Saxenda and Constipation: What Users Say

• Swe...
• March 7, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started October 19, 2020. First three months, side effects were nausea and acid reflux. At about 2 months in, constipation was bad. Started eating All-Bran every morning and taking 1 FloraLax daily, and the constipation went away in two weeks. Almost 4 months in, all side effects are gone, so my body got used to the drug. Started at 201 lb, BMI 34. Now 165 lb, BMI 29. I am 62 years old and thought I could not lose weight anymore because of severe food addiction. I think this drug has helped with readjusting my metabolism. Words can never explain the pure joy I feel inside. I should have gone to see my doctor a long time ago to talk about weight loss. I used to eat all the time, even get up at night to eat. Not anymore!"

• Pha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 24, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking Saxenda since December 2019. I have lost 16kgs (35 pounds). I have had some of the worst side effects. Nausea, acid reflux, vomiting, and constipation - but I am afraid to stop taking it as I don’t want to gain the weight back. Can anyone offer any advice?"

• Pov...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 18, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm on my 19th day. I have been on 1.2 now for 3 days. I stayed on 0.6 while the nausea settled a bit. I am having some nausea still, but have only recently increased the drug dose. The 2nd night I woke up at 2 am and threw up, that was the only time, though. The ongoing nausea comes and goes, but mainly when I think about food, which isn't often these days. I'm not craving anything at all, and meat is a little off-putting. Anything like bread or chips (carb stuff like that) is totally off the menu, and I'm enjoying fruit. Having some constipation, but I need to drink much more water, that will fix that little issue. I am active, but not overly... maybe walking 3-4 times a week for 20 minutes... and doing stuff around the house daily. I'm 62, and in 19 days, I have lost 7kgs (15 pounds)."

• Sha...
• April 30, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "After gastric bypass surgery 14 years ago, losing 110 lbs, and gaining 13 back over the years, I still have 60 lbs that I have just been unable to lose. With the help of Saxenda, I lost 50 pounds in my first year. I started at 180 lbs and ended at 130 lbs, 10 more to go. This drug is only a tool. It isn't a miracle drug. If you continue to eat junk food and carbs, you will never lose weight. It is important to maintain a healthy meal plan, and Saxenda will help with the cravings and assist in not overeating. It is also important to exercise as well. I found constipation to be an issue, but using Metamucil or a stool softener (not a laxative - as your body can become dependent upon laxatives), probiotic, and insoluble fibrous vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, and celery can help with this. I also experienced some nausea at first, but this too will pass as your body becomes accustomed to the medication. Saxenda has been a wonderful life-changing tool for me."

• MMa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 1, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "It's been 11 days and I've lost 14 lbs! I've been eating a 1200 cal/day diet without any trouble - no hunger, no cravings. I'm currently at the 1.8mg dose. I won't lie, though. I am having nausea, stomach cramps, and constipation intermittent with diarrhea. I experienced the side effects when I started the drug and when I have upped the dose - then they go away after 3 days. I just increased to 1.8mg so I've felt kind of sick all day. Worth it though to lose 1-2 lbs daily as I have been!!"

• JSa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 26, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Two weeks on Saxenda. I just weighed for the 1st time. I’ve lost 11 pounds so far and 2 inches off waist. I’ve had some indigestion, with lots of burping, and just in the last couple of days am a little constipated. Those are my only side effects so far. I have virtually no appetite so it is doing what it’s supposed to do."

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 12, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This is an update to a post from about 4 or 5 months back. As I said, my starting weight was 293 lb or 294 lb. In my first review, I was at 245 lb. Since then, I've lost 15 lbs (230 lb). Just remember, guys, it works SLOW. Give it a chance, stay off the scale! Take it at night to help with the fatigue, all the other symptoms will go away. Eat plenty of fruit and fiber to combat the constipation, drink plenty of water, that will help also. I promise you it will get better! Again, STAY OFF THE SCALE. Give it time, when those pants start feeling loose, then get on the scale! Lol. It's been 14 months for me now, and I am going to continue to keep taking it. Oh, and don't give yourself injections in the same spot. It will become itchy. Good luck, everybody, and STAY OFF THAT SCALE!! EAT FIBER, DRINK PLENTY OF WATER xoxo"

• Mel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’ve been using this for 3 months now, and I’ve lost 16kgs so far. Sometimes it fluctuates, but generally, I’ll lose weight quite rapidly. Every time I changed the dosage, I’d have headaches all day. I do have some weeks of bad constipation, thus not losing any weight over that time, but I take medication for that. Overall, I’m happy with the results. Change of diet is definitely key. As I’m in lockdown, our gyms are closed, so I haven’t been able to do much exercise at all."

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

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Saxenda on October 13. I’m still at the 1.2 dose. I’ve lost 11 lbs to date. I like the lack of cravings. I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t craving food. It’s so nice to have food sit in front of me and I just don’t want it. I’m eating healthier. No bread, less pasta and rice, and salads are amazing. I have no sugar cravings. Halloween was a true test. All those little chocolate bars and I did not eat one. Not one. I was so impressed and proud of myself. I get a little nauseous, and the constipation is a pain in the butt. Lol, but that’s it. I’m not raising my dose because 1 = the cost, and 2 = I’m losing weight at this level. I want to do the weight loss slow and steady. Better chance of success. I have a very long way to go. 11 lbs down and 140 lbs to go."

• Gra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 21, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've used it for 2.5 months. My blood sugar went from 138 to 88. My lifelong asthma disappeared immediately and has not returned. I stopped taking drugs for reflux, which I had been taking for years. I usually eat one meal a day and one snack. I'm almost never really hungry, but it takes some effort to stop eating routines that are not hunger-based. My BMI went from 31 to 27. I have lost 13 kg, 14% of my body weight. I often feel mildly nauseous. I have chronic constipation. I have mild stomach pain at times."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 11, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started using Saxenda for a very different problem than obesity. I am slightly overweight and have bulimia, which had been under control for years. When I started a new medication for my depression, I began to gain weight. No matter what I ate or didn't eat, I did not lose a single pound and was always starving. Therefore, the bulimia returned. My doctor prescribed me Saxenda to curb my hunger cravings in the evening. I'm now up to 1.8mg and inject every other day. Since then, the cravings are gone. I don't force myself to throw up anymore and am much happier. I also lost 14 pounds. I am still overweight but much happier again. I hope to stay on Saxenda on a low dose for a while. I had the usual side effects at the beginning: dry mouth, constipation, heartburn, and sulfur burps. Most of it is gone now. The dry mouth remains, but the more water I drink, the better I can use the bathroom to avoid constipation."

• Hel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Saxenda at the end of January, and by March 9, I'm at 189. Mild stomach troubles, no vomiting but a little nausea. I'm constipating a bit, but besides that, it's really not so bad. Saxenda really cuts my appetite, and I eat because I have to. I want to take the medication for at least 6 months and I'm really glad my insurance covers it. I would recommend Saxenda without hesitation."

• Kim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started 12 weeks ago and have lost 13.2 kg (29 lbs). During the increased dosage phase, I had mild nausea for the first day or so, then very little side effects. I struggle to consume more than 1,000 calories/day while on Saxenda. As time has passed, side effects are coming to light: low Vitamin B12/low energy, general fatigue, lightheadedness, and irritation at the injection site (although that comes and goes). However, I believe these are from a significant decrease in caloric intake, not the medication itself. I have started taking a high-quality multivitamin, so hopefully that will remedy some of these issues. My weight loss each week is directly linked with how much water I take in. Low water weeks = low weight loss weeks. 3+ liters each day, and I lose at least 1 kg a week. Increasing my water intake has also helped to alleviate mild constipation and general bloat."

• Nos...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 2, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’ve been on this drug for about 2 months and have lost 26 lbs. I’m just on the 2.4 dose. I feel nauseous for a week after dosing up. I also feel like I need the bathroom but I’m constipated most of the time until a few days later with a big bout of diarrhea. I’ve vomited twice from the nausea. My injection sites get bruised, raised, and itchy lately. My experience is positive for me. I had gained over 100 lbs in 2 years from another medication prescribed to me for depression. Well, rapid weight gain and obesity doesn’t help to feel good about yourself. Bottom line, I am feeling like garbage but losing weight is far superior to feeling like garbage and gaining weight. I also seem to ease up on side effects the longer I’m on a dose. I am definitely a satisfied customer."

• dan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 17, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been taking Saxenda for 2 weeks now. I just increased the dose to 1.8. I've lost 10 pounds so far, and my appetite is decreased. I felt nausea and in the first few days constipation. I'm also feeling more tired than usual. So far, I believe the benefit of losing weight outweighs the side effects. By the way, alcohol does not mix with this medication. I had a couple of glasses of wine last weekend and felt very sick."

• Nur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 23, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’ve been on Saxenda for almost 5 months and have lost 43 lbs so far. It is working well for me. I’m at the full dose. It helps my cravings. I don’t have cravings anymore. I don’t feel hungry. I feel full faster, and overall I feel better. Still, have nausea at times but it’s not bothering me. I have constipation, which eating fruit and drinking lots of water helps with. I would highly recommend."

• Son...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 13, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am 49, perimenopausal, with hypothyroidism and just recently found out I also have prediabetes. For the last 6-7 years, my weight has been increasing regardless of what I do. I was training 4 times a week and walking 5 times a week. Still, an increase to 88kg and on the rise. I was upset, so after some discussion with my endocrinologist, I started Saxenda. That was 4 weeks ago, and today I am 82.2 kg. It does suppress appetite. I am still training 4 times a week, not walking so much. It's impressive with the weight loss. The downside effects for me are fatigue and nausea, as well as a bit of constipation, but that seems to have settled a bit. I have kept myself on 0.6mgs, as I am a bit scared to up the dose, as I don't want to get any more tired. I get those 3pm droopy eyes and weariness, that seems really hard to shrug off some days. I'm losing weight, so there doesn't seem to be a reason to increase the dose when I have the required effect with less of the drug."

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

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm 5'8 and started at 204 lbs 8 weeks ago. Currently 183 lbs. I have no side effects except constipation, which is manageable, and I've stayed at the 0.6 dose the entire time. I have no cravings at all anymore after suffering from a sugar addiction, and as far as I'm concerned, this is a miracle. Try it because for some it works amazingly, and maybe you're someone that it works for, like me. I'm in Canada, and this is covered by my insurance."

• Ang...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 20, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Saxenda on January 8th. I am down 8.5 pounds. I'm a nurse, so I don't mind the shots. I've been very pleased with the appetite control. Was really big on sodas (2-3/day) and snacking in between meals. Now I drink a lot of water - constantly thirsty. Have only had 1 soda since I started and the snacking has all but stopped. Some days I have to remind myself to eat. I do have some nausea when titrating up on the dose - but it's manageable. I have found my biggest problem is constipation which I am taking OTC stool softeners for and seems to help. No fatigue at all. In fact, I'm more active now than I have been in years. Super excited to see the end result. My goal is 60 pounds!"

• Kel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 25, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started on Saxenda in July 2019 (5 ft 9, 90 kg) - 20 kg overweight and having tried everything to get it off. My endocrinologist put me on Saxenda. The weight started falling off after about 2 months - and by December I had lost 17 kg! I never went above 2.4 mg. Each time I increased the dose, I felt a bit nauseous for a couple of days - like mild morning sickness. I truly ate whatever I wanted - but the fact was I didn't WANT anything. I had half-size portions at family meals, the thought of fried, fatty, or sugary food made me feel gross, and I even cut down to almost no alcohol. The biggest challenge was constipation initially. Laxatives didn't work, but the cereal 'All Bran' turned out to be the solution. I stopped Saxenda in Jan 2020 and didn't gain any weight back for 4 months. After being 10 months at home during COVID eating comfort food, I did gain 8 kg and am back on Saxenda now - this time I will keep the weight off. For me, Saxenda was life-changing."

• Hap...
• February 17, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "On Sept 1, 2020, I was 210 lbs and 5.1 ft tall. The start was terrible. Got all the side effects: headaches, dizzy, nausea, heartburn, no energy, irritable, and bad stomach pains. But I stuck it out. The smaller doses didn’t stop my cravings; I was still hungry, so I ate small healthy snacks and smaller meals. As doses increased, side effects got worse, and constipation set in. I’ve been losing approx 5 lbs per month, but I’m okay with my slow progress. Side effects got better except for heartburn and constipation. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and was given 1 year to turn it around. As of last week, I am no longer diabetic. Today is Feb. 16, 2021, and I am currently 180 lbs. I’ve lost 2 clothing sizes. I give myself small goals to keep myself motivated. There are days I don’t want to even look at food and some days that I still get cravings. But I’m good with only having a small portion to settle my cravings. I walk and climb an average of 3 times per week for 40 min."

• Zoe...
• March 3, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm just over one week into using Saxenda, so far, I have lost 8 lbs in 7 days. You do need to control your calorie intake, but even on 0.6, my appetite disappeared. For the first time in years, I could leave food if I felt full. I have experienced a lot of fatigue, but my body isn't getting the sugar rushes and carbs that it's used to, so I will accept that as a side effect for now, my body needs time to adjust. The nausea was helped with ginger tea, but for me, it was minimal. Constipation can be helped with Movicol or Dulcolax (I needed it by day 4, but beware, as your digestive transit is slower, add another 6 hours to the time you think the laxatives should work!) You do need to drink a lot of water, which isn't a bad thing. I cannot praise this enough. For me, it's the boost I needed."

• Cor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 20, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started using Saxenda on the 16th of June 2021. I started with 0.6mg for two weeks and then upped my dose to 1.2mg per day. I have lost 5.6kg (12lbs) thus far. I feel great, my appetite is almost non-existent. The only problem is that I still crave sugar during my menstrual cycle, and I am constipated. I still have 20kg (44lbs) to go, and I am hoping that the constipation and sugar cravings will dissipate soon."

• Blo...
• January 5, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Saxenda about a month now. I am 5 ft 6 inches and weighed 169 when I started it. I am now down to 160. It definitely does make me feel full faster and sometimes I forget to eat. But my problem was never portion control, I have an underactive thyroid and in menopause, so that’s a double whammy. I also take Metoprolol, which slows down your heart rate and makes it harder to lose weight on my own. The only side effects I have had so far are constipation, acid reflux, and sometimes a sharp pain in my stomach. I stayed on the 0.06 dose for 2 weeks and am beginning my second week of 1.8. I do notice my heart rate goes up sometimes quite a bit. I don’t feel it, but my Fitbit tells me. Sometimes it gives me cardio and peak when I’m not doing anything that’s strenuous-just walking. And I do a lot of walking because I’m a home health aide. I’ve been to my doctor, and he says I’m fine. Was just wondering if anyone experienced the same thing?"

• Anonymous
• September 28, 2020

"This is the beginning of my 3rd week of taking Saxenda. I am on a 1.8mg injection, I am really struggling with nausea and constipation. I have tried Fibrogel for constipation, but this hasn't helped, and I am suffering terrible bloating and cramping pains in my stomach. Do I persist at 1.8mg, or do I drop down the dosage? If I drop down the dosage, will I continue to lose weight? I found I was feeling okay on 1.2mg. I have lost 11lbs in just over 2 weeks so far. I am super pleased with my progress, and it has definitely suppressed my appetite, helped me eat smaller portions, and snack less. I just need a way to overcome the nausea and constipation. Any advice would be super grateful for."