Qsymia and Headaches: What Users Say

• Ptr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 5, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "61-year-old female. I started Qsymia, the 3.75 prescription, the first week of April. Did that for two weeks, then moved on to the 7.5 dosage. I started at 388 lbs and now weigh 332 lbs, lost 56 lbs in three months. I like it, there are side effects. Dry mouth and stuffy nose are the worst for me. I also get occasional headaches. But it has totally taken away my appetite and my emotional eating, as well as letting me control my sweet cravings. My doctor is letting me stay on it for another four months (and hopefully longer). I have been morbidly obese all my life. I had a gastric bypass 18 years ago and put most of the weight back on. This is the first time I have felt a glimmer of hope in feeling control over my eating habits. I wish everyone success in their endeavors and hope you give it a try."

• Con...
• December 7, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Qsymia for two weeks and have lost 11 pounds. I started with the headaches and the fogginess. I also had dizzy spells, but I later figured out that many of the symptoms were because of the lack of food I was eating. I started eating healthier portions (smaller, but healthier) and the side effects were gone, and the pounds just started coming off. I don't want to up the dose because I am afraid the weight is coming off too fast."

• Tex...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 1, 2014

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started on Qsymia 6 months ago, and I have had plenty of side effects. I started with tingling in my fingers and toes, even my lips occasionally. I get terrible cotton mouth, brain fog, mild headaches, extreme fatigue and have a hard time concentrating. I even run the gamut of emotions at times from irritation to outright hostility, but it usually passes quickly and I have learned to control it. Having said that, I started out at 216 pounds, I am now at 175, and most of the side effects have begun to subside. I can live with the cotton mouth by increasing my water intake and have found a workaround for all the other inconveniences I experienced in the beginning, but if you stick with it, you'll find that it is worth it. 40 lbs to go!"

• Jez...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 11, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started this medication 4/20/16 at 5'1'' 237lbs after going over all options with my endocrinologist. This website had me really terrified, honestly, with some of the side effects, but I had to take the chance. Started at the lowest dose for the 2-week trial, Qsymia had a free 14-day trial. Rare side effects: headaches, tingly hands and feet, irritability outside my normal b*tchiness once, lol, blurred vision once when I was very tired. While I'm very overweight, I've never had much of an appetite so that did not change. The kind of food I've been eating while on Qsymia has definitely changed, though, all healthy, ONLY water, no food after 6 pm. I have not been exercising, upped dose 5/4, same minimal side effects, down 13 lbs in 20 days."

• sou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 6, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been taking Qsymia for 6 days now, and I feel the random tingling feeling and numbness. With that being said, I've lost about 4 pounds so far without changes to my lifestyle. Foods do taste different. Sodas taste like metal, rice and bread taste like cardboard, and anything other than a salad, lean grilled, broiled, or steamed meats or fruits taste rather nasty. One thing is for sure, AVOID ANY DRINK WITH ASPARTAME IN IT, it will give you a monster headache and really make the tingling numb feeling really noticeable. I thought I was going to die...my head and my eyes hurt so bad. Dropped the sparkling flavored water and diet sodas, and feeling awesome. Will update in a few weeks with progress!"

• Bea...
• April 2, 2014

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "52-year-old female. I have now been on 7.5 mg for 14 days, 28 days total. Hunger much reduced. Side effects: headaches; ringing in my ears lasted about a week. Still have slight numbness in cheeks. Have lost 13 lbs in 28 days, the most weight I have been able to lose in 12 years - I am thrilled. My morning blood sugar was 150 to 180, now 70 to 120. Oh...and I've stopped snoring!"

• jcy...
• April 6, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been taking Qsymia for 19 days and lost 11 pounds so far! I'm a 27 y/o female, starting weight was 289 lb. After having thyroid cancer, multiple surgeries, and medication adjustments, I had gained 40 pounds in 2 years, and it seemed like the gaining was never-ending. The first couple of days, I had a constant but dull headache, which stopped after 3 days. Within the first week, as many others noted, soda started to taste flat and like metal, so I stopped drinking it. No other changes in taste, though. The main concern for me is the taste of the actual pill. I gag so bad each morning when I take it. The smell and the taste are absolutely horrible, but it's doing its job. I still eat whatever I want, but I am at the point now where I'm eating smaller-sized meals as I can't finish my food anymore. Once I eat my first meal of the day, I'm normally not hungry again until that night. I used to be able to eat all the time and snack a lot, and now I'm averaging two meals a day and 1-2 snacks."

• Ima...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have lost 34 pounds since June 10 (almost 14 weeks). On the 7.5 mg level I suffered many of the side effects. My doctor suggested I go back to the beginning dosage of 3.75 mg and I feel so much better. The mental fog, insomnia, chronic constipation, and headache are gone. I am still losing 1-2 pounds a week. My appetite is under control, and sweets hold little appeal. I still recognize an emotional longing to eat when I am stressed or in the evening when watching TV."

• IWT...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 6, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "After reading these reviews, I braced myself and decided to take the plunge, expecting negative side effects. So far, I've experienced none of it the first 2 days. I'm 61 with lower blood pressure, so maybe that helps going in. I am drinking 100 oz of water a day, as I think the headaches can be dehydration. I'm thankful for a previous comment about breaking this med into its 2 component prescriptions. My cost for 30 days was under $40. Everyone will have a different experience, but it took away my obsession with food. I ate half my breakfast this a.m. and just didn't feel like eating the rest of it. I am going to forget I'm taking the drug and concentrate on working out most every day!"

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 18, 2014

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm a 48-year-old woman who has struggled with a lower thyroid and metabolism. I started at 199 lbs and weigh 179 lbs now (started 12/7 and last weighed in on 3/14). I consider 20 lbs a success, especially considering there was a vacation and two holidays involved. I had some side effects, mostly dry mouth and a mild headache. My biggest issue was not having any appetite - I don't think it's healthy to not eat enough food, so I had to remind myself to eat. I track my food intake on MyFitnessPal, which helps me eat enough calories during the day. The cost is getting expensive, but I still have 40 lbs to lose, so I think I will stay on it for a few more months. I go back to the doctor after one more month for a re-check, and we will see what he says."

• dis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 2, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Well, I started out very excited. I've been trying to lose weight, and nothing would help; I thought this would do the trick. I'm not hungry and eat because I know I should. However, the side effects have now gotten the best of me. After 5 days, I need to stop. The headaches are so bad, and the strange way I feel has me worried. My feet and hands are very cold and crampy; I've been drinking water by the gallon. I don't want to stop, but can no longer justify the side effects."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 15, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am 23 years old and I started at 242 pounds. After many attempts with Weight Watchers, exercise programs, and boxed meal plans, I decided it was time to seek help from the doctor, I felt terrible all the time. I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic and the endocrinologist prescribed this for me. I have been on this medication for about a week. I have already lost around 4-5 pounds, and I feel better. The only thing I have had trouble with is sometimes I will go most of the day without eating and get a headache from it. My portions have shrunk with ease, and I don't feel hungry or want to eat all the time. Also, the website for Qsymia was able to help me with the first month of this since my insurance will not cover it for $75."

• kim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 19, 2012

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a 41-year-old female, 5'11, starting weight 354 lbs. I have been taking Qsymia since 11/14/12 and have lost 19 lbs. The weight loss was extremely fast the first couple of weeks until I switched from the initial dosage to my regular dosage. Then it seemed my body caught up to or got used to the medicine, and the weight loss slowed dramatically. It has been 2 lbs, 2 lbs, 0 lbs consecutively. I am hoping that this is not the trend and that I will be able to pick back up the 2 lb a week weight loss. I experienced face numbness, headache, and dry mouth, but they are starting to subside."

• Pho...
• December 31, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Qsymia for a week. I'm 42, f, 5'0 @160 lbs. Tried trainers, diets, lipo, nutritionists, Weight Watchers, etc., and have only seen my weight steadily increase towards my family's inevitable diabetic history. I've had a mild headache the first 2 days, although I'm not sure how much of it was real and how much of it was me being overly sensitive to the long list of side effects. I drank more water and felt better. Definitely didn't sleep well but took a mild homeopathic remedy for that, and that's improved. Felt a little dizzy a few times, but nothing that would deter me. I'd rather lose this weight than fret over being dizzy. I'm down 3.2 lbs in 7 days. I'll update as I go. Good luck, everyone, and drink plenty of water!"

• Peb...
• August 4, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've lost 19 pounds in less than a month and had some of the side effects: tingling feet, dizziness, and headache. My doctor ordered some labs. I now take vitamin D and K. I no longer have high blood pressure. I'm happy."

• MRN...
• May 19, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "You may lose weight, but you will probably lose your mind, too. This stuff gave me the worst ADD and confusion. I was constantly like, 'What was I doing? Where did I put that? What was I saying?' I mean, it was BAD!! And the longer I took it, the worse it got! And the headaches and irritability, the racing heart, shortness of breath, the blurred vision, it's just awful!! Sure, I lost 10 pounds in 11 days, but I felt like I was going to absolutely die. So I took a break for a couple of weeks and thought I would try it again. A week into it was the same exact scenario. And exercise? How? My heart already feels like it is going to explode when I'm just sitting around! This stuff is toxic. A gastric bypass would be healthier!!"

• DJA...
• September 22, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I took the starter dose once, and the doctor took too long to prescribe my reg dose, so I had to redo it again. But the first time I took it, I didn't notice any changes besides numbness in my fingers and toes. The second time I took the starter dose, it helped with my anxiety, and I had regular bowel motion, which was great since my bowel motion is abnormal. My appetite decreased a bit as well, no weight loss, though. Then I got on the regular dose, and my anxiety has worsened, I don't have an appetite or cravings, which causes me to miss meals, and I get headaches. I have a cotton/dry mouth, a metal taste in my mouth, insomnia, and back pain. It's been a week and a half, I've lost 6 lbs with regular exercise, not sure if I should wait it out or go on the starter dose again."

• Jac...
• June 13, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Start 05/23/13 - 234 lbs down to 222 lbs 06/12/13. 1200 calories a day and cardio 4 x a week and light weights. Female, age 46 - insulin resistance - Metformin, hypothyroidism - Synthroid, and rheumatoid arthritis - Methotrexate - hoping to get down to 175 lbs or lower to get off all this crap...maybe not the rheumatoid arthritis meds. First headache today and a little tired. Trial medicines...blew through those. Expensive medicines, but works."

• Gar...
• January 16, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Qsymia on 1/5/16 at the suggestion of my Dr. I did take this drug about 3 years ago with good success also. I have lost 13 lbs in 10 days. I have had a bit of a headache and a bit of trouble staying asleep, but not enough for this to be a problem. I am 49 years old, 5'2, weigh in at 206 when I started, so I am very happy with how this started out. She did start me off at the 7.5 dose this time with the discussion that if it was uncomfortable to give her a call, and we would scale back."

• Dit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 9, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have a history of diabetes, heart disease, and have suffered with migraines my whole life. My weight was becoming a concern, and I love to be active. I started on Qsymia Feb 5th. I was 220 lbs and no waist. I am down 20 pounds. Issues I had to address were constipation. I now take 2 magnesium 250 in the evening and make sure fiber and calorie intake is sufficient. I also wasn't sleeping great, so I began taking Deep Sleep, it is awesome, so in combination, I may only be losing 1/2 to 1 lb a week. I feel like I am so going forward. I am not as anxious about my weight not coming off fast. I haven't had but one or two headaches, not even a full-scale migraines. Just be patient and really focus on making good changes along the way. Wish insurance covered it."

• Pri...
• September 1, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Qsymia this past Wednesday. The next day, I was lightheaded at work, and I almost passed out. The next day, I had a bad headache that made me sick to my stomach. I then stopped taking it yesterday because my doctor told me to start taking it at night and every other night. Last night, I had tingling feelings in my hands/fingers. During my sleep, I had muscle spasms, muscle tensing, and shaking. I even stopped breathing twice in my sleep, which caused me to have panic attacks. I ended up in the hospital, and my blood pressure was high due to my anxiety and the adrenaline I was on. Please DO NOT take this medicine! It can be so dangerous!!!"

• get...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 23, 2014

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a 42-year-old female. I am the heaviest I have ever been at 212 lbs because of menopause. I started Qsymia on 02/18/2014. The only side effect I've noticed is a mild headache only when I haven't eaten enough."

• ukf...
• March 31, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Qsymia in mid-December at 309 pounds and have lost a total of 30 pounds so far. I am now on the 7.5 mg dosage, and it's working great! Personally, I've never experienced any of the side effects that some have, other than maybe a slight headache the first day or two when first starting the medication, and again when upping the dose. It's been a life-changer for me! On Qsymia, I can eat normally. I no longer have the cravings in between meals and especially for sweets. I can actually pass up cake and donuts! It's true that you'll no longer like the taste of soda-diet or regular. I drink only water now, with an occasional tea. I count my calories and eat normal meals. I just stop eating now when I'm full."

• Sta...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 7, 2014

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "In the beginning, I did get headaches, they lasted maybe about 3 weeks. I have been on Qsymia for almost 6 weeks. I lost 13 lbs the first 3.5 weeks. I haven't lost a lb since. I don't understand, I have actually gained 2 of those back. It did not curb my appetite at all. I would say it did give me a little more energy. I did not get constipated as I hear you get, however, it does make soda taste horrible. I don't know how I am feeling about this. I have been walking and exercising and changed the way I eat, so I just thought I would have seen more of a result, especially for the money. I am going to try one more month and see what happens."

• 25a...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 17, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My doctor was pretty hesitant to try me on this but was quick to mention weight loss surgery. I'm 25, 5'8" with a starting weight of 250 (June 8th). I began the low dose of the trial on June 13th and weighed yesterday at 241.5 (8.5 lbs!). Soda tastes flat and so does alcohol. Huge bonus since soda was my vice. Drinking lots of water due to dry mouth. I have felt a little tired, but it's tolerable. My hands and face feel tingly today. Hopefully that passes because that is pretty annoying. I had a slight headache the first two days, but that went away with Aleve. I see my doctor on the 26th for a 30-day fill. Hopefully, the weight loss continues. I don't plan on taking it for more than a couple of months. Will update."