Semaglutide and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 5)
Brand names: Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus
Reviews for Semaglutide
- Oh-...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- June 3, 2022
For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "A little background: I am 6'2", 24 years old, and the most I ever weighed was 316 lbs. Always used to wear the baggiest clothes and was not confident in myself. The crazy thing is that it was a “trim” 316 lbs (if that makes sense), like, I play hockey and get around just fine - I was just overweight. In college, I managed to get down to 280 from being poor and walking everywhere. But now I am in the real world working, and about 4 months ago, when I began Ozempic, I was back up to 310 lbs. My mom started it, she liked it, she was down about 10 lbs and told me I should try it. I started at .25 for about 6 weeks. I had not lost much weight in the beginning and had some nausea and pretty decent headaches, but that goes away after about a week or so. I am now taking the 1.7 Wegovy, and I am now down to 265. I feel great, look great, and I look forward to taking the 2.4."
- ASi...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- June 1, 2025
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."
Frequently asked questions
- Ozempic Side Effects to Watch For
- Wegovy vs Ozempic: Which is Right for You?
- Which GLP-1 drug is best for weight loss?
- Tirzepatide vs semaglutide: How do they compare?
- 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."
- Ice...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- November 4, 2019
For Type 2 Diabetes "OMG ... it’s not me. Dr. started me at .5 of Ozempic, first day after injection pretty much okay, then came nausea, stomach ache, headaches, then just dulled, gassy (didn’t know the burps were part of it but that increased), diarrhea, feeling beyond blah. I went to work and struggled through the day for 4 days like this. The first week wasn’t sure if it was the shot or some food, so I tried the Ozempic again. The second week was a little better, so I decided I’ll try the smaller dose. Today is day 2, but this morn, there’s the nausea, stomach ache, a little bit of headache, but lesser amounts. Despite the thought of weight loss, might be heading back to Januvia (Farxiga got the yeast infection, but it was cheap, $15 for 90 with insurance)."
- 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."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- May 8, 2022
For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I did not like the side effects that I experienced while taking Ozempic. The first day I was on Ozempic, I had severe vomiting. Although I did not continue to vomit, I did feel nauseated and not well the 4 months while on Ozempic. I also started experiencing severe headaches, and my sinuses became very dry and hurt. I then lost my sense of taste and smell. I stopped taking it right away. It has been more than two years since I last took Ozempic and still cannot taste or smell. I would not recommend this drug to anyone."
More FAQ
- Can you get tirzepatide from a compounding pharmacy?
- Why am I not losing weight on Ozempic?
- Does Ozempic cause muscle loss and how to prevent it?
- How much does semaglutide cost?
- 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."
- Ano...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- May 20, 2025
For Type 2 Diabetes "Nausea on a regular basis over two years of having it. Severe weight loss, even when not needed, as unable to face food. Blurred vision and pain in the eye. I don’t recommend it just for weight loss. I started on 0.25, going up to 0.5. Constant headache because of eye pain. I came off insulin, but am now stopping Ozempic, can’t put up with eye and headache. I would rather have insulin four times a day."
- 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."
- dee...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- April 7, 2023
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Just completing week one at the low dose. I did the research after being given the prescription and expected there would be side effects, so planned for it. I bought antacids and Gravol and waited. The injection site is the thigh, and I got a small bruise. I did not feel the injection at all. I had minor side effects on day one, of a headache and feeling queasy. Since then, only some belching if I overeat. It is like my brain suddenly recognizes I have eaten."
- 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)."
- ste...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- April 30, 2025
"I was astonished by how quickly my appetite vanished, and it has not returned. My weight is steadily dropping because I only need one meal a day. My side effects are 1. I find myself a little headachey, nothing too severe. 2. I have a constant dry mouth. That is a bit annoying. 3. My sleep patterns are affected. Also annoying. 4. Energy levels are down. 5. My desire for alcohol is way down. That's a good thing. I'm only 2 weeks into it, but getting this hunger monkey off my back is extraordinary. I would never have thought it possible. My first meal of the day is brunch, and then that's it, I don't have any further desire for food for the day and don't even think about it."
- lil...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 9, 2020
For Type 2 Diabetes "Thank you all for your comments. I didn't realize the headaches were from the Ozempic. I have not suffered from the runs, but did get the reflux. I have had it before and already take meds for it. It is a relief to see my symptoms are, while not great, fairly normal. I am on week 4 at .25 and will go up to .5 in two more weeks."
- 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."
- 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."
- Lyn...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 10, 2023
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I haven't noticed much weight loss with this medication. I have experienced extreme nausea to almost vomiting. I have also suffered from daily headaches from this medication. I have also noticed my blood pressure fluctuates higher than my normal high. I am only on the 1.0 mg dosage right now, and my doctor will increase it next week. I do have to say the pens are very easy to use, and the needle injections don't hurt."
- Wen...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 8, 2022
For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Ozempic at the lowest dose for 4 weeks. The first week was brutal, with stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and headache, however, I injected the second week in my thigh and the side effects waned. It appears to be lowering and leveling my A1C. I'm nervous about increasing my dose next week. I can manage a week of discomfort as long as it is short-term. My body does seem to be getting used to it. I'm willing to work with it as long-term benefits for me outweigh the short-term discomfort. I may change my mind as time goes on, as these horror stories have me concerned. So strange that there is such a wide range of patient experiences...both good and bad."
- 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!"
- Huc...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 13, 2022
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "OK, I gained over 40 pounds due to injuries, then COVID. I started at 257 lbs, today I'm at 237, and I'm on the second month of 0.5 ml injection. The side effects are a pure nightmare! But as I got to 0.5 ml, they taper off. I carry Tylenol for the headaches, and my gastroenterologist prescribed Carafate for indigestion, Pepto-Bismol works too. If you can hang in there for the first 2 months, you'll be good."
- Fro...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 13, 2021
For Type 2 Diabetes "My doctor prescribed it as a miracle drug, bought a 0.25 mg kit. My doctor gave me instructions, but I found better instructions on YouTube, so the next day I was ready with all that info. I cooked a light soup, no carbs, no fat, etc. I drank water, washed my hands, cleaned my belly, and did the shot. All was okay. After a few hours, abdominal pain, my eyes started to itch, then blurry vision. I went crazy, wondering what happened to me, went to bed, then the nausea came with a headache. The next days I was sick and did not go away, so I phoned my doctor. She said it's all in my mind and I will get used to it. Now I am afraid of the second injection, is it worth it? Why pay for an expensive drug to get sick? The only positive was that it lowered my morning blood sugar from 100-110 to 88. I take 1000 mg of metformin twice a day. For others, do not use it for the first time and go to work, it's good to do it when you do not have work the next day."
- 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."
- Rif...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 11, 2025
For Type 2 Diabetes "When I heard about Ozempic, the insulin is being used as weight loss, then I thought it wouldn't work for me as a type 2 patient. With another insulin, I was tired and frustrated. So I asked the specialist to try Ozempic. She agreed. I have just started this 5 days ago, so far, I have had headache, vomiting, but no stomach upset. With 2.5 mil dosage and regular medication, it's working. Hopefully, it will help me in the long run. Thank you."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- September 18, 2021
For Type 2 Diabetes "My doctor started me on 0.25 mg about 4 weeks ago for my diabetes. My first week, there were no symptoms, my second week, I started feeling nauseous all the time, dizzy, headache. I’m now sick every day. I try to eat, I get very hungry but am not able to eat more than a few bites without wanting or needing to vomit. I shake all the time from my sugar levels dropping so low. It seems like I’m always hypoglycemic but not able to stop it! Some days I don’t even want to get out of bed, I’m so sick! THIS IS THE WORST MEDICINE I’VE EVER TAKEN!! It seems to be good for some people, but certainly not for me."
- 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."
See also:
More about semaglutide
- semaglutide consumer information
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Reviews (2,799)
- Latest FDA alerts (5)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- Patient tips
- During pregnancy
- Support group
- Drug class: GLP-1 Agonists (Incretin Mimetics)
- Breastfeeding
For Type 2 Diabetes "I started this med last week at 0.25 and stopped my insulin and metformin for now. I told my doc I was scared that my blood sugar would drop too low. Last week, no major symptoms. I increased the dosage week 2 to 0.5, and I’ve been super sick with a headache. I’m going to drop my dosage next week back to 0.25 and see if the symptoms subside. I’m hopeful this will drop my blood sugar to where I can get off my insulin. We'll see what happens."