Emgality and Anxiety: What Users Say

• Jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 24, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I took Emgality on February 1st. I took a single dose since I am very sensitive to medications. The very next morning, I suffered extreme anxiety, heart palpitations, and nausea. My nausea became so bad that I ended up dry heaving in the bathroom for about 30+ minutes. I am now on day 21 and have had terrible anxiety, more nightmares than usual, and burning in my hands and forearms. I continue to have heart palpitations that seem to get better and then worse. I also have daily bouts of crying and my body is in a constant fight-or-flight. The positive is that I have not had a full blown migraine in 21 days, just a lesser dull headache that that comes and goes and is often so subtle to be a non issue. However, for me, all of these side effects are not worth it. I would prefer to have the migraines. I would 100% not recommend this medication as the side effects are very intense and debilitating. If anyone has any helpful advice on how to navigate through this, I would appreciate and welcome any help."

• Bre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 27, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I received the loading dose of 2 shots of Emgality on 1/28/2020. One week later I started having horrible anxiety and depression. I've read this from several reviewers. Should have done my homework better. This drug doesn't clear one's system for about 5 months. I've got a long way to go."

• Anonymous
• May 5, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I never get online to complain or report bad reactions to medications, but I had to discuss Emgality, which was prescribed for chronic migraines. My neurologist told me no side effects. I should have known better than to believe that. After taking the second injection (which will be my last), I feel awful. I've never had a bad reaction like this from any medication ever. First off, my migraines are much worse! I have severe bouts of itching all over, severe insomnia, severe anxiety, irritability, panic attacks, depression, crippling fatigue, and even some paranoia! I've also had bouts of sudden bloating with constipation and severe gas pains followed by diarrhea. I also have hypertension (160/95) and feel like I have arthritis with just aches and pains all over. My body feels beaten up and frail, and I'm an otherwise healthy young man in my early 30s. If you're considering Emgality, remember just one injection means you're committing to one month of it, good or bad. Be cautious and report any bad reactions to the FDA."

• Jun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 16, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I took my initial injection in October. I took it every month after. In my injection, I started having panic attacks, anxiety attacks, tingling in my arms & legs, my appetite changed, I lost over 15 pounds & had brain fog. I couldn't understand WHY this was happening to me. What could it have been? I then realized the only new medication was the Emgality, and I started researching, found others had similar problems. The longer I took it, the worse it was. I STRONGLY urge against this medication as it has literally flipped my world upside down to the point where I can't go to work! I mean I have been to the point I thought I had something terminal. This is not okay & never ever again!!!! Absolutely not, I will take having the migraine pain instead."

• Kco...
• February 14, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I started Emgality for migraine prevention in 4/19. Was told no side effects. However, a few weeks after, I noticed I started to feel panicky mood swings similar to PPD. I thought it was odd, but since I had my 3rd child 3 months prior, I thought maybe that's what it was and shook it off. Then in Sep, I took my last dose. When I was due for the following one in Oct, I noticed the closer I got to the due date, the more waves I felt. I felt like I was going crazy, scared, and panicked for no reason. I was afraid I was going to feel like that forever. I was depressed. I've always had health anxiety, but have never been depressed or felt hopeless. I can only assume it was the Emgality, nothing else had changed. The whole month of Nov, I dreaded everything. My heart was constantly racing, and I was waking up crying in a panic. I have finally come out of it and am feeling better since stopping this med. I know it takes about 5 months to fully eliminate from your system, but I am nearly there!"

• Anonymous
• April 12, 2020

For Cluster Headaches "I want to thank everyone for their reviews. I now know I will never take Emgality again. I have had about 5 months of stomach problems, had every test done, and the doctors found nothing. I was told it wasn't the shot, so I had my doctor start me back on Emgality. Well, holy moly, my stomach is hurting again, constipated, joints hurting, chest hurts, and on top of that, I'm depressed. I was like, what is going on? Anxiety and moody, sad about nothing. What really makes me mad is all these reviews and the company say NO SIDE EFFECTS. Now I have to wait 5 months for it to leave my body."

• Rob...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 15, 2023

For Migraine Prevention "Horrible experience. I could not figure out why I’ve had debilitating depression and anxiety and even suicidal ideation out of the blue, which is something I’ve never dealt with or experienced, and for no reason. The only thing that changed is that my doctor changed me from Aimovig to Emgality. I’m going back to Aimovig as I did not have any side effects from it, and Emgality did not improve my migraines. All it did was give me debilitating depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Absolutely do not recommend. No idea how long this is going to last, but it got worse as time went on, and I did not suspect this med as it’s touted as “no side effects,” which is an absolute lie - look at the reports here. Steer clear of this med."

• Ill...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 16, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I have been on Emgality for 4 months now for chronic migraines. I'm having bad side effects. I have gained 10 lbs (I'm an avid runner 20+ miles/week), cracking and rashy skin, anxiety, horrible dreams, severe neck pain, and waking up every day feeling hungover (I rarely drink). Initially it was great where I had about a 50-60% reduction in migraines, but it's getting much worse, maybe only a 10-20% reduction. I'm on day 3 of a migraine and ready to call it quits."

• Cou...
• February 19, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "My last dose of Emgality was December 21, 2019. I haven't used it since. I've had migraines since childhood. I'm afraid to restart the injections since the terrible depression and anxiety I experienced from just four doses. But the headaches are horrible. I recently switched to a new depression Rx, Prozac. I can't take Topamax with my SSRI. I'm disappointed with my doctor's attention to my complaints of side effects and symptoms. I'm at a loss."

• Cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 18, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Emgality was something I wanted for months. I had to try to get the insurance to approve it, and when it finally did, I was so happy! The pain of the injection wasn't pleasant, but at least it was short-lived pain. To my horror, this causes EXTREME ANXIETY! My doctor and neurologist said it didn't have side effects: WRONG!!! The Emgality is the only new medication, and I didn't have this problem before taking Emgality. The side effects that I have experienced are: Extreme ANXIETY, Irritability, Nervousness, Itching all over body. Benadryl helps, 2 every 4 hours. The slight help this medicine has been for my headaches is of no value at all compared to the horrible life-altering side effects. Would not recommend to anyone! I'd rather hurt with a migraine than be an anxious, nervous wreck! Run from this stuff!"

• Cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 18, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Emgality was something I wanted for months. I had to try to get the insurance to approve it, and when it finally did, I was so happy! The pain of the injection wasn't pleasant, but at least it was short-lived pain. To my horror, this causes EXTREME ANXIETY! My doctor and neurologist said it didn't have side effects: WRONG!!! The Emgality is the only new medication, and I didn't have this problem before taking Emgality. The side effects that I have experienced are: Extreme ANXIETY, Irritability, Nervousness, Itching all over body. Benadryl helps, 2 every 4 hours. The slight help this medicine has been for my headaches is of no value at all compared to the horrible life-altering side effects. Would not recommend to anyone! I'd rather hurt with a migraine than be an anxious, nervous wreck! Run from this stuff!"

• Ror...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 24, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "OMG! I am so glad I looked here before having myself admitted into a behavioral health center. I took my first loader dose on the 5th of June, and for the past few weeks, I've had severe depression that lasts a few days, and I have been an emotional outburst of a crybaby all day at different times. I have been unable to fall asleep. Feelings of anxiety, doom, and gloom overpower me, and I experience leg cramps from the knee down. My calves feel bruised and weak. Thankful I looked up reactions to Emgality."

• Reg...
• August 22, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Since taking the loading dose, the first weeks I experienced anxiety and did not feel like myself at all. I continue to have severe constipation, bloating, and pain in my stomach and back. I have gained (I did not take the month 2 dose) over 20 lbs in 5 weeks. All in my stomach, bum, and legs! Nothing fits in my closet. I am not sleeping. The migraines have not changed, and the side effects are miserable! I called my neurologist, and she prescribed a depression medication. I am 45, a mental health therapist, and I have never been depressed! Sad, yes, because I was told to call my PCP for the side effects, as what I stated I was experiencing was not listed for this drug. So now what? More appointments I can barely make due to waking up with migraines on the day of doctor’s appointments. I am seriously worried! Do not take until more information about this drug is known! I am so regretting it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 28, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I am on my sixth dose now. It took me nearly 3-4 months to feel a difference. I continue to get migraines around my period and before my cycle. I have gained nearly 15-20 pounds since I started Emgality. I deal with constipation, UTIs, memory fog, and full-force anxiety. It's unfortunate because I've tried so many medications. I was getting anywhere from 3-4 headaches, 1-2 migraines a week. My neurologist said there were no side effects using this drug. However, I feel as if I've gained ungodly weight and have awful mood swings."

• Ang...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 12, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "On the second month of Emgality. I truly thought that I was on my way to a mental hospital. Days of crying. Uncontrollable crying! Scary thoughts. Never felt so down in my 40-year life. Terrible anxiety! Please get out of my system fast!"

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I started taking this medicine on July 4th, about 3 weeks ago. First thing I noticed is that I used to have about two weeks a month of headaches due to hormones. Now I'm having daily headaches. Also, I have constipation, major anxiety, trouble sleeping, and itchy hives on my chest. Some days I have no energy and other days I have extreme, negative anxiety. My throat hurts all the time and I'm having sinus issues. I've read that the half-life of this drug is about 28 days, but it takes 5 months to completely leave the body. I hope this has helped others who were unfortunate to use Emgality, and to know that they are not alone with all the negative side effects."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I started taking this medicine on July 4th, about 3 weeks ago. First thing I noticed is that I used to have about two weeks a month of headaches due to hormones. Now I'm having daily headaches. Also, I have constipation, major anxiety, trouble sleeping, and itchy hives on my chest. Some days I have no energy and other days I have extreme, negative anxiety. My throat hurts all the time and I'm having sinus issues. I've read that the half-life of this drug is about 28 days, but it takes 5 months to completely leave the body. I hope this has helped others who were unfortunate to use Emgality, and to know that they are not alone with all the negative side effects."

• Sap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 20, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "This drug, Emgality, was amazing for migraines. I went from 20+ a month to maybe 2. However, after three injections, I finally figured out it was causing my depression and anxiety. I had been on antidepressants already, and my depression was controlled. Once I started Emgality, it was a slow downward spiral that is so severe I’m not working and have to force myself to leave the house. My sleep is horrible (even with sleeping meds). It’s been almost three months since my last injection, and there’s been no improvement in my psychiatric issues. My doctor has already made two med changes with my antidepressant with no results. This is terrifying."

• JWe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I have been on it for 2 weeks, 2 loading doses were administered. Yes, it’s painful, but nothing compared to a migraine. My neurologist told me no side effects other than injection site reaction- I should’ve gone home and researched it before agreeing! I have had horrible anxiety and constipation. My stomach constantly feels bloated, and I have gained 8 lbs. I have had fewer headaches, but not worth the side effects to me. My antidepressant lessens their frequency enough for me without side effects. Definitely worth trying, just don’t believe it if they tell you no side effects! It’s only been available 1 year, and there are no long-term studies of the effects of this drug. Not interested in being a guinea pig, no more Emgality for me."

• Lad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I have had migraines since I was nine years old (I'm 42). I have them during my cycle monthly, as well as other triggers. When I get them, they usually last approximately 3-7 days. I was up to about 15 migraine days per month before Emgality. I took my first dose on September 12th, 2019, and the migraines vanished. I have had a few slight headaches since then, but not one migraine. It's amazing to know what it feels like to not have migraines and trying to work through it and live your life normally during pain. But now, the last few months, my anxiety is worse, I'm very irritable, have brain fog, I am having stomach pain, I am bloated, and my blood pressure and weight are up. I'm loving not having migraines so much I've even thought about not stopping with the side effects, even though I need to. I've prayed for something to work for all these years. I finally experienced how it is to be without migraines, I'll probably have to go back to migraines. Frustrated."

• Dox...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 8, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I had my first double-shot loading dose 8 days ago. I had no headache the first day, but stomach cramps and a strange feeling of anxiety. Day 2 got a low-grade migraine, which has not subsided since. Yes, I've had a headache for the past week despite Emgality, along with intermittent constipation (not too bad) and anxiety. Other strange symptoms are: food tastes and smells weird, forgetfulness, and brain fog (the other day I forgot if I took a shower). The worst thing of all is the constant headache - it was not like this before, so Emgality has actually made my headaches worse. It takes a VERY long time to leave your system, so think twice before starting this medication. I wish I hadn't. Then again, if I didn't do it, I would never know and would always be wondering."

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 16, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "If you have or suspect you have any sort of mental health problems, stay away from Emgality. The first loading dose didn’t do much except give me a little more energy. The second injection seemed to help reduce migraines, and I was rather optimistic. By the third injection, headaches returned worse than before with a myriad of side effects. Stupidly, I had a fourth injection. That was 2 months ago. Now I have headaches almost constantly. Along with that, my anxiety has turned into panic attacks. I also have reflux, brain fog, sore joints, strange heartbeat rhythm, extreme fatigue, and a general feeling of dread. I have read that it takes 6 months for this drug to get out of your system, and it can’t come soon enough. My neurologist swore it wouldn’t affect my mental health, but he was wrong! He only rattled off what was provided to him by the drug maker. Medication with such a long half-life will really bite you in the backside when it goes wrong. Pray I feel better soon."

• All...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 13, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "The morning after taking my first dose of Emgality, I woke up to a racing/pounding heart, which developed into high blood pressure (we have a cuff at home) and shortness of breath. Went to urgent care thinking it was some kind of reaction (they gave me some Benadryl and sent me away), but then I came on here and found out those are just some (apparently common) side effects. Today is day 5 (day of highest drug concentration), and my heart wavers from seemingly fine to beating over 100 bpm and feeling like it’s going to leap out of my chest. BP still high. Can’t sleep at night due to the pounding heart and racing thoughts (I have mild anxiety, but folks, this is wild). My doctor just said not to take it again. Thanks? Positive note? No migraines since."

• Shg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 29, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I started it on July 18 and have had 2 doses. Wish I would’ve researched before I decided to let them give me the shots. My anxiety has gone crazy enough to make me go on an antidepressant, Xanax when needed, horrible stomach pain, high sensitivity to lights and sounds. Have not had a migraine since, but to me it’s not worth continuing for all the side effects. The NP tried showing me there are no side effects. I don’t think it’s been out long enough or researched enough to say it doesn’t. I’ve never felt so bad! Wish there was a reversal agent to get it out."

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 12, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "As a lot of other people on here have noted, I took an Emgality shot on August 1st and the second one on September 1st. I have had terrible side effects: back pain, bloating, heart racing, insomnia, and extreme anxiety. I have chosen to stop treatment. I am wondering if someone can comment on how long it took for the side effects to go away. It is October 11th, and I am still experiencing some of these side effects. Although I feel some of them are getting better. I am looking for hope that this nightmare is almost over."