Headache / Migraines
Users on Reddit report a wide spectrum of experiences regarding headaches and migraines while using GLP-1 medications. For some, these medications have led to new or worsened headaches, while for others, they have surprisingly resulted in a reduction or even remission of pre-existing migraine conditions.
Negative Experiences with Headaches/Migraines:
For individuals with pre-existing migraine conditions, GLP-1s can sometimes exacerbate the issue. A user with fibromyalgia stated, "the worst is the terrible headache/migraine for the first day or two after the shot. "[5] Another shared, "Unfortunately mine are more frequent while on it"[2] and "any GLP1 I’ve been on has made them worse and more frequent. Mounjaro has been the least bad of all of them but the 24-48 hours after my injection are usually pretty bad. "[11]
A user on Ozempic for 18 months reported getting "a migraine on injection day. "[6]
Someone trying various GLP-1s, including Zepbound, noted that for some people, "the meds actually worsen headaches. "[10]
Another user stated, "I tried a glp-1 and it made my migraines worse. "[12]
Positive Experiences with Headaches/Migraines:
Another user linked headache improvement to better blood sugar control: "I’ve not had any blood sugar headaches since I started the meds in Jan. "[7]
A user with fibromyalgia saw a decrease in migraines after being on a lower dose of Terzepatide for 3. 5 months. [8]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
One user learned they "needed to load up on electrolytes just like I would during a migraine" to combat headaches at the start of medication. [2]
Another user found that "water with electrolytes near shot day helped me a lot" with headaches experienced early on Mounjaro. [14]
A user with fibromyalgia who experienced headaches recommended to "Keep up on electrolytes. "[9]
Managing Blood Sugar: For headaches linked to blood sugar fluctuations, GLP-1s themselves can be a preventative. One user explained, "If I’d go too long without eating... I’d develop a headache... GLP1 meds improve insulin sensitivity... I’ve not had any blood sugar headaches since I started the meds in Jan. "[7]
Dosage Adjustment: Some users found relief by adjusting their dosage.
A user whose migraines worsened on Mounjaro mentioned, "I’m actually going down a dosage because they’ve been so bad on my current dose. "[11]
Another user with fibromyalgia who experienced terrible headaches/migraines after the shot stated they "no longer take it weekly and I can't get to a high enough dose to lose weight again... But it does help my swollen feet, asthma and knee arthritis even at the lowest dose so I still take it 1-2 times a month.
Negative Experiences with Headaches/Migraines:
- Some users report experiencing headaches as a side effect, particularly when starting the medication or with dose changes.
Positive Experiences with Headaches/Migraines:
- Conversely, some users have found significant relief from chronic migraines.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
- Hydration and Electrolytes: This is the most frequently cited remedy.