Victoza and Tiredness: What Users Say

• Ver...
• June 24, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm very tall and very overweight. Six months on a controlled diet and exercise program yielded no results. My doctor put me on Victoza, suspecting some sort of metabolism issue (fasting blood sugar was a constant 101 for several years). Starting dose of 0.6 gave me a 20-minute headache each morning and left me lethargic. It got better in a week, upped to 1.2, same thing started. 20-minute headache, no energy. Again, it got better each day. Hit maintenance level of 1.8 and the weight began pouring off me at roughly a pound a day! A very effective appetite suppressant and my fasting blood sugar averages 91 now."

• Boo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 11, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I just started on Victoza on Jan. 2. Started at 0.6 for 5 days, then moved to 1.2. Side effects minimal. Experienced a headache 1 day, mild nausea first few days, a little more tired at night, which is when I take it. I'm down 8 pounds in 9 days. Am in my 50s, menopausal. I love, love, LOVE the CONTROL this medication gives me over food and my appetite. I have insulin resistance and mildly elevated blood sugar. Diabetes runs in my family. I guess my insurance (BCBS) figured 'close enough' because they're paying for it!! Am so excited and LOVE this drug. It is so much more effective than amphetamine-like drugs for weight loss. I will check back in in a few and give you an update. As someone said, 'Victoza is not for wimps.' But if you can man it up, it's totally worth the side effects. Good luck, all."

• Bjm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 14, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I suffer from thyroid, fibromyalgia, arthritis, and respiratory issues like asthma and bronchial issues, which makes it extremely hard to lose even 1 lb. I took 1.8 Victoza, and it really made me sick. No hunger whatsoever, thirsty, coughing, really cold, and the tiredness at the end of the day is terrible. I cannot sleep. So that whole week I didn't take it. I was 210 pounds, and from one day of taking it, that whole week managed to drop 9 lbs. Incredible and amazing is this. I'll suffer through awful side effects because physically the weight loss is wonderful."

• Ali...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on it for 2 weeks and lost 20 pounds already. I started at 4 click in, now I'm at .6. But you do feel sick and very tired. It's constant and I burp all the time. My doctor said take it before bed because the worst part will be finished by the time you wake up. I don't really like food that much after or anything really, sugar not even my Pepsi :( and I would just eat because I'm bored. Now I don't even feel like it. I was 280, now 260. I hope to be at 170 one day."

• SAI...
• August 20, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was told I had to lose 44 lbs in 3 months so I could have IVF. I've been using Victoza for 3.5 weeks, and I've lost 14 lbs. Took 0.6 for the first 2 days and been on 1.2 ever since. I had some nausea and lethargy for the first 4 days, but after that, I felt great. I've been working out about 5-6 days per week and feeling strong. I wanted to ask whether Victoza side effects get a 'second wind' after a while because today I feel terrible. I had a rather fatty meal yesterday for lunch, but a small portion. Felt ill almost instantly and have been feeling headachy, queasy, and 'fuzzy' all day today. I also think I might have a fever. I am very healthy otherwise, so I don't think it can be anything but Victoza. I have ZERO appetite today."

• MrB...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 26, 2013

For Type 2 Diabetes "Using Victoza for about 5 weeks, I feel a whole lot better generally, with stable blood glucose. With regard to food, I eat smaller, choose better, and more balanced food. I have lost around 10 kg in total in this time, and this alone has made a huge difference. I also consume pre/probiotics daily now, and this helped with the GI disturbances. As for side effects, I had nausea, dizzy spells, gut ache/cramps, reflux, and felt rather tired in the first 2 weeks. All dissipated in the first 4 weeks. At the time, I told myself I prefer to feel like this in the short term than head into a future potentially suffering from the plethora of illnesses brought about by Type 2 Diabetes. It works for me. Give it a chance."

• Wat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "The side effects are everything that has been described. For me, headache, stomach ache (mild), but with each dose increase, they return and then subside as my body adjusts to the dosage. Very tired but can't sleep more than 6 hours. But the real success: 21 lbs in three weeks... amazing. I am also following intermittent fasting (16/8) with this, only a small amount of carbs, 25g in the morning, and then fruits, veggies, and protein for the remainder of the day. Blood sugar better. NOTHING ELSE has worked for me. I love Victoza!!!"

• Anonymous
• July 7, 2010

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This drug makes me so lethargic I can't drive for fear of falling asleep at the wheel. I can barely get out of bed. This got worse when my MD upped the dose to 1.8. I think maybe I should go back a dose. I lose 5 lbs in 4 weeks, but I haven't decided it's worth it since I am so fatigued I can't function on a normal level. Most days I can't even get out of my pajamas, but it is the only symptom I have experienced. My MD said he had not heard this complaint from any other patient."

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

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been taking Victoza for 6 weeks for PCOS insulin resistance. I am on a 0.6 mg daily injection. Lost 12 pounds, no more starvation, no hand shaking, and no constant thinking about food. I went up on the dose to 1.2 mg but had to reduce back due to severe tiredness. I love this medication."

• Ama...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Victoza for weight loss and appetite control. As everyone, I started at 0.6, then 1.2, and I wanted my max to be 1.8. I’ve lost 15 lbs in 3 weeks with the use of the pen and dieting. It does control my cravings and appetite, but not to the point where I have zero appetite. The first week, I had some mild generalized body aches and felt tired, but it didn’t interfere with my day-to-day life. The second week, a couple of episodes of nausea - nothing drastic. The third week, a couple of dull headaches and still slightly tired. At baseline, I have constipation issues, so it's difficult to say if this drug is contributing to that. I will say my nausea is worse when I exercise. I’ll feel fine before, then exercise, and I’m nauseated the rest of the day - again it’s manageable. I take the injections each morning. All in all, it’s working well for me, although I’m always paranoid and on the lookout for further symptoms of more serious issues, but this will not be a long-term drug for me."

• CAI...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 6, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started on Victoza a little over 3 weeks ago, at 5'5", 197 lbs. I am at the 1.8 dosage. I've lost ~5 pounds. I am active and am on Weight Watchers but have been unable to lose weight for over 9 months until I started Victoza. I've had some side effects: elevated BP and a bit of a consistent headache (I'm trying to counteract this by eliminating caffeine, increasing water, reducing anti-inflammatory meds) and tiredness. However, the decrease in appetite is a welcome relief!"

• Hai...
• July 26, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Victoza for 10 days at 0.6, and the side effects have been minimal - just a bit of abdominal disturbance late morning and a feeling of tiredness in the afternoon. I have been injecting before breakfast but am thinking of moving that to last thing at night to see if it makes a difference. Blood sugar readings first thing in the morning are definitely lower. Did feel a loss of appetite in the first few days and ended up missing out on lunch, but found I was then eating a lot for supper, so have tried to stick to three meals a day and just keep the portion sizes small. Will no doubt be moved up to a higher dose after the first month but hope this does not cause any additional side effects. Also take 2500 mg Metformin daily."

• Jay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 18, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "Today is 15 days on Victoza. I have lost 8 lbs. Starting weight 207 and I am 5'6. I started the first week feeling very tired and nauseous, but after a few days, it went away. Once I upped the dose, it started again. The first week I took 0.6 mg, and now I am on 1.2 mg. I am still feeling very tired, and I have no appetite, food doesn't taste the same anymore. I have to force myself to eat. Sadly, I don't enjoy food anymore. I am happy with the weight loss, and I do feel lighter. I will continue to take it since I've read the symptoms will go away after a while. My main goal is to improve my A1C."

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 16, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Victoza last week. So far, it has caused me to be nauseous and throwing up. I don't know about weight loss yet, but my glucose levels are still high even though my appetite is gone. I can't hardly eat anything because everything has a horrible taste now. I have bad diarrhea since taking this medicine. I also stay thirsty, so I drink lots of water. I have no energy, and I have lots of dizziness. I hope the bad side effects go away, but I hope the loss of appetite stays because I need to lose about 100 pounds."

• Fir...
• March 23, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Day 1 - 0500 Morning (fasting) BS 154, injection (effortless) 0.6 dose. No side effects. Day 2 - 0530 BS 206, 0.6 dose. Nauseous all day, diarrhea all night. Day 3 - 0600 BS 168, 0.6 dose. Nauseous, but functional. Dehydrated, tired. Nausea worse by evening, very little to eat during the day. Black licorice (Wiley Wallaby Beans) ONLY thing that helped the nausea. Day 4 - 0600 BS 174, 0.6 dose. Day 5 - 0530 BS 152, 1st day increased dose to 1.2. By 6 PM, had a screaming migraine. Day 6 - 0900 BS 126. Nearly 30 hours straight migraine. Called Dr. said to go back down to the 0.6 dose tomorrow. Day 7 - 0515 BS 164, 0.6 dose, no headache and had enough energy by evening to go for my 30 min walk. Day 8 0600 BS 161 0.6 dose, nausea, diarrhea, lethargy to the max, and xero appetite. Even water tastes terrible. Day 9 - 0600 0.6 dose - Begin 72 hours of EXTREME itching head to toe. Skin feels raw, sunburned, my throat, eyes itchy, swollen. Day 11 - Depression. $300 in unused pens."

• dys...
• September 21, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Victoza 1.8 for many years. Until recent blood work showed everything screwed up. When I went to my GP, he told me the medication is basically killing me. It's making me lethargic, slowing down my metabolism, I am gaining weight, and my body chemistry is dysfunctional. He ordered me to stop Victoza, it's been a few days, I am still blah. Time will tell."

• Rob...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 9, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Been using Victoza a year now with my dose going from 0.6 to now 1.8. My side effects are mild morning nausea after having my Victoza shot the prior evening. I have lost 15 lb initially, nothing more, and I eat mostly at lunch because I have little appetite at night. My A1C staying at about 7.6 and my blood sugars 155-175 each morning. The doctor is OK with those higher numbers for me. I am tired and out of sorts a lot while taking Victoza."

• Con...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 27, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started taking Victoza .06 for a week, then supposed to go up to 1.2. No problems other than slight nausea the first three nights. Lost 9 pounds in 4 days. Originally at Dr. I weighed 154 lb, then five days later was 145 lb. I don’t think I can keep dropping weight like this. I take it at 8 PM every night. In the morning, here were my wake-up blood readings: first day 107-118 - 63-49. These last two numbers scare the hell out of me, need to call the doctor Monday, cause on Tuesday the 29th I’m supposed to go to 1.2. Oh, and do have a little heartburn and feel tired."

• Ste...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 17, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started taking Victoza again. First time I couldn't handle the side effects (weakness, tiredness, nausea). Now, back on the 15th of August, only taking 0.3, and I feel great. Appetite isn't completely gone, but my cravings are declining day by day. As for constipation, I drink a glass of chocolate milk for a snack. As for nausea, I wear a band for motion sickness."

• Bar...
• June 17, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "Did well on the 1.2 dose, but the 1.8 dose gave me significant side effects, and they are just getting worse. I had to have prescription medication for vomiting. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, indigestion, sore throat, tiredness, diarrhea, dizziness. It has been almost a month at 1.8, and I feel horrible. The side effects outweigh the benefits in my case. I will have to go back to the 1.2 dose and try to increase it by 0.1 every week."

• Ore...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 14, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "Been using Victoza for a few days, and I’m struggling with exhaustion and nausea. I have zero appetite, and I am trying to stay hydrated. Blood sugars went from consistently 200+ to 120 and below, so I want to stick with it. Any idea how long the exhaustion will hang around? It’s difficult to get out of bed, and work is a challenge!"

• Cap...
• September 24, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started 4 days ago. My initial readings were over 400. It's taken them down to between 220-280. Most days I'm nauseous and have no energy. Today I violently threw up after a meal and have felt much better since. I had two choices, this or Lantus. I chose this to help lose weight. It better work. My blood pressure has increased a bit, so I'm concerned it might not be worth the trade-off. I'll give it a few weeks and see if things improve."

• kbh...
• January 28, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "have only been on Victoza for a few days. I had bad nausea and migraines, then it changed to no energy at all. I sleep till noon one day, and I have 2 young kids and a full-time job. Searching for a better answer."

• Mid...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 22, 2023

"I have been taking Victoza for 3 weeks now, and I have consistently shed 8 pounds because I am only eating one meal per day. I'm currently doing 1.8 mg per day. Nausea will go away if you start at 0.6 mg for at least two weeks. No other side effects, other than feeling more tired and sleeping longer."

• Nik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 11, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Since I've been on Victoza since 2/5/18, my symptoms have been mild. I have experienced constipation, very bad heartburn, tiredness, and mild headaches. I'm not sure if I need to complain, but it's a little irritating. But my appetite has decreased, and my blood sugar numbers are down."