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Semaglutide and Headaches: What Users Say

Brand names: Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy

Headaches: mentioned by 168 users (6.5%)

Based on user experiences from 2,583 Semaglutide reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

nausea 33.7%
diarrhea 14.9%
constipation 14.9%
vomiting 11.1%
burping 6.7%
headaches 6.5%
upset stomach 6.0%
tiredness 5.4%
fatigue 5.3%
loss of appetite 5.1%

Reviews for Semaglutide

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Smi...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 14, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was hesitant to try Ozempic for weight loss (need to lose 30 lbs) because I have a lot of kids/responsibilities and don't have the time to be nauseous or have debilitating diarrhea, etc. After keeping the pen in the fridge for weeks, I decided to risk an injection, and I'm so happy to say I've had zero side effects except a disinterest in food. I'm on week six of the 0.25 dose because it's enough for me, and I don't see a reason to increase the dose. My lack of interest in food is liberating! For the first time in 30 years, I don't go to bed kicking myself for what I've eaten or making promises to myself to make amends for overeating. Zero sugar cravings...food isn't a reward or pleasure anymore. I'm never ravenous, so I make good, calm choices about what I eat. This has been life-changing and a complete shift in perspective. Obviously, some people have terrible side effects, but I've had none (not even a headache!)."

10 / 10
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  • Zel...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • March 29, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic 9 months ago. At the time, I was a little over 200 lbs and was taking 1000 mg of metformin daily. Metformin had worked for me for almost 20 years, so I didn't expect that it had suddenly stopped working. For 3 years, I gained weight even though I worked out, and I thought it was just my appetite out of control. One random day, I realized my metformin was the problem. I saw a new doctor who prescribed Ozempic. What a miracle! 9 months later, and I’m down 40 lbs, my A1C dropped from 8.1 to 5.6, and I have virtually no symptoms from the drug other than fullness. The symptoms in the beginning did not last long either. Nausea, headache, fatigue...all cleared up within a week or 2 each time my dose was increased. It can cause what feels like constipation, but for me, it’s just that I simply haven’t eaten enough. This drug feels too good to be true. I’m so pleased with my experience so far!"

10 / 10
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1307 Report
  • Slo...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 3, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Starting week 9 with the second injection of 1 mg. I have lost 24 pounds in 8 weeks. The side effects happen about 3 - 4 days a week. The first weekend on 0.25 mg was the worst! I really thought I needed my last rites! I have had headaches, nausea, vomiting, and bowel issues but not like the first-week episode. I try to eat light the day of the shot and take it at night because it makes me tired. You have to stay positive and just buy meds that will help with side effects because the side effects will probably always happen a couple of days a week. Try to drink 1/2 gallon of water a day and stay away from red meat, fried food, fast food, (most) dairy and sugar. If you don't, you will feel sick from eating that stuff. Also only eating one cup of food every couple of hours has made a huge difference in the nausea. Stock up on SF ice pops and SF Gatorade. I am so grateful that I got Wegovy with my insurance and when I want to quit, I just remember how many people would love the opportunity."

9 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Sti...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 21, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I did one injection and have been ill since. I have had acid reflux, burping, vomiting, constipation, headache, and dizziness. I tried to eat small meals and drink plenty of water as directed by my physician, but I have been unable to hold anything down. Five days after my first injection, I'm off work, drinking Pedialyte, trying to get my strength back, and avoid being hospitalized. This is the worst that I have ever felt in my life."

1 / 10
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  • KS ...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 18, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Tomorrow I will take my 3rd shot of 0.5 mg (previously took 3 weeks of 0.25 mg but messed up one of the needles, so moved up after only 3 weeks at that amount). I have had very minimal side effects in the 5 weeks I've been on it (lost 9.5 pounds). The side effects I get are headaches if I don't drink enough water - WATER IS KEY - and nausea if I don't eat enough protein. Five small protein-based meals a day seem to do the trick. Have not suffered any of the other things people talk about. I've noticed my clothes are more loose fitting than a 9-pound weight loss would normally warrant. Everyone is different - and people tend to post complaints more than praises... so don't get too stressed assuming you'll have side effects. Most people don't. I'm glad I'm on this journey."

10 / 10
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  • Jen...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 1, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Ozempic on 2/22/23 weighing 216 lbs. As of today, 4/1/2023, I am 191.2 lbs, so just about 25 lbs in 5.5 weeks! I started out at 0.25 for 4 weeks, then moved to 0.5 last week. I've been nauseous maybe 4 times, I’ve gotten a few headaches, and kinda backed up about 3 days a week. I started taking magnesium at night before bed, and that really helped me get more regular. I’m barely hungry and need to force myself to eat. Anyways, I’m really excited and I’m looking forward to summer!"

10 / 10
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315 Report
  • Ama...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 15, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I never had any weight issues until I turned 60. All the weight gain seemed to go right to my stomach. No matter what I did (including exercise and diet), nothing worked to diminish the belly fat. I started taking Ozempic at 0.25mg/week for 4 injections. I lost 15 pounds on that starter dosage. I increased to 0.5mg the following month and lost another 15 pounds. I will begin the 1mg dose this weekend for the next month. The Ozempic seemed to target that subcutaneous belly fat, which is where I had the greatest weight loss. Except for a mild headache after the first dose and subsequent constipation, there were no other side effects. I took something to relieve constipation. My stomach is now almost as flat as a board, and I don’t look pregnant. I know carrying all that excess subcutaneous fat is very dangerous, and Ozempic melted that fat away. I would recommend keeping yourself very well hydrated and asking your doctor for a prescription to address the constipation. Truly amazing!"

10 / 10
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106 Report

More FAQ

  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 24, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Horrible experience. I only took 2 dosages because I had difficulty functioning with headaches, eye pain, nausea, dizziness, and overall feeling awful. The additional issue is I've been off the drug for a week and can't get rid of the symptoms. I'm nauseous every day, with headaches, and dizziness. How long until all of this goes away?"

1 / 10
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119 Report
  • siv...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 10, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "My doctor put me on Rybelsus as I had high blood sugar. I had too much difficulty taking the 3 mg with nausea, diarrhea, and headache. I planned to quit, but I read the reviews here. I somehow managed my symptoms and tried harder. My doctor then increased the dosage to 7 mg. Rybelsus was able to bring my blood sugar levels from 10.6 to 5.6, almost normal levels in a period of 3 months. If anyone is planning to quit, please persevere, and the results are amazing. It practically stops your cravings for food and helps you stabilize. Another miracle was that I was finally able to quit coffee in the morning as I get migraines without it. Compared to the nausea, diarrhea, and the churning of the stomach, migraine wasn't a big deal, and I finally went without taking coffee. This is really a miracle drug for diabetes. Thank you."

10 / 10
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  • Hap...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 10, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been using this off-label for weight loss for 3 months after consistent diet and exercise, and allegedly controlled Hashimoto's left me frustrated that I still couldn't lose weight. This drug has been amazing. I do still suffer from occasional headaches that are moderate to severe, and if I eat something I 'shouldn't,' there are usually digestive repercussions. But I'm down 15+ pounds in 3 months without any real change to my prior (very good) lifestyle. I lean into the days I'm not hungry and allow myself to eat on the days that I am. It is expensive, but there are great coupons. I will stay at the 0.5 dose until I reach my goal weight and then try to taper off."

10 / 10
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127 Report
  • Mal...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 21, 2024

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm 60 years old, started taking Wegovy for weight loss, high blood pressure, high cholesterol. I’ve been on the medication now for 10 weeks. My starting weight was 296. Currently, I weigh 266, and my numbers are great. The cons are I only feel good 4 days a week. The first 3 days after the injection are tough: nausea, headaches. But as far as I’m concerned, it works great. I’m not hungry at all. I feel much better. Another added bonus for me was I was a heavy drinker. On this medication, I have no desire to drink at all. I went from 5 cases a week to absolutely nothing. I don’t miss it at all. Miracle drug."

10 / 10
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25 Report
  • Dan...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 24, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’ve been on this med for 7 weeks. I’ve lost 25 lbs and my daily blood sugars range from 60 - 90. I use it along with 500 mg Metformin. The first couple of weeks were hard with nausea and stomach cramps. I also had the headaches that others have mentioned in the first couple of days. In week 3, I increased from 0.25 to 0.50. Then came the diarrhea. It wasn't too bad, I was just happy that I could go. I’m now taking 1.0 and experiencing sulfuric burping. Ugh! After doing some research on home remedies to help with the burping, I’m trying a spoon of apple cider vinegar. If you can make it through the first few weeks and you can be somewhat disciplined, you will notice a huge difference in how you feel. In my opinion, the side effects are manageable when I compare the weight gain while taking Insulin. BTW - I’m not severely obese. Prior to being on this drug, my weight was 205, and I’m 5’9 and 47 years old. I hope this is helpful to someone."

9 / 10
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129 Report
  • Tom...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • April 13, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Wegovy in March 2022 with a goal of losing 50-75 pounds. I ended up losing a total of 85 pounds in about 11 months. I felt great upon taking the Wegovy. Only had mild headaches and mild stomach discomfort. I was not tired, I actually felt energized. However, by December, the nausea had reared its ugly head. I took Zofran, and it helped. I was able to stick it out with the nausea until February, at which time I stopped taking it. I could no longer live with the nausea. Since I stopped taking it, I have continued to suffer nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. My doctor and I are still trying to find the source of this continuing issue. I love the weight loss, and I love Wegovy!"

7 / 10
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55 Report
  • Val...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 14, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’m a nurse. I started this med and unfortunately the nausea, gastritis, dizziness, and headache continuing into week 4 is simply not worth it. I can’t lay in bed and be miserable, which is what this does to me. At first, I actually thought I had a GI Bug. If there is any other choice, do not put yourself through this."

5 / 10
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79 Report
  • Sen...
  • August 29, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been taking Ozempic for about 2 months to lower my Diabetes 2. It's been great, my numbers were 200 to 300, they are now 100-134. My A1c was 9.8, it is now 6.1, and I've lost 12 lbs and still losing. I'm also taking Synjardy XR, a combination of (Metformin & Jardiance), my numbers are great. I eat extremely less on the Ozempic. My only side effect has been an occasional headache, but nausea was brutal. I was getting very nauseated after eating and taking Synjardy XR until I heard about ZOFRAN. Let me just say, if you have nausea and are taking Metformin with Ozempic, PLEASE ask your doctor for a prescription of ZOFRAN (I got the generic ONDANSETRON 4mg). I take it 20 minutes after I eat and have taken my metformin. I NO LONGER get nausea. Zofran will definitely help with nausea if you're feeling sick. You'll thank me later."

10 / 10
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  • Dim...
  • April 7, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "Been using Ozempic for 7 weeks, lost 12 pounds. I also take Xigduo and Lantus at night. Gas, nausea, headache, and a few low A1c. But my number is down from 8.1 to 5.4. For the gas, I find that Gas-X helps. And for the nausea, I sip on cold water and keep my meals small. I haven't thrown up yet and no constipation or diarrhea."

5 / 10
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71 Report
  • Kar...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 10, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "This is my 8th week and using 0.5. I lost 12 lb and I have more energy now so I go to exercise as well now. Only on the first week I have heavy headache but it was gone on my second week. I thought of stopping it after the first week due to the headache but luckily I continued and I am having a happy life now."

10 / 10
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72 Report
  • GAF...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 28, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Wegovy was prescribed for weight loss, with a secondary potential benefit being a reduction in glucose levels and A1C. Began at minimal dose of 0.25 mg/0.5 ml. Had virtually no side effects. Also lost exactly 0 lbs. However, this first month included Thanksgiving, so a bonus that no weight was gained. Second month dose increased to 0.5 mg/0.5 ml. Side effects were primarily indigestion, some headaches, and very occasionally low blood pressure, but it included Christmas, so a positive was no gain. Month 3 increased dose to 1.0 mg/0.5 ml. In the first week at this dosage, can finally feel the appetite suppression. Side effects have included indigestion, burping, headache, and a bit of feeling sluggish. It has been very easy to administer the injections. I have been using the lower part of my stomach as the injection site, alternating from left to right side each week. So far, each injection has succeeded."

7 / 10
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7 Report
  • Kri...
  • October 18, 2020

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I took Ozempic for 30 days and felt horrible most of the time with consistent headaches. I lost a few pounds due to not feeling hungry. I quit after the first month as my insurance didn’t cover the $2100.00 it cost for a three-month supply. I have been off of it for two weeks and feel much better now. I have noticed it has slowed my digestion majorly, which doesn’t sound like a good side effect, as food can become very toxic if it sits in the body too long. I do not recommend this medication."

1 / 10
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  • Mic...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 7, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I had a horrible experience. Abdominal pain going to the back. Constant nausea. Depression - very strange feeling, almost like an out-of-body experience. For the first time, I found myself HATING my body. Extreme tiredness. Difficulty focusing. Gained 9 pounds in 3 weeks. Constant headaches."

1 / 10
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35 Report
  • Wor...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • February 25, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Beginning weight was 234 and began at 0.25 in June 2024, and just began 2.4 today at 177. Been going up very slowly, but weight loss has slowed way down. Still have 17 pounds to lose, but prefer 27 more. Have gone from 2XL/Size 22 to size 14. Have dealt with nausea, headaches, occasional constipation/diarrhea, depending on what I eat. Small meals, five times a day, plus drinking lots of water is key. I get extremely tired the day or two after taking the shot. I take the shot at night, hoping to be at my goal weight by the end of May 2025. 63-year-old woman and all blood work now within normal limits."

9 / 10
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5 Report
  • Tre...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 25, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on this medication for one week. On the second day, I was very tired, on days 3-6, I was nauseous the whole time. Every time I ate something other than toast or crackers, I had major cramping, plus a mild headache all week. This was a horrible experience. The pain felt like a gallbladder attack. Never again."

1 / 10
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  • Bak...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 24, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Ozempic for 3 months now, and I find this drug works like none I have tried before. The first 6 weeks were rough: burping, headaches, fatigue, nausea, but I stuck it out. I’m so glad I did. My A1C has gone from 8 to 6.8 in three months. I have lost 20 pounds, going from 180 to 160 lbs. My daily sugars have seen a vast improvement. The major thing I have noticed after being on the drug for this long is that recovery time after eating high-carb or high-sugar foods is back to normal. Appetite is still lacking, but it’s mostly an aversion to ‘bad’ food. I can no longer sit and eat an entire burger, it’s just way too much, but a healthy salad, I can eat the whole thing! I have seen major benefits from this drug. I have way more energy and no more 3 PM crash. Tips while adjusting to the drugs: Tums, Gravol, lots of sleep, light healthy meals, and remember to drink water! Also, I found injecting Ozempic in the hip lessened the symptoms for the first while."

10 / 10
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68 Report
  • Dan...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 5, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I wanted to warn people of the side effects, as my doctor did not prepare me for this med. I am very glad I didn't try to work, otherwise, I would have lost my job or, at the very least, been written up for various reasons. On it for a month. I tried spacing out the second shot and never ended up taking the last injection. Side effects: severe fatigue, severe hair loss, decreased hormones, severe headaches, changes in your sleep architecture, bad nightmares for all sleep, naps, and overnight. Warning: if you have PTSD, that may mess with you. Bladder urgency and UTI symptoms started on day 3 and were constant the whole time on the med, I had to take AZO. Bloating, burping, throwing up, and all food smells make you sick, severe constipation, hypoglycemia, and increased binge eating. I also had increased topical psoriasis and arthritis pain. Started having problems with my foot and wondering if it's impacting ligaments. I am getting that checked out. Did not reduce the need to eat, no weight loss."

1 / 10
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40 Report
  • mas...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • June 3, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "So far I love the results. My A1C was 9.8 and now it is 5.6. From August 2020 to now, I lost 67 lbs with diet and working out from the first week. I had a headache, but after, nothing but positive results from low blood sugars ranging from 80 to 110. I kept checking, I thought it was wrong, lol, but overall I tell everyone that is type 2 to speak to their doctor and see if it works for them."

9 / 10
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36 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.