Semaglutide 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!"

• Slo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 3, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Starting week 9 with the second injection of 1 mg. I have lost 24 pounds in 8 weeks. The side effects happen about 3 - 4 days a week. The first weekend on 0.25 mg was the worst! I really thought I needed my last rites! I have had headaches, nausea, vomiting, and bowel issues but not like the first-week episode. I try to eat light the day of the shot and take it at night because it makes me tired. You have to stay positive and just buy meds that will help with side effects because the side effects will probably always happen a couple of days a week. Try to drink 1/2 gallon of water a day and stay away from red meat, fried food, fast food, (most) dairy and sugar. If you don't, you will feel sick from eating that stuff. Also only eating one cup of food every couple of hours has made a huge difference in the nausea. Stock up on SF ice pops and SF Gatorade. I am so grateful that I got Wegovy with my insurance and when I want to quit, I just remember how many people would love the opportunity."

• KS ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 18, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Tomorrow I will take my 3rd shot of 0.5 mg (previously took 3 weeks of 0.25 mg but messed up one of the needles, so moved up after only 3 weeks at that amount). I have had very minimal side effects in the 5 weeks I've been on it (lost 9.5 pounds). The side effects I get are headaches if I don't drink enough water - WATER IS KEY - and nausea if I don't eat enough protein. Five small protein-based meals a day seem to do the trick. Have not suffered any of the other things people talk about. I've noticed my clothes are more loose fitting than a 9-pound weight loss would normally warrant. Everyone is different - and people tend to post complaints more than praises... so don't get too stressed assuming you'll have side effects. Most people don't. I'm glad I'm on this journey."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 24, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Horrible experience. I only took 2 dosages because I had difficulty functioning with headaches, eye pain, nausea, dizziness, and overall feeling awful. The additional issue is I've been off the drug for a week and can't get rid of the symptoms. I'm nauseous every day, with headaches, and dizziness. How long until all of this goes away?"

• siv...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 10, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "My doctor put me on Rybelsus as I had high blood sugar. I had too much difficulty taking the 3 mg with nausea, diarrhea, and headache. I planned to quit, but I read the reviews here. I somehow managed my symptoms and tried harder. My doctor then increased the dosage to 7 mg. Rybelsus was able to bring my blood sugar levels from 10.6 to 5.6, almost normal levels in a period of 3 months. If anyone is planning to quit, please persevere, and the results are amazing. It practically stops your cravings for food and helps you stabilize. Another miracle was that I was finally able to quit coffee in the morning as I get migraines without it. Compared to the nausea, diarrhea, and the churning of the stomach, migraine wasn't a big deal, and I finally went without taking coffee. This is really a miracle drug for diabetes. Thank you."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 24, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’ve been on this med for 7 weeks. I’ve lost 25 lbs and my daily blood sugars range from 60 - 90. I use it along with 500 mg Metformin. The first couple of weeks were hard with nausea and stomach cramps. I also had the headaches that others have mentioned in the first couple of days. In week 3, I increased from 0.25 to 0.50. Then came the diarrhea. It wasn't too bad, I was just happy that I could go. I’m now taking 1.0 and experiencing sulfuric burping. Ugh! After doing some research on home remedies to help with the burping, I’m trying a spoon of apple cider vinegar. If you can make it through the first few weeks and you can be somewhat disciplined, you will notice a huge difference in how you feel. In my opinion, the side effects are manageable when I compare the weight gain while taking Insulin. BTW - I’m not severely obese. Prior to being on this drug, my weight was 205, and I’m 5’9 and 47 years old. I hope this is helpful to someone."

• Tom...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 13, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Wegovy in March 2022 with a goal of losing 50-75 pounds. I ended up losing a total of 85 pounds in about 11 months. I felt great upon taking the Wegovy. Only had mild headaches and mild stomach discomfort. I was not tired, I actually felt energized. However, by December, the nausea had reared its ugly head. I took Zofran, and it helped. I was able to stick it out with the nausea until February, at which time I stopped taking it. I could no longer live with the nausea. Since I stopped taking it, I have continued to suffer nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. My doctor and I are still trying to find the source of this continuing issue. I love the weight loss, and I love Wegovy!"

• Mal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2024

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm 60 years old, started taking Wegovy for weight loss, high blood pressure, high cholesterol. I’ve been on the medication now for 10 weeks. My starting weight was 296. Currently, I weigh 266, and my numbers are great. The cons are I only feel good 4 days a week. The first 3 days after the injection are tough: nausea, headaches. But as far as I’m concerned, it works great. I’m not hungry at all. I feel much better. Another added bonus for me was I was a heavy drinker. On this medication, I have no desire to drink at all. I went from 5 cases a week to absolutely nothing. I don’t miss it at all. Miracle drug."

• Sen...
• August 29, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been taking Ozempic for about 2 months to lower my Diabetes 2. It's been great, my numbers were 200 to 300, they are now 100-134. My A1c was 9.8, it is now 6.1, and I've lost 12 lbs and still losing. I'm also taking Synjardy XR, a combination of (Metformin & Jardiance), my numbers are great. I eat extremely less on the Ozempic. My only side effect has been an occasional headache, but nausea was brutal. I was getting very nauseated after eating and taking Synjardy XR until I heard about ZOFRAN. Let me just say, if you have nausea and are taking Metformin with Ozempic, PLEASE ask your doctor for a prescription of ZOFRAN (I got the generic ONDANSETRON 4mg). I take it 20 minutes after I eat and have taken my metformin. I NO LONGER get nausea. Zofran will definitely help with nausea if you're feeling sick. You'll thank me later."

• Val...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 14, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’m a nurse. I started this med and unfortunately the nausea, gastritis, dizziness, and headache continuing into week 4 is simply not worth it. I can’t lay in bed and be miserable, which is what this does to me. At first, I actually thought I had a GI Bug. If there is any other choice, do not put yourself through this."

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 7, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I had a horrible experience. Abdominal pain going to the back. Constant nausea. Depression - very strange feeling, almost like an out-of-body experience. For the first time, I found myself HATING my body. Extreme tiredness. Difficulty focusing. Gained 9 pounds in 3 weeks. Constant headaches."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• TN ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 5, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been taking Rybelsus, along with metformin and Farxiga, for over 3 months. I had some minor diarrhea/constipation with the 3 mg that worked itself out quickly, but I lost over 5 lbs and A1C went down over 1 pt (8.3 to 7.2). Just started the 7 mg dose 5 days ago. So far, the diarrhea is a lot worse, and I'm having a lot of dizziness/nausea/fatigue/headaches, but I'm hoping it'll stop soon. I seem to start feeling worse about 5-6 hrs after taking the pill, so I'm sick in bed for hours in the afternoon and evening lately. Not good, as I'm a disabled housewife with two special needs adult children who depend on me. Not sure how someone who works a 9 to 5 job would be able to handle this transition period. If it doesn't sort itself out within a couple of weeks, I'll call my doctor. One tip: keep some saltine crackers and eat a few every hour or so. I know, against diabetic diet, but that and plenty of water help the nausea."

• 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."

• Cal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 12, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My experience with Wegovy has been a rollercoaster. In the first week, the 0.25 mg dose was great. In the second week, I started feeling the side effects of nausea, burping, gas, diarrhea, and bloating. I noticed that I did eat more. Make sure your portions are small and stick to fruit and vegetables. Soups and not greasy processed foods. You may feel sick and will take longer to digest. I am currently reconsidering if I should continue. I am not sure if I want to experience the side effects at a higher dose. I feel terrible all the time and have a headache. I feel exhausted all the time."

• Bad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 9, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I am on day 4 after taking this and now bedridden. I have never been so sick in my life: nausea, vomiting, gas, headache, terrible smelly burping, dizzy, blurred vision, the list goes on. I hope this wears off soon, I have to go back to work. I am so disappointed in this product, very scary how it's destroying my body. I can't eat, sleep, barely move, just sipping water. Terrible stuff."

• Wor...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 25, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Beginning weight was 234 and began at 0.25 in June 2024, and just began 2.4 today at 177. Been going up very slowly, but weight loss has slowed way down. Still have 17 pounds to lose, but prefer 27 more. Have gone from 2XL/Size 22 to size 14. Have dealt with nausea, headaches, occasional constipation/diarrhea, depending on what I eat. Small meals, five times a day, plus drinking lots of water is key. I get extremely tired the day or two after taking the shot. I take the shot at night, hoping to be at my goal weight by the end of May 2025. 63-year-old woman and all blood work now within normal limits."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Doctor suggested switching to Ozempic after weight loss plateaued with Victoza. Ozempic caused an instant headache lasting several days and nausea. Very noticeable as I never have headaches. The real problem was that two days after taking the shot, I would throw up and be too nauseous to get out of bed for about 12 hours. For the first two weeks, I thought it was food poisoning, but the vomiting was nothing like that. It was a slow, inexorable process, not like my body had to get rid of something bad that I ate. Had also not been sick enough to vomit in years, then it happened three out of four weeks in a row. Switched back to Victoza, no more headache and vomiting. Ozempic was more convenient as it is a weekly shot, but I'd rather not be sick one day a week. The vomiting was awful."

• 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."

• Lax...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 26, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Update: since my last report, I have not taken another dose. I’m on day 11 of feeling sick and miserable. I have indigestion from the smallest amounts of food, steady low-grade headache, sweats, fatigue, nausea, but the worst is extreme dizziness every time I stand up. This drug may work for some, but my experience from one small dose was horrible."

• Kda...
• September 20, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "This is the worst drug I have ever been prescribed. I took my first shot on Sat at 4 p.m. By 10 p.m. I had a horrible headache and acid indigestion unlike anything I have ever experienced. By Sunday morning, the fatigue was so bad I could not get out of bed. Following was total lock down of my digestive system and then uncontrollable diarrhea for 5 days. The fatigue and nausea I could not shake. I spent most of the next 5 days trying to sleep and not eating due to the nausea and overall horrible sick feeling. I am a person who works out and runs 3 miles a day and is very active. I feel like a week of my life has been sucked away from me. Today is Thursday and still feeling terrible. I can only hope it wears off soon. Think very long and hard before using this drug. Do your research and read about it, it is very concerning that this is actually approved to be injected into people."

• cat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 23, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been taking Rybelsus for about 3 months. I have had nausea and weight loss. My blood glucose level is much better. It's even sometimes low. I now wear a continuous glucose monitor. I have random nausea after taking the medication in the mornings and can experience nausea during the day if I eat too much or greasy food. I think this is what causes some of the weight loss. You just don't want to eat if you have nausea. I do occasionally get a headache and constipation if I don't drink lots of water. The drug makes me not want to eat, but it also makes me not want to drink, so I have to force myself to drink water, or I get dehydrated and constipated. This drug makes me forget to eat or drink. It's strange. The good side effect is weight loss. Bad is nausea. My insurance does cover it."

• kit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 2, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Rybelsus made me really sick. I didn't realize it until a couple of days ago. I thought I had a virus. I was practically leaning on the wall every day, trying to pull myself out of work to the car. Last week, I spent a lunch time lying on my office floor and then just left early. It is more than the nausea, it was fatigue, significant dehydration, confusion, dizziness, headaches... I'm still feeling sick after 2 days of not taking it. I just read that it can take a couple of weeks to get out of your system."