Emgality and Depression: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 7, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I have had chronic daily migraines for 15 years. I’m 59 years old. I’ve tried almost everything. Aimovig worked, but I could not take the side effects. I also started having cluster headaches every day for 2 months. I started on Emgality, did a double dose to start, and yes, the injection hurts and burns for about 5 minutes. I have not had a cluster headache since I took Emgality, and I’ve only had 5 migraines in January. I’ve been working through the side effects, it does make you feel depressed, itchy, and had some insomnia. I’ve been on it for 3 months, hoping the side effects will lessen. Hope this helps someone."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• JPR...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 18, 2023

For Migraine Prevention "I am a 45 y/o female with Hashimoto's, an autoimmune disease that attacks my thyroid. Symptoms include joint pain, hair loss, fatigue, constipation, etc. Finally got on T3 and started feeling much better. Fast forward, I start having pain (pins and needles) in my legs and feet, then my hands and arms. PCP refers me to a neurologist to test for neuropathy. Tests came back fine, the doctor I got is a migraine specialist and kept asking me about 'my migraines.' I reminded him I wasn't referred to him for that, but he, like most doctors, didn't listen. He says I have fibromyalgia, which, sorry, is a joke, and said to go get P.T. and take Cymbalta!! Hard pass, I never took it. I go for a follow-up, I had been having insomnia prior to the visit, so I wasn't thinking clearly. I somehow got talked into taking this shot, and omg, I REGRET it, it's AWFUL. I have trouble breathing, joint pain is worse, the chest is tight, depression, insomnia, and much more. STAY AWAY from this poison! I only had one injection, by the way, we all need to report to the FDA now, doctors won't report it!"

• Tif...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 20, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I've inherited hormone-sensitive migraines. I stopped taking triptans because of my age and heart issues. I took Emgality, initial two injections then one more. After that, I started to get side effects. I found this site and was relieved to find others with similar reactions... as I thought something else was wrong with me. The number of migraines decreased. But, I have had itchy skin, tinnitus, sleep problems, prickly nerve pain, depression, panic, a terrible bruise, sinus drain, unrelenting nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, one hand swollen and painful to use, back pain, higher blood pressure, and daily, constant headaches & low-level migraines lasting for two weeks at a time. I know my body pretty well. I had one bad drug reaction in the past. I'm certain these reactions I listed are from this medication. I stopped taking it after the second dose... Can't wait till it clears my system."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Daw...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 7, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I have never been so sick. I have been dizzy and nauseous since I took this shot 6 days ago. I feel super hot and like I could throw up, but I haven't. I also have a horrible sore throat. I had none of these issues prior to getting the Emgality shot. Since then, I've felt depressed and haven't been able to function. I'm having trouble sleeping too. Whatever happens, don't take this drug! None of this was listed as a possible side effect, and I wish I'd never taken this drug. I would do anything to get it out of my system."

• Mig...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 6, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I took this 5 days ago and have had constant nausea since. I have been horribly depressed and sad and wasn’t before this shot! I also have a horrible sore throat and am exhausted. DO NOT TAKE THIS. IT IS SO MUCH WORSE THAN ANY MIGRAINE."

• Bba...
• January 11, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I did two doses first round and had no migraine the whole month! Dreaded the injection the second month. It hurts! My mood was melancholy, and my bowels had slowed. I assumed it was stress from work. I got two major migraines that month, 10 times what I was used to. Came time for the third injection. I was super depressed (so out of character), ears ringing, and I hadn’t had a bowel movement in a week. When I went to the neurologist, who said it was related to the medication, and I need to stop immediately. I had had the third injection that morning. It takes months for it to get out of my system. I downward spiraled into a depression unexplainable. I had a constant headache for months that would turn to migraine then back to a headache. It’s been 6 months, I still have issues with peristalsis of my gut. My brain literally doesn’t tell my guts I need to go anymore. I would not recommend. My migraines are so much worse than before I started Emgality."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 15, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I took my first (only) injection 3/14/21. I was fine for about 3 to 4 days, then my nightmare began. Very weak, nauseous, body and muscle aches, depression, teeth are super sensitive and hurt to touch, ears ringing and dizziness, but the best part is my migraines are worse and more frequent. I will never take another chance again. Who would have thought, through all this, I WISH I only had a migraine. Does anyone out there know how long this misery will last? I have been in bed for 3 weeks now."

• Lau...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 27, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I took my first dosing of Emgality about 3 weeks ago. Since then, I have noticed an improvement in my migraines. However, since then, I have become extremely depressed. I have never had such dark thoughts, etc., until now. At first, I couldn't figure out what triggered it, but now the timeline matches perfectly with when I received this drug."

• Sas...
• September 4, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I would recommend people do research before going on any new medication, including the new injectable preventatives. I was desperate and agreed to do the Emgality injection with Botox without researching anything, as the doctor was being pushy about it happening that day right then. I was on this approximately 8 months and from the very start had increased anxiety and depression (was put on meds and couldn't leave my house due to the anxiety). Migraines increased, as did the severity of them, to the point where I couldn't go to work. I ended up in the ER multiple times with mini strokes (please keep in mind I am in my mid-20s). I already have chronic constipation, but this medication would make me go 4-6 weeks without a bowel movement. I paid completely out of pocket each month for this medicine ($780 every month), hoping it would help, and it only made everything worse. Not everyone is the same, and if it works well for someone else, I am happy for you! Unfortunately, it did not work for me at all."

• Aan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "Long history (7+ years) of vestibular migraine & Meniere's, followed by 6 months of traditional (headache) migraine. After several oral preventatives failed (either ineffective or bad side effects), tried 2 months of Emgality. At first, it was amazing, went from 3-4 bad migraines a week to 1 or 2 the whole month, and those were much less severe. After the second dose, though, my ears went haywire, and the dizziness is through the roof. Also experiencing extreme sadness for several days after injection, and trouble with body not regulating temperature. Hot all the time. Unfortunately, must discontinue as the dizziness is not sustainable."

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 23, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "This medication has been an absolute nightmare for me. The day after my second dose, I started experiencing severe nausea, dizziness, joint pain, depression, ears ringing, teeth pain, the intense worst migraine I have ever had, and really bad insomnia. I have been in the ER 5 times and urgent care twice. I’m 31 days past the due date for my second dose (did not take again), and I’m just now able to get out of my bed. I am still very nauseous, bad migraine, ears ringing, extremely depressed, and the insomnia is SO hard to deal with. I’m averaging 1-2 hours a night, but very broken up. I’m a stay-at-home mom to two boys ages three and one, and this has been impossible to care for them. I just want this nightmare to end."

• Cal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 8, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "I have never submitted a drug review online. In November of 2020, I took two injections of Emgality for chronic migraine that I've suffered with for over 8 years. The past three months have been very difficult for me, and the only new thing I've done was taken the injection. My symptoms started a few days after Emgality. I am not anti-science or conspiratorial. I work in biotech and am pro-science and pro-vaccine. The past few months, I've had horrible vertigo, panic attacks, depression, and anxiety. The constant dizziness and panic were COMPLETELY new for me. I'm missing work, and my relationships are suffering. I'm seeing a new neuro and was put on some different drugs for migraine, now vestibular migraine, that are supposed to target these specific symptoms. I'm praying that as this drug clears out, so will my new disabling symptoms. More research needs to be done about this new class of drugs."

• Gmo...
• August 24, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "Suffered migraines for years, used naratriptan, but didn’t like the side effects. Migraines increased to about 15 a month. Dr. recommended Emgality. Using it for 8 months now. Injection can burn a bit but worth it. Down to maybe 1 headache a month and not a painful one. Side effects, I do get mild constipation with some weird mild pains, not usual pains I would get if I were constipated and not on this medication. I have a couple of other side effects, but since this is all happening in the middle of COVID-19, it could just be the stress of that. I have some hair loss, I am female. And maybe some depression and moodiness. However, it is a lifesaver if you suffer and worth trying."

• Daw...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 3, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "This Emgality injection HURTS! Anyone that tells you that it feels like a bee sting is crazy, it feels more like a steroid-crazed giant hornet with acid for venom (and I have a very significant pain tolerance). I did not see any reduction of headaches with the Emgality, and my neuropathy actually increased (it started with taking Aimovig, and we added another two meds to try to fix it, but I have yet to see THAT resolve). I also gained 12 lbs in three months. I have been irritable, depressed, and so fatigued I can barely function. I can't sleep because of the neuropathy and end up taking just as much Imitrex as I would normally. Would not recommend to anyone."

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

For Migraine Prevention "I started Emgality 4 months ago. I had just moved in the past year and was getting ready to move again, plus I was a caregiver for 2 months before my first injection for my partner who had bypass surgery. So, before this time, I had some stress and anxiety. My migraines did not decrease, but though things were going better, I was having panic attacks that seemed like heart attacks or strokes. I had been exercising regularly, and suddenly my legs felt like lead weights, and I did not want to do any walking. I became depressed with brain fog. I did not connect it to the drug until I got some information from the Migraine World Summit that all my symptoms have been reported caused by Emgality. It is a relief to know why I am having the difficulties right now. But I am only past one month of the 5 months they say will take to get this medication out of my system."

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

For Migraine Prevention "I was getting 15-20 migraines/month. Emgality reduced them significantly to maybe 4/month. After a couple of injections, though, I noticed some things that I think are attributable to the drug. I was not taking anything else except pain relievers like Motrin, etc. The week after injection, I was experiencing severe depression and anxiety. Also, bowel habits seemed affected with constipation and diarrhea. I have stopped the injections after 6 months. I am now going through a urinary/bladder thing. I think the medicine may have brought it on, but not sure yet. Hopefully, it will go away as the drug gets out of my system."