Semaglutide and Tiredness: What Users Say
Brand names: Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy
Reviews for Semaglutide
- Bac...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 9, 2023
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Wegovy 6 weeks ago at 0.25 mg for 4 weeks, and for the last 2 weeks at 1 mg. I started at 211 lbs and am now 197 lbs, so have lost 14 lbs and counting in 6 weeks. Not bad! Symptoms I've experienced include being slightly more tired than usual on the day of the injection, and some constipation at first but I use Miralax if there's an issue and it works fine for me. I haven't had any extreme nausea, but the injection definitely makes me less hungry and there are certain foods that I feel slightly queasy even considering eating-like high-fat foods-so I don't eat them. I eat a lot more fruits and vegetables and get full very quickly. I work out 4-5 days a week, my energy has been good and I feel like I'm getting back to my old self. I'd like to be about 135 lbs eventually. Wegovy has been a lifesaver. I'm 55 years old and had considerable cravings, especially at night. I'm happy to be free of them. I hope to make my new habits permanent."
- Chr...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- July 11, 2021
For Type 2 Diabetes "I suffered from - Loss of appetite - Exhaustion - Nausea - Vomiting (once a week, usually 2 days after my injection) - Low blood sugar events (probably caused because I just had no appetite). When I spoke to my pharmacist, she encouraged me to try to hang in there, telling me it would get better, and it finally has. I was not expecting it to take over 3 months though. My readings are all good, and I've lost 28 lbs, so there were benefits to sticking it out, but it was hard. I had decided that I would continue to take the medication until my next appointment, and if things were still bad, I would tell the doctor that I no longer wanted to use it. Things are better, and my appointment is next week."
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?
- Shy...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- November 1, 2021
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Been on Wegovy for 7 weeks. Lost 14 pounds. 2nd week into 0.50 mg. It’s a little rough on my stomach. Taking prescription for nausea which happens the day of the injection. Feel tired and occasionally get severe abdominal pains. I can’t eat much and have to really watch the types of food. No greasy foods or spicy or heavy. The intestinal pains were very severe after eating wrong foods. I’m happy with the weight loss but the side effects are rough."
- Pat...
- July 19, 2019
For Type 2 Diabetes "Started taking Ozempic for pre-diabetes and insulin resistance. This is the first medication I've ever taken for diabetes. A1c was 5.7. I increased the dose quickly at the doctor's recommendation if little to no side effects occurred. First dose 0.25 in the office. Second 0.5 a week later. Third dose at 1.0 a week after that. Only side effect I have is mild nausea. Appetite has disappeared, and I eat only when hungry and much smaller portions. Serious bloating when I eat too much, which is a great deterrent. Been on the medication for 4 weeks overall, 2 weeks at 1.0, weight dropped from 305 lbs. to 295 lbs. Still a little lethargic, but I was very lethargic before starting the medication. I feel like this medicine is a game changer for me. I love not thinking about food all of the time, only eating when hungry and not for pleasure, and losing weight. Will retest A1c in 2 months. Hopefully, the weight loss continues, and I caught the A1c level before it turns into full-blown diabetes."
- Bar...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 24, 2023
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking Ozempic for six weeks. This will be my second week at 0.50 mg, and I have lost 10 lbs. At 0.25 mg, I had minor nausea and was very tired but felt fine otherwise. After my first 0.50 mg injections, I could not drink, eat, or do anything for the first day. I had a lot of nausea and felt like I was going to be sick constantly. By day 3, I had to go to the bathroom about nine times, which was good because constipation is a real thing with this medication. By day 4 and on, I felt perfectly fine. I do watch what I eat, and the medication has cut my food intake by half. You have to pay attention to what your stomach is telling you."
- 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."
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?
- Djo...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- July 17, 2021
For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I was scared after reading some reviews, but wanted to share my experience so far. I began on .25 one week ago - I injected in my abdomen at night before reading about the thigh being better. The next morning, I woke up with pretty bad nausea, but not vomiting - definitely enough though to prevent me from eating. All day I was lethargic and could not eat much. Each day it improved. It definitely does not allow you to eat heavily - eating very small meals is about all it allows and even then it does give you slight nausea initially. Took my 2nd .25 dose this evening and did inject the thigh. Hoping to update this in a few weeks, but it’s been manageable."
- Bir...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- August 12, 2020
For Type 2 Diabetes "Bad news: I started taking the 3 mg Rybelsus for 30 days, did well. Have been taking the 7 mg for the past 3 weeks, and I have had diarrhea, stomach bloating, nausea, and can barely eat anything or drink. Even the smell of food makes me sick. I am extremely exhausted and hate feeling like this. Calling doctor tomorrow. Good news: dropped A1C from 8.4 to 7.3 in 6 weeks and lost 10 pounds, and also cut back on my 24 hr insulin and fast acting due to not eating. — Is it really worth it though???"
- Mar...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- April 2, 2022
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "No weight loss at all in 3 months. I’m at 1.5 dose now. I also have a sluggish thyroid, so not sure. Feel an upset stomach, acid reflux, and nausea. And very tired after the injection. Have lost about 3 lbs and gain it back by the next day. I eat low carb, and usually I’m not hungry. I have no idea why I'm not losing any weight."
- Bon...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- July 13, 2021
For Type 2 Diabetes "Started Ozempic about 7 weeks ago. Dosage .25. First week noticed some nausea, a lot of gas, some reflux, and diarrhea. Each week, side effects were getting worse. Nausea very bad, pains in left side, waves of heat, no energy at all. In all, just feeling BAD! Diarrhea is bad and a bit uncontrollable. Have not raised dosage due to being afraid of worse side effects. Have lost 5 pounds. Appetite is definitely less. My sugar numbers have not improved that much, which leads me to believe it is what I am eating. I still crave sweets. I have some jittery feelings at times! I am very discouraged."
- 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."
- Sus...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- April 24, 2021
For Type 2 Diabetes "Well, so far, my experience with Ozempic has not been great. I started out using the 0.25 mg and never had any nausea at all, no lethargy...nothing. My doctor then suggested I increase my dosage to 1 mg, and that, for me, was a HUGE mistake. I have kidney issues, and I began noticing that I was having to urinate less and less frequently, not to mention the constant nausea and extreme lethargy. I felt awful and decided not to do this medication any longer. Since quitting, I feel 100% better, my energy has come back with regular trips to the bathroom now. I would rather have my sugar be a little elevated than wind up on dialysis. For everyone that is on this medication, I wish you the best of luck, and I hope this helps your sugar levels, it just wasn't meant for me."
- Mar...
- July 7, 2024
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was 182 lbs and have been on Wegovy for about 4 months. I am now 168 lbs. I was quite nauseous at the start and found that by eating a mouthful of plain bread helped with the nausea. I have also been quite tired and although not constipated, my poops are firmer."
- Joe...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 3, 2020
For Type 2 Diabetes "1st, I did not take Rybelsus to lose weight, only trying to get A1C down. For 10 days on this, I did not vomit, but the feeling is there, sometimes I have to gag myself to get that feeling to go away. Felt tired all the time, trouble sleeping, and my stomach always feels full. I don't have much of an appetite either, and oh boy, diarrhea the first 3 days almost seems like you can't leave the house and almost like uncontrollable, need to stay near the throne. 4-5 days later, the diarrhea seems to be better, but the nausea and vomiting feelings keep me away from this med. Also, if anyone likes to try this med, I suggest getting some ginger chew candy, it does help the nausea feelings. One more thing: if you are a guy, beware of this, your libido will go down :-("
- JDM...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- October 4, 2018
For Type 2 Diabetes "I started on the low dose .25, had nausea, loss of appetite, little loose stool, tired, and just didn't feel good. Lasted for 3-4 days. Next dose, the symptoms increased, especially the loose stool, lasted most of the day for 4 days. The next dose, the doctor had me go to .5, and I say OMG, it was the worst I have ever felt. Couldn't eat, watery diarrhea, burping horribly, tired, and just felt so sick. I told my doctor I can't do this. Symptoms still going after being off for a week and a half. I just hope it stops soon. I do not recommend it to anyone."
- Shy...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 26, 2022
For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I always had some side effects of Ozempic. Mainly exhaustion, nauseous, occasional throwing up after eating, constipation. As month 3 came and the dose increased to 1 mg, I ended up in the emergency room. I was vomiting and had liquid diarrhea for 4 days. My heart rate was elevated, and my potassium was dangerously low. At the time, I thought it was a stomach bug-until the next injection caused the same effects. I've been on anti-nausea medication since. I can see why it takes the appetite away-being exhausted and nauseous 24/7 is terrible. Potassium is still not where it should be. Hoping this gets out of my system fast."
- CJa...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 8, 2020
For Type 2 Diabetes "I have taken Ozempic, 1 injection of .25 on Feb 1st, 2020. I have had diarrhea ever since: nausea, gastritis (inflamed stomach), reflux, stomach pain (can't touch my stomach), dizzy, tired all the time, had to call an ambulance as I almost passed out, shaky, dehydrated from going to the washroom so often. I was in bad shape, and I live on my own. Supposed to take this needle again tonight, don't think this is going to happen."
- AJa...
- July 4, 2021
For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been taking 3 mg Rybelsus since June 4th. I am not experiencing nausea nor diarrhea, however, I am experiencing constipation and loss of appetite. Since I have been taking this medication, I notice I get tired very quickly. Overall, I notice that it has helped my diabetes tremendously, and I have lost 8 lbs with very little exercise. I also take metformin 750 ER. Before starting Rybelsus, my A1C was 8.1, I do expect it to be much lower on my next visit in September."
- CRK...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- July 16, 2021
For Type 2 Diabetes "My doctor gave me a sample box of 3 mg Rybelsus for T2D. I could only tolerate it for 10 days. The first thing I noticed was my appetite was gone. As days went on, I felt like I was in my first trimester of pregnancy, although I didn’t ever feel like vomiting. Continuous nausea, lack of appetite, lethargy, and horrible constipation were my friends during the time I took the drug and for about a week afterward. I ended up in the ER with terrible IBS with very painful cramps. I thought I had a blockage from no BMs for 12 days. After being off the drug for about a week, one day I woke up and the symptoms were gone (about a week after I stopped taking it). I felt like myself again. During that short time period, the pounds just started melting off me, and I only weighed 138 going into this. I dropped down to 130. I really wanted this drug to work for me. My doctor tried to prescribe Trulicity after this. No way. It’s too similar. My A1C is 8. Not sure where to go from here."
- Lad...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 19, 2022
For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Went to my endo, desperate from dealing with both hypothyroidism and menopause. Have regularly put on 30 kg over the past 5 years up to 114 kg, have extreme fatigue, spine issues, and severe leg pain/body aches. Was prescribed Ozempic to assist with weight loss as nothing else worked. I was very worried about side effects and it not working after reading reviews. Started my 0.25 mg dose 3 days ago, injecting in the upper thigh just before bed, but didn't get the full dose as I pulled it out a tad early. Had some mild nausea the next morning that only lasted a few minutes and developed a headache, but panadol took care of that. I didn't notice much the first day and was worried that it wasn't going to work. However, on day 2, I was only able to eat about 1/3 of my dinner and felt full. Have already lost 0.5 kg in just 3 days. No other side effects that I can tell. Though I do feel more thirsty and am a bit tired; however, that's normal for me, so can't say it's a side effect. Happy so far!"
- 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."
- Mar...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 21, 2019
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."
- Thi...
- June 27, 2018
For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been taking this for 2.5 months. I've lost a solid 10 pounds. I take it right before bed so I can sleep off the initial side effects, if any. There is a little bit of diarrhea, nothing too crazy. I have major loss of appetite, I can eat half meals or half kids' meals and I'm always full after a few bites. Sugars are low. The major side effect is nausea, but it isn't every day. I've thrown up 3 times within the past 3 months, which is something I never did prior. It comes out of nowhere, and honestly, I'm unsure if it is this injectable or just from taking an iron supplement and vitamin. Could be the vitamin. I feel tired also, not sure if it's just work or a side effect. Overall, I'm happy with the injectable, plus it beats taking a pill every day."
- Ron...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 23, 2022
For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I started Ozempic for weight loss, started with 0.25, then 0.5, then 0.75, all this in 7 weeks. I lost 7 kilos in 6 weeks. But I was extremely nauseated and exhausted most of the time. Another thing I found and would love to know if anyone else experienced it. It extremely triggered my adenomyosis. I was constantly bleeding and had severe stomach and back pain. I just got off Ozempic to see if it will settle. Apparently, they say bleeding has nothing to do with it, but when I missed an injection after a few days, everything settled. I think this is an unreported, maybe rare side effect."
See also:
More about semaglutide
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- Drug class: GLP-1 Agonists (Incretin Mimetics)
- Breastfeeding
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."