Does Saxenda cause dizziness? Saxenda (liraglutide 3.0 mg) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist licensed in the UK for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related conditions. According to the MHRA-approved Summary of Product Characteristics, dizziness is classified as an uncommon side effect, affecting between 1 in 100 and 1 in 1,000 people. Whilst not amongst the most frequently reported adverse reactions, dizziness may occur indirectly through mechanisms such as reduced food intake, dehydration from gastrointestinal side effects, or changes in blood glucose levels. Understanding when and why dizziness occurs can help patients and clinicians manage this symptom effectively.

Does Saxenda Cause Dizziness?

Saxenda (liraglutide 3.0 mg) is a prescription medicine licensed in the UK for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related health conditions. According to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC), dizziness is classified as an uncommon side effect of Saxenda, meaning it affects between 1 in 100 and 1 in 1,000 people.

While dizziness is not among the most common side effects, it may occur indirectly as a consequence of other effects of the medication, such as reduced food intake, dehydration from gastrointestinal side effects, or changes in blood glucose levels.

It is important to distinguish between true dizziness (a sensation of spinning or vertigo) and light-headedness (feeling faint or unsteady). Both sensations can occur with Saxenda, though they may arise through different mechanisms. If you experience dizziness whilst taking Saxenda, it does not necessarily mean the medication is unsuitable for you, but it does warrant attention and possibly adjustment to your treatment regimen.

Understanding the context of your dizziness—when it occurs, how severe it is, and what other symptoms accompany it—is essential for determining whether it is related to Saxenda or another underlying cause. Patients should maintain open communication with their prescribing clinician about any new or concerning symptoms.

Why Dizziness May Occur with Saxenda

Saxenda works as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, mimicking the action of a naturally occurring hormone that regulates appetite and blood glucose. By slowing gastric emptying and promoting satiety, Saxenda helps reduce calorie intake, which can lead to weight loss. However, these mechanisms may also contribute to dizziness through several pathways.

Reduced calorie intake and low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) are potential contributors to dizziness. Whilst Saxenda alone rarely causes hypoglycaemia in people without diabetes, those taking it alongside other glucose-lowering medications—such as insulin or sulphonylureas—may be at increased risk. Symptoms of low blood sugar include dizziness, light-headedness, sweating, confusion, and tremor. Even without hypoglycaemia, a significant reduction in food intake can lead to feelings of weakness or faintness, particularly during the initial weeks of treatment.

Dehydration is another important factor. Gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea are common with Saxenda, especially during dose escalation. These symptoms can lead to fluid loss and electrolyte imbalance, both of which may cause dizziness or orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure upon standing). Maintaining adequate hydration is therefore crucial. Significant fluid losses can also precipitate acute kidney injury in some patients, as noted in the Saxenda SmPC.

Orthostatic hypotension has been reported with Saxenda use and may occur particularly in patients taking antihypertensive medications or those with autonomic dysfunction. The combination of reduced food intake, fluid loss, and medication effects can result in blood pressure changes that manifest as dizziness, especially when moving from sitting to standing. Patients should be aware of these potential mechanisms and monitor their symptoms accordingly.

Managing Dizziness While Taking Saxenda

If you experience dizziness whilst taking Saxenda, several practical strategies can help manage this symptom and improve your overall tolerance of the medication.

Ensure adequate hydration by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, particularly if you are experiencing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea. The NHS recommends drinking six to eight glasses of fluid daily, though you may need more if you are losing fluids through gastrointestinal side effects. If dehydration is significant, speak to your pharmacist or GP about whether oral rehydration solutions might be appropriate.

Eat regular, balanced meals even if your appetite is reduced. Skipping meals or drastically cutting calories too quickly can contribute to light-headedness and weakness. Focus on nutrient-dense foods that provide sustained energy, including:

• Whole grains and complex carbohydrates

• Lean proteins (chicken, fish, legumes)

• Healthy fats (nuts, seeds, avocado)

• Fresh fruits and vegetables

Monitor your blood glucose levels if you have diabetes or are taking other glucose-lowering medications. Discuss with your GP or diabetes specialist whether dose adjustments to your other medications are needed to prevent hypoglycaemia.

Change positions slowly, particularly when moving from lying to sitting or sitting to standing. This can help prevent orthostatic hypotension and reduce episodes of dizziness. If you feel dizzy upon standing, sit or lie down immediately until the sensation passes.

Review your medication regimen with your prescribing clinician. If you are taking antihypertensive drugs, diuretics, or other medications that affect blood pressure, adjustments may be necessary. Your healthcare provider may also consider slowing the dose escalation schedule for Saxenda to improve tolerability, as outlined in the SmPC.

Keep a symptom diary noting when dizziness occurs, its severity, and any associated factors (such as timing relative to meals or medication doses). This information can help your clinician identify patterns and determine the most appropriate management strategy.

When to Seek Medical Advice About Dizziness

Whilst mild, occasional dizziness may not require immediate medical attention, certain symptoms warrant prompt evaluation by your GP or healthcare provider.

Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you experience:

• Fainting or loss of consciousness

• Chest pain or severe palpitations

• Severe headache with visual disturbances or difficulty speaking (FAST: Face, Arms, Speech - signs of stroke)

• Severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat)

Seek urgent medical advice (contact your GP, NHS 111, or out-of-hours service) if you experience:

• Severe or persistent dizziness that does not improve with rest or hydration

• Irregular heartbeat accompanying dizziness

• Signs of severe dehydration (dark urine, extreme thirst, confusion, reduced urine output)

• Symptoms of hypoglycaemia that do not resolve with glucose intake (if you have diabetes)

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea preventing adequate fluid intake

• Severe abdominal pain radiating to the back (possible pancreatitis)

• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Contact your GP or prescribing clinician if:

• Dizziness is frequent or interfering with daily activities

• You are concerned about your symptoms or their impact on your quality of life

• You experience new or worsening symptoms whilst taking Saxenda

• You are unsure whether to continue your medication

Your healthcare provider may wish to assess your blood pressure (both lying and standing), review your current medications, check blood glucose levels, and evaluate for signs of dehydration, electrolyte imbalance or kidney problems.

If you suspect a serious adverse reaction to Saxenda, stop taking it and seek immediate medical help. For less severe concerns, consult your prescribing clinician before making changes to your treatment, as this should be a shared decision based on a thorough assessment of your symptoms and overall treatment goals.

Other Common Side Effects of Saxenda

Understanding the broader side effect profile of Saxenda can help you recognise and manage potential adverse reactions during treatment.

Gastrointestinal side effects are the most frequently reported adverse reactions with Saxenda. These include:

• Nausea (very common, affecting more than 1 in 10 people)

• Vomiting and diarrhoea (very common)

• Constipation (very common)

• Dyspepsia (indigestion) and abdominal pain

• Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)

These symptoms typically occur during the initial weeks of treatment and often improve as your body adjusts to the medication. The gradual dose escalation schedule recommended for Saxenda is designed to minimise gastrointestinal side effects.

Injection site reactions such as redness, itching, or bruising may occur but are usually mild and transient. Rotating injection sites (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm) can help reduce these reactions.

Hypoglycaemia is uncommon in people without diabetes taking Saxenda alone, but the risk increases significantly when used alongside insulin or sulphonylureas. Symptoms include tremor, sweating, anxiety, confusion, and dizziness.

Other reported side effects include:

• Headache

• Fatigue and weakness

• Dizziness (as discussed)

• Increased heart rate (usually a small increase but may require monitoring)

• Gallbladder disorders (including gallstones)

• Changes in taste

Important safety warnings that require medical attention include:

• Pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain radiating to the back, with nausea and vomiting)

• Severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat)

• Mood changes or suicidal thoughts (seek urgent care and stop treatment if these occur)

• Kidney problems from dehydration (reduced urine output, swelling)

• Thyroid concerns (seek medical review for neck mass, voice changes, or persistent hoarseness; while a causal link in humans is unproven, the SmPC includes a precaution based on animal studies)

According to NICE guidance (TA664), Saxenda should only be continued if patients achieve at least 5% weight loss after 12 weeks at the maintenance dose. Regular monitoring by your healthcare provider ensures that the benefits of treatment outweigh any side effects you may experience.

If you suspect you are experiencing side effects from Saxenda, you can report them through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or the Yellow Card app).

Frequently Asked Questions