Ozempic Headache: Side Effect and Tips for Relief

When Cindy and Richard were first diagnosed with prediabetes, the long-married couple wondered how they could care for their health while still maintaining a happy relationship with food, and each other. "We both love to go out to eat, and we hate eating the same thing twice in a row," they said. They knew they needed a health plan that could let them "make the most of the things [they] love.” That’s why they joined Virta, where they quickly lost almost 100 pounds between them

One popular means of managing prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and obesity is through GLP-1 and semaglutides like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. These medications can be a useful tool, but can also come with side effects. One of those side effects is persistent headaches,  but what is an Ozempic headache, really? And how can you deal with one if it happens to you? Here's what you should know.

What’s an ‘Ozempic Headache’?

You may have heard the term "Ozempic headache" or even "semaglutide headache". Semaglutide is known to have a variety of side effects, most famously nausea, but many users report headaches as a common early side effect when starting Ozempic or Wegovy.

Does Semaglutide cause headaches?

According to clinical research and the manufacturer's website, headaches aren't among the recognized most common side effects of Ozempic or other semaglutides. If you've had an Ozempic headache or a semaglutide headache, it likely wasn't a direct result of your medication,  but a knock-on effect of hypoglycemia or dehydration, both of which are known possible side effects of semaglutide and other GLP-1s.

Ozempic Headache Relief: How to Manage and Prevent It

Hydration and Electrolyte Balance 

One of the most common root causes of Ozempic headaches is dehydration. This means at least one preventative measure is relatively simple—stay hydrated. Dehydration can also lead to electrolyte imbalance, another possible source of headaches, so consider tackling two potential issues at once with electrolyte-rich drinks, like Virta’s low-carb homemade electrolyte drink recipe.

Blood Sugar Management

Many people with diabetes struggle with headaches from high (or low) blood sugar. Blood sugar headaches, sometimes called diabetic headaches, can easily be mistaken for Ozempic headaches. Before writing your headache off as a side effect of semaglutide, check your blood sugar levels.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

The three most popular over-the-counter headache medications in the United States are acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen. None of these medications have been reported to interact negatively with semaglutide, but you should check with your medical provider to be sure before taking one.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Medical professionals recommend a reduced-calorie, nutrient-rich diet while taking Ozempic. In addition to that, semaglutide headaches can be lessened or avoided by eating regular small meals that are low in sugars, and staying hydrated throughout the day.

When to See a Doctor About Ozempic Headaches

If your Ozempic headaches are severe or long-lasting, talk to a doctor about them. You should also consult your doctor if you're planning on taking other medications alongside Ozempic, including medication for Ozempic headache relief.

Ozempic headache FAQs

How long do Ozempic headaches last?

Headache lengths vary from person to person, and depend on the root cause of the headache. Semaglutide headaches caused by low blood sugar can resolve quickly after eating, while those caused by hypoglycemia or dehydration may take longer to ease.

What helps with an Ozempic headache?

Given that Ozempic headaches are typically caused by dehydration or hypoglycemia, there is no specific Ozempic headache cure, but addressing these issues by getting some fluids or eating some fast-acting carbohydrates may help with your semaglutide headache.

Can I take painkillers for an Ozempic headache?

You can take over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for an Ozempic headache. However, they will not address any underlying causes of the headache, like dehydration.

Should I stop taking Ozempic if I get headaches?

You don't have to immediately stop taking semaglutide if you get a semaglutide headache. However, if your headaches are persistent, or cause disruption in your daily life, you may want to speak to a medical professional about alternatives to Ozempic or other semaglutide medications.

The Takeaway

Semaglutide and GLP-1s like Ozempic can be a useful tool for managing your type 2 diabetes. However, they do come with risk of side effects like headaches that you should be aware of. Moreover, diet and lifestyle changes, guided by supportive medical professionals like the ones at Virta, can be a vital way to take control of your health and regain your energy and enthusiasm. If that sounds like something that would benefit you, you can see if you’re eligible for Virta Health here.