Emgality and Insomnia: 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."

• 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."

• 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!"

• Gig...
• September 2, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I started getting vestibular migraines 2 years ago at the age of 56. I have never had any serious medical problems before this. I suffer from severe vertigo and nausea along with the headaches too. My neurologist tried me on just about everything you could take for this and nothing helps. I started Emgality in November 2019. About two weeks after starting the medication, I started severe constipation, insomnia, hair loss, really bad hip joint pain, and itching. I told my neurologist about it, and he told me none of his other patients had complained of side effects. He said it had to be something else. He wanted me to continue it because it did give me some relief. I suffer from bad vestibular migraines, and it does help me somewhat, but I am going to tell him I want to stop it. The joint pain has now started in my fingers, feet, and shoulders. I can't handle the lack of sleeping and joint pain anymore."

• 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."

• Rut...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 25, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I urge all of you to report your side effects to the FDA and/or Lilly. I have experienced abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, weight gain, back pain, insomnia, and severe/brutal constipation. I have lost more days to all these side effects than I ever did to my migraines. It did take the migraines away for the most part, but it is not worth everything else. I have stopped the medication, and I'm waiting for the side effects to go away. My prayers are with all of you for healing. Again, I urge you to report the side effects so we can save others from this experience. God bless."

• 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."

• Sup...
• August 21, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "After starting Emgality, I started having GI issues. I had severe constipation, severe abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, insomnia, back pain, weight gain. It did take away the headaches; hardly any headaches or migraines. I spent over $2,000 on procedures trying to determine what was wrong with me, and now I'm faced with the fact that it was side effects from this medicine. I've only been off of it for a couple of weeks, so it's going to take a while to get out of my system. I am truly hoping that it doesn't take the whole 5 months for me to feel better. It's not worth all the side effects. The part of me regrets taking it, but had I not taken it, I would have wondered if I was suffering from migraines needlessly. Well, I have my answer... I want my body back even if it means the migraines as well. Thank you so much, everyone, for posting and letting me know that I'm not crazy."

• Lis...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 10, 2023

For Cluster Headaches "I have been taking this medication for about a year. It has helped considerably with my headaches, but I have had severe side effects. Honestly, I didn't consider that it was the Emgality, as the listed side effects were almost none. I have severe bloating- I feel like I have eaten a three-course meal almost all of the time- slight nausea almost all of the time, no matter what I have eaten, which is almost nothing. I have gained weight too. Extreme fatigue, brain fog, insomnia. Unfortunately, I am in the midst of perimenopause, so it's been difficult to tell what is causing all of these issues. I recently took a dose, but it will be my last. I just hope I eventually get back to my former self- even with the headaches. Can anyone tell me how long this will actually last? I can't figure out how to ask questions from people who have commented."

• 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."

• 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."

• Shg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 13, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I started my loading dose of Emgality in July, 2nd dose in August. Have had no migraines since but many unexplained side effects that the doctor who pushed it stressed there are none. Have had horrible anxiety, insomnia, stomach problems, pain in the middle back, sinus drainage, sensitivity to light, sound, and smells. Been to numerous doctors and had numerous tests but no answers. I should’ve done my research before letting him talk me into taking it since I’m sensitive to meds anyways."

• Cha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 6, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I’ve been using Emgality for 4 months. I started experiencing strange health issues. My biggest concern is impaired cognition. I feel the same as when I was on Topamax. The side effects from Emgality for me are memory and speech problems; stuttering and stammering, short-term memory loss, painfully swollen hands and feet, shortness of breath, sore throat, always hot, 10# weight gain, extreme insomnia and panic attacks, tinnitus, balance issues, and some breakthrough migraines. My neurologist ordered an MRI to rule out anything with my brain. She discontinued Emgality and I will be back on Botox. Praying no long-term effects upon discontinuing this medication."

• 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."

• Mig...
• September 13, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "While this medicine significantly improved my migraines during the 7 months I used it, the side effects were intolerable. Most notably, I had 2 terrible UTIs and one sinus infection. The UTIs both started the day after injection, and I had never gotten a UTI before. I saw UTIs and infections reported as a side effect in a medical journal, however, when I called Eli Lilly to report it and ask about it, they denied it, and it is not listed in the fine print. They said they would follow up with me but never contacted me. My doctor looked into it and found that they decided the infections people had during the clinical trials could be considered coincidental. My neurologist estimates about 3% are having this side effect. In addition to these infections and needing several rounds of antibiotics, I also experienced constipation and insomnia. It also impacted my hormones. I wish that it didn’t have the side effects because I do miss the significantly reduced migraines."

• Ang...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I cannot express how much I regret taking this medication. I have suffered horrible constipation, constant bloating, and lower back pain, acne, insomnia, and noticeable weight gain. And my migraines have not gone away. I wish there was something I could do to get it out of my system quickly and go back to feeling like myself."

• not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I started a portion of this injection one month ago. Since then, I can’t sleep, and I have had non-stop migraines. Prior to that, I had migraines 1 to 2 times a week. This was the worst decision I have ever made. I’m literally just trying to survive right now, I’m in so much pain. I sleep 3 to 4 hours a night, which is part of the reason I can’t ever get rid of these migraines. I wish I never decided to take this. Anyone had a similar experience or know how long these side effects stay?"

• Lev...
• July 13, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "This stuff has absolutely destroyed me since the day I got my first injections, which was about 10 days ago. I’ve had unbearable nausea to the point where I’ve thrown up 14 times in the past 10 days, and have horrible brain fog. I can’t seem to concentrate on anything and often have trouble forming words and thoughts efficiently. My employer noticed this almost immediately, as my performance at work started tanking right away. But the worst side effect has got to be the insomnia. I’ve never been the type of person to struggle with falling asleep or staying asleep. But I’ve only been averaging about 3 hours of sleep each night since taking this stuff. And that 3 hours isn’t even good sleep. I’ll wake up about 3-4 times each night during that period, and my body can’t seem to keep its temperature steady. One second I’ll be shivering cold, and about 2 minutes later I’ll be dripping with sweat. And this just goes back and forth all night."

• srh...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 29, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "Have been using Emgality since 11/2019 to present. History of 15+ migraines/month before Emgality. The days I didn't have a migraine, I had a headache. Migraines began when I was a teenager. Tried beta blockers, calcium blockers, antidepressants, Cefaly unit... too many tx. to name. Bottom line - it has been a miracle drug for me! Yes, I've had side effects. Initially experienced neuropathy in my toes, achy arms/legs, anxiety, sore gums, increased tinnitus, and insomnia. After 15 months, I still experience anxiety, insomnia, and tinnitus. That said, I had always experienced all three to some degree, it is simply now more pronounced. For me, it's worth it. I have noticed a few more headaches as the months go by, but nothing in comparison to what I used to have. It has immensely improved my quality of life. Hope it continues."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 23, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I've been suffering from migraines for 20 years and have tried everything and anything. I was so excited to start this and finally start feeling better, but it's only gotten worse. Within 3 weeks of the initial loading dose, I've had a constant sore throat, horrible insomnia, increasing migraines, muscle spasms, weakness, and trouble breathing. I have been so depressed, crying for no reason whatsoever, and my brain is in a constant fog. I had a stroke last year, and I thought I was having another one!"

• Sus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 2, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I fought headache for 4 days before it turned migraine (vomiting, slurred speech). Took normal cocktail sumatriptan & Aleve (flovatriptan), but it didn't subside. My husband took me to the doctor (don't remember), got the usual topiramate & Phenergan. They offered Emgality, and my husband agreed to the loading dose because let's be honest, I'm 41 & have been dealing with this for 20 years, so he has suffered too. I can't speak to injection pain because my migraine was so severe I don't remember. Positive so far: no migraine even with normal triggers. Negatives... day one after the loading dose, I had extremely bloody stool. I can't blame Emgality yet... it was the only new drug, but I've taken so much. I am bloated. Extremely dry mouth. Insomnia (it's 4:30 am & I'm writing this). I have anxiety and am extremely irritable. I have felt the fog that other people have spoken of, but it was only momentary. So far, to me, the one positive outweighs the negative. Could change tomorrow. It was the dice my husband was willing to throw."

• Flo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I am 70 years old, took initial Emgality 2 doses at Drs. Aug & booster in Sept. The injections are quite painful but had no lasting effects at the injection site. Emgality has helped with allodynia, migraine frequency & light sensitivity. I am NOT taking another injection because of side effects NOT LISTED. I have had severe low back pain, pain in wrists & ankles (which I never had), fibromyalgia is WORSE due to INSOMNIA? HOT & SWEATY all the time. My constipation is worse with bouts of diarrhea & atrial fibrillation increased, flu-like symptoms, hives on upper thighs & legs, edema & bladder leakage increased. Nervousness the 2 weeks after the injection. CRGP in your system affects more than migraine pain & long-term damage unknown. Had to increase methaxalone & opioid usage. Prior managing my migraines with Botox, naratriptan, & Zofran. Not the best solutions, but they sure are better."

• Luc...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 10, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I started in January 2019, it was like a miracle to me. I went from 15 migraines a month to ZERO! Until August 2019. It’s September 2019 now, and I’ve experienced almost what I did before I started Emgality. I’m hoping just for a bad couple of months and they disappear again. I’m extremely hopeful and hoping my body just may be getting too used to it. Side effects I would say are constipation and insomnia, but I’ll take both of those over migraines."

• Anonymous
• August 4, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "Tried Aimovig and Emgality, and the side effects were way worse than my daily migraines. The constipation was so bad I bled for weeks and was almost hospitalized. The body aches were so bad I could barely move. Gained 45 pounds in a month and still can't lose it. Made my blood pressure so high I'm still on medication for it after a year. Felt like I had the flu for 6 months after stopping (the doctor explained that because that's how long it takes to get out of my system). Insomnia, nausea, restless leg syndrome, acid reflux, depression, joint pain, hair loss, sexual dysfunction... and so many, many more horrible side effects. I've been off for 1.5 years and still suffer from the side effects that just 3 doses of Aimovig and 2 doses of Emgality caused me. They really need to update the side effects to what so many of us have because of these meds."

• SFL...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 25, 2021

For Cluster Headaches "I am kicking myself for agreeing to let my neurologist give me the loading dose. They gave me 360 mg (three 120 mg pens) for cluster headaches, which was the wrong dose - per Emgality, they should have only given me 300 mg. I did not do my research and would have never agreed to this drug if given time to research. Since my injection 2 days ago, I have had horrific insomnia, sore throat, anxiety, and trouble breathing. I have taken Benadryl and am now waiting for this to clear my system. Will never take again."