Headaches can occur while taking Mounjaro® or Wegovy®. They may be more noticeable when starting treatment or following a dose increase.
Hydration and energy levels can contribute to headaches, so it is important to drink regularly and continue eating regular meals, even if your medication has reduced your appetite.
Aim for around 3 balanced meals a day. If you are particularly active, you may also need additional food and fluids, such as adding a small snack.
What should I eat if I have a headache?
Maintaining a balanced diet and eating regularly is important while taking Mounjaro® or Wegovy®, particularly as your appetite may be reduced.
Some nutrients, including magnesium, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and vitamin B2 (riboflavin), have been studied in relation to headaches and migraines.
Foods containing these nutrients include:
- Magnesium: nuts and seeds such as sunflower, sesame and pumpkin seeds, as well as spinach, broccoli and dark chocolate
- Coenzyme Q10: meat, fish, poultry, nuts and seeds
- Vitamin B2: eggs, milk, yoghurt, mushrooms, spinach and some seaweeds
Many of these foods can form part of a healthy, balanced diet while taking weight management treatment.
Most importantly, try to eat regularly and stay hydrated, even when your appetite is reduced.
For useful recipes and guidance around building balanced meals, take a look at our Kitchen section.
What can I do to manage a headache?
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
If you are also experiencing vomiting or diarrhoea, it is particularly important to replace the fluids you are losing.
Eat regularly
Try not to skip meals because your appetite has reduced.
Continue to aim for 3 balanced meals throughout the day to help maintain your energy levels. If you are particularly active, you may also need a small snack.
Rest
Resting in a quiet, dimly lit place may help alleviate your headache.
Try gentle movement
If you feel well enough, gentle activity may help. This could include:
- Taking a gentle walk
- Light cycling
- Moving around your home
Avoid strenuous exercise if you are feeling unwell, dizzy or dehydrated.
Speak to your local pharmacy
Your local pharmacist can advise whether a simple pain relief option may be suitable for you.
Make sure you let them know that you are taking Mounjaro® or Wegovy®, as well as any other medications you use, so they can take this into account.
Practice relaxation
Relaxation techniques, such as meditation or a gentle scalp massage, may help you relax and manage your symptoms.
Get enough sleep
Try to maintain a regular sleep routine and ensure you are getting adequate rest.
If your symptoms worsen
Most mild headaches will settle, but some symptoms need further assessment.
Contact your GP or NHS 111 for advice if your headache:
- Is persistent or getting worse
- Is not improving despite trying the measures above
- Is accompanied by blurred or altered vision
- Occurs with neck stiffness
- Is accompanied by signs of dehydration, such as dark urine, passing less urine than usual or feeling light-headed
When should I seek urgent medical help?
Attend A&E or call 999, depending on the severity of your symptoms, if you experience:
- A sudden, extremely severe headache unlike headaches you have experienced before
- A severe headache accompanied by fever and a rash
- Confusion or unusual drowsiness
- Weakness, facial drooping or difficulty speaking
- Sudden loss of vision, including partial loss
Sudden loss of vision should be assessed urgently at an eye casualty department or A&E.
Make sure the healthcare professionals assessing you are aware that you are taking Mounjaro® or Wegovy®.