had done more research. Hopefully, I can help someone else."
- Ver...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- April 24, 2019
Semaglutide 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!"
- mnd...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 14, 2019
Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "Has anyone been irritable on Ozempic? I've been on it for 5 days. I've had the nausea, headache, and diarrhea, but I also feel very irritable (could be hormonal, LOL). Just curious if anyone else experienced that."
- Mim...
- January 18, 2019
Semaglutide 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!"
See also:
More about semaglutide
- semaglutide consumer information
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Reviews (2,724)
- Latest FDA alerts (5)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- Patient tips
- During pregnancy
- Support group
- Drug class: GLP-1 Agonists (Incretin Mimetics)
- Breastfeeding
Semaglutide for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Wegovy February 28, 2022, at 257 pounds. July 28, 2022, at 205 pounds on the 2.4 ml dose. Side effects at low dose were headaches, stiffness, fatigue, indigestion. 2.4 dose caused extreme gas. Sometimes I stayed an extra month on a dose because of side effects, but you get used to them. Sometimes side effects come the next day or 5 days later. Completely stopped drinking alcohol because it makes me very sick while taking Wegovy."