Ajovy and Anxiety: What Users Say

• Mim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 16, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "Prescribed Ajovy for my chronic migraines. Have had 4 injections now, with the last one on 29/09/2022. Ajovy has been life-changing for my migraines and I went from 20+ a month to under 10. However, it has not been without significant side effects. The neurologist told me side effects could include injection site pain and/or constipation. Since I started Ajovy, I have experienced extreme fatigue, ongoing nausea, hair loss, weight gain, depression (with suicidal ideation), anxiety, brain fog, and a general feeling of restlessness. I am now almost 7 weeks post-injection, and finally some of the symptoms have eased, and I am beginning to feel somewhat normal again. Throughout my experience, I doubted myself many times and thought I was going crazy as none of these symptoms were listed as side effects. However, I can now clearly see the connection. I'm sharing my experience for anyone else that is experiencing similar side effects and also doubting their experience."

• No ...
• February 8, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I am a 43-year-old male who has never had any serious illness my whole life. I started suffering from vestibular migraines about 8 months ago. My neurologist talked me into taking Ajovy injections. The first 2 months went okay with almost no dizziness from migraines, only some slight neck pain and slight anxiety. Month 3 started getting worse with anxiety, depression, and panic attacks, also PVCs causing heart palpitations. I went in for my fourth shot prepared to tell the neurologist I wanted out, but instead, let him convince me to try one more shot! Now here I am with severe anxiety, body aches, horrible crazy nightmares, elevated BP, migraines, heart PVCs, blurred vision, and have had to go to a psychiatrist and get put on Librium to just try to pull through. The only warning is a possible rash at the injection site. I would give anything for that to be true. Counting days until it's out of my system!"

• Sas...
• June 30, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I've had migraines for about 10 years now. They are hereditary, passed down from my mom and grandmother. I started taking Ajovy almost 2 years ago. It has been life-changing for my headaches, however, I'm starting to have crazy symptoms and I am wondering if anyone else has had the same. Extreme dizziness (feels like I'm on a boat rocking), pressure in top of head, hair loss, a little trouble getting the words out of my mouth, a little confusion and terrible anxiety. I've stopped taking Ajovy to see if that could be the culprit, however, I'm only 1 month out and wondering how long this could take to get out of my system? I read Aimovig takes 5 months. I plan to visit the doctor soon, but wondering if anyone has experienced this?"

• Pau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "This is a high-risk drug for many patients due to severe side effects of panic, anxiety, and depression. As time goes on and more real-world (post-marketing) becomes known about fremanezumab-vfrm, there will be black box warnings as well as significant class actions. I would be curious how many people have lost their lives due to this drug. It's extremely unfortunate, and I hope prescribers listen to the warnings of their patients' experiences on it, especially its detrimental impact on mental health."

• Diz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 30, 2018

For Migraine Prevention "My experience with this drug has been horrific. I injected it 2 weeks ago and have been sick ever since. It has doubled the amount of migraines that I get. I have also had severe dizziness and vertigo, along with heart palpitations and anxiety. It has given me neck and muscle pain as well. I am nauseous and can't sleep. This drug listed no side effects but injection site reaction, which I did not get. I expect to be sick for at least the full month that this drug will be in my system. This is not the miracle drug I was expecting. Teva is definitely not being forthcoming."

• amy...
• August 11, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "These injections significantly reduced my migraines. However, I developed severe insomnia (I've always slept GREAT) before, and anxiety, depression, and panic. I've had to see countless doctors. It has ruined my quality of life, and I'm a mama of 3. Ajovy is not made with stem cells, and if you research this, these can be common side effects. I'm really at a loss of what to do. I regret giving these a try. Also, a doctor told me Ajovy is in your system for ages after the last injection. Please consider if this is worth it."

• nae...
• May 16, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I was told by my neurologist this drug had no side effects. The injection did not hurt, and it did take away the pain and pressure in my head. I didn’t realize until after the 3rd injection that I was having an allergic reaction. After the first one, I had some dark redness on the skin by my eye. I didn’t realize it was from the injection. After the second injection, the redness was worse, but I still didn’t put it together. After the 3rd injection, it was red all around my eyes, swollen underneath my left eye, and my chest and shoulders were red. I thought it was from the COVID vaccine. But then I put it together from the other 2 injections. Then I found the user reviews on here. And I all of a sudden realized... weight gain, bloating badly in the stomach, anxiety, fatigue, dizziness, and more were side effects symptoms from Ajovy, and I was thinking those things were caused by something else because I was TOLD BY A NEUROLOGIST THIS DRUG HAD NO SIDE EFFECTS! I am very grateful I had that allergic reaction and had to stop the injections."

• Ave...
• June 29, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I’ve been taking Ajovy for almost 2 years. I’m stopping because although it mostly got rid of my daily headaches (Hemicrania Continua), I’ve gained 17 pounds. I have circulation issues in my legs, knees, feet, and hands. Also, it causes more anxiety and exhaustion. So, I’ve decided to take myself off. I guess there’s always pros and cons to all medications, but these side effects are really upsetting. I'm sad because the shots really got rid of my headache. By the way, I’m a female in my 50s."

• Hea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 6, 2023

For Migraine Prevention "I got a sample of Emgality from my neurologist and took it. Thanks to that, I was able to stop taking my daily dose of ibuprofen and had only 2 migraines that month. I had zero bad reactions. The insurance did not approve the Emgality, so the Dr. sent Ajovy. Within 12 hours of taking the first shot of Ajovy, I had a panic attack that lasted days and was put on a higher dose of my anxiety meds and took Xanax daily for a week. My neurologist said it couldn’t be the Ajovy because anxiety is not a common side effect. So I took it again this month and have had the same reaction, even though I am on more anxiety meds and Xanax. I am so upset I am crying, and I feel like I’m doing everything wrong. I am borderline suicidal from this medication. This needs to be listed in the side effects due to the number of people I see here. I told my neurologist I need something else, and I’m going to see if the nurses will help me appeal the decision on the Emgality because it worked."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 19, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "Has anyone else experienced nausea so bad that has been going on for over a month. Seriously lost my appetite. Vertigo so bad that it wakes me in the middle of the night several times of spinning with no movements. Anxiety I have never experienced. 3 injections in and I’m done!"

• Chi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 2, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I will start with my headache days, which were slashed from about 15 to 2-3, so that's awesome. Nothing else had ever worked for prevention. However, my pants were instantly tighter after starting Ajovy, but I hadn't gained weight. It's like I'm retaining water from the waist down. I now have HORRIBLE anxiety, waking up in panic attacks. That's when I sleep. I've had insomnia since I started 3 months ago, and nothing will help me sleep. I hate to stop the only thing that's worked for prevention, but I can't keep this up."

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

For Migraine Prevention "Injection #1 slight nausea/fatigue 24-48 hrs then amazing results. No help with visual disturbances. Did lessen seizure episodes 80%. Injection #2 bad nausea/fatigue lasting 3/4 days. Depression, anxiety got bad, had to go on meds/see therapist. Last week was only time having any migraine like it was wearing off. Started having Alice in Wonderland syndrome. Injection #3 horrible - felt like I had the flu for a week. Constant fatigue/3.5 wks. The worst seizure, migraine pain, and tremors. Week 1. Bloating (look prego), turns out is fluid in abdominal cavity due to the problems it has caused my liver and kidney functions. Memory issues gotten worse. Please ask for a liver function panel from your PCP after injection 2/3. Medications can be hard on your liver. This proved to be too much for mine and the primary cause of fatigue. Also had a small area of skin cancer that should not have spread but is now spreading rapidly. If you can tolerate Ajovy without serious side effects, it really is a migraine miracle, and I wish I was able to keep using."

• Bea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 23, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "After 20 years of suffering almost daily headaches and migraines, I was so damn excited to be told by my neurologist that an injection was now covered under the PBS in Australia! I picked up Ajovy straight after my appointment and injected myself later that day… Two days post-injection, I broke out in hives. The rash was mostly on my legs, but I was itching from head to toe. I was prescribed a short dose of corticosteroids, which settled the rash and helped with the itching, but that was only the beginning. One week post-injection, I woke up with severe pain in my wrist and knee. This pain has moved around to different areas of my body, but it’s mostly in my joints. It started in my wrists and knees, then moved to my jaw, and now arms and hips. It’s absolute agony, worse at night, and I’m struggling to get out of bed in the morning. I am so fatigued and also filled with anxiety about how long this pain will go on for. No migraines or headaches - but at what cost?"

• pre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 26, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "I’ll gladly keep my migraines if I can just get this awful drug out of my system. It has only been four days, and side effects seem to be worsening each day. I felt like I was falling asleep immediately after the first shot in the doctor's office. I was told that’s not a side effect when I reported it. I also told her I felt very dizzy and was told it’s in my head. I’ve spent the last 4 days in bed feeling nauseous, depressed, and extremely anxious. I can’t sleep. I can’t function. I have a history of anxiety and depression, and my neurologist told me that wasn’t a concern. Yet, my anxiety and depression are the worst they’ve been in years. I am miserable. Oh, and I have a migraine too. I wish I could get it out of me now because I am terrified of more side effects over the next month."

• Hop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 22, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "Migraines for 6 years intensely, occasional ones before that. Tried everything except the injections. Had my 1st Ajovy beginning of August. No side effects and not a single migraine since. 2nd Ajovy had 48 hours of mild nausea, fatigue and took half a Maxalt. 3rd Ajovy and I'm a mess. Severe nausea, vertigo, fatigue, severe anxiety. Never know when the nausea is going to hit me. I’ve got two new jobs that I’ve had to cancel days already because of the nausea. I’ve got severe constipation too. After thinking I could finally enjoy life again, do things I hadn’t done in years, I even booked an overseas holiday for 2023, I’m now shaking on my couch waiting for the next ondansetron to kick in. I’d rather have the migraines than this, and it makes me panic even more that I have weeks of this left before it’s out of my system. I don’t feel like I have any hope left!"

• Lis...
• May 30, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I'm on my 6th injection and beginning to notice bad side effects. The first two months really reduced migraines, but was anxious and had a stiff neck. As the months go on, my migraines are increasing! My neck is in severe pain. Now, I also think it has made my arthritis more painful! My quality of life is worse now than with frequent migraines. I honestly hurt all over. Unfortunately, I just spent $120 on a refill, but don't think I'll use it. I'm waiting to see if these other mysterious symptoms go away. Oh, I'm also on blood pressure meds now!"

• ton...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 19, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I have a 20-year history of migraines, with them becoming daily/chronic for the last 9 years. They have not responded to any meds I’ve tried. So, I decided to try Ajovy. I took the first dose on 6/1/21. Within one week, I had excruciating migraines not responding to any rescue meds. They calmed down eventually and went back to my usual. I have had elevated BP, palpitations, increased anxiety and depression (which had been under control), and aches and pains in my feet now as a result of taking the Ajovy. Like everyone else, no one believes it’s due to the Ajovy. Needless to say, I’m done."

• Soc...
• February 8, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I have been on Ajovy for over 6 months, and it has helped significantly, however, I have just linked a lot of 'issues' I have been dealing with as Ajovy side effects. Shortly after starting Ajovy, I started with severe itching on my scalp, along with this 'tightness' in my scalp, which can only be described as tight bands across my scalp. I also have this feeling that my hair is tight to my scalp, as well as the texture of my hair has changed, too. Shortly after this began, I started losing my hair on the top of my head. I have also gained weight, developed chest tightness, and have been very anxious! I am disappointed that I did not figure this out sooner, as these side effects have made me very depressed and self-conscious. Unfortunately, I just gave myself another injection prior to figuring this out, but that will be my LAST shot! I hope with stopping this drug these side effects will dissipate, and I will finally be able to grow my hair back and have a 'normal' feeling on my scalp."

• Jea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 9, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "Like someone else has commented...nightmares. It's so strange. After one dose of this, I'm unable to have a good night's sleep. I now have these high anxiety nightmares. I wake feeling emotionally drained, anxious, and worn out. Also, I experienced an increase in my PVCs. I'm really upset that this is in my system for a month. I'm still getting headaches. I wish I never got it."

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2025

For Migraine Prevention "I’ve been on Ajovy for 3 months now, and it’s changed my life. I have tried so many drugs and natural therapies that never seemed to work. I’m 51 and have suffered since my early 20s. The last 5 years have been unbearable due to perimenopause. Approximately 15-20 days of migraine a month. Since starting Ajovy, I have had 2 migraine days a month, which were mild. The only side effect I have experienced is an increase in anxiety, but this may not be caused by Ajovy, as I have always experienced anxiety."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 5, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "I took Ajovy for 2 months. I’ve been suffering from migraines for eight years. This medication gave me progressive dizziness, vertigo, nausea, ringing in my ears, and heightened anxiety, especially at night. I felt very out of control, especially in the 2nd month. The first month was okay. Yes, it did help my migraines to be more mild and manageable, but there’s no way I could live with these side effects. Don’t believe the 'no side effects' from the manufacturer, it's simply untrue. Even Tylenol can have side effects, so this serious medication definitely does."

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

For Migraine Prevention "Have had chronic migraine for 10+ years, constant facial/neck pain and pressure, pounding heartbeat, light sensitivity, fatigue, and brain fog with 3-4 acute episodes per week. No relief from Ajovy after 3 months of monthly injections, symptoms slightly worse overall, side effects: mild constipation, increased anxiety and depression. Auto-injector was fine, slightly painful but easy."

• Mia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 1, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I've been taking Ajovy for 6 months. I'm stopping because I have circulation issues in my legs, knees, feet, and hands. Also, it causes anxiety and chest pain. So, I've decided to stop using Ajovy, even though I will miss being without migraines."

• AMY...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 7, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "After reading others' comments, I feel relieved and not alone. I had been struck in the head by an airbag three years ago. This caused reoccurring headaches. I was prescribed Ajovy with a promise of only soreness at the injection site. The day after the injection, my muscles cramped, and I couldn’t move my fingers in both hands without severe pain. Then came deep bone aches, joint pain, muscle twitching and spasms, vertigo, crashing fatigue, bloating, anxiety, confusion, and memory problems, making it difficult to work and join activities. I assumed these were due to the J&J vaccine, both within days of each other. Prior to this, I hadn’t been to a doctor in 8 years. I wound up in the hospital when my balance was bad, and I was having trouble getting my words out clearly. I went through a battery of blood tests and MRIs to rule out disorders like MS, ALS, RA, and lupus - negative. I only took the one shot, and it took me 7 months to feel better! Frustrated that this drug is being prescribed without more study."

• Col...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 17, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I had one injection of Ajovy in June. I had very severe dizziness and balance issues. Depression and anxiety very bad (I have been on meds for bipolar for 12 years). I decided not to do the second month of injection. Just mild headaches. I think since I am a small person in size that this amount of the drug is too high for me. Also, I am in physical therapy, and it helps with the balance problems. I see the neurologist in August, wary of saying yes to the 2nd one. Also, I have severe neck pain too. Thanks for all the information on this site."