No, Saxenda (liraglutide) is designed to work best with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity; it's not a magic bullet and won't provide significant or lasting results on its own, as it's meant to support healthy lifestyle changes, not replace them. Using it without dietary changes and exercise is unlikely to lead to meaningful weight loss and may miss the point of the treatment, which helps decrease appetite to aid these habits.
Saxenda is most effective when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity. Using Saxenda without lifestyle changes is unlikely to produce meaningful or lasting weight loss, as the medicine supports but does not replace healthy habits.
Saxenda® should be used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Click here for full Indications and Usage.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as amitriptyline are older antidepressants often associated with weight gain and increased appetite. Whilst there is no pharmacological interaction with Saxenda, the opposing effects on weight may reduce the overall effectiveness of weight management efforts.
Furthermore, in a phase IV clinical study of FDA data on the drug Saxenda, migraines were a side effect [47].
Saxenda works primarily on appetite regulation and glucose metabolism, not directly on reproductive hormones. Any menstrual changes are likely secondary to weight loss rather than a direct drug effect.
Drink enough water to avoid dehydration
When starting Saxenda, it can cause nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick) and diarrhoea (runny poo) that can last for a few days. This increases your risk of dehydration, which can cause serious kidney problems. Be sure to drink plenty of water or non-sugary beverages.
There may be an interaction between liraglutide and any of the following:
It's best to take it before you go to bed because it can make you sleepy. If you still feel drowsy in the morning you could try taking it earlier in the evening. Amitriptyline does not usually upset your stomach.
Bupropion (brand name Wellbutrin) stands out as an antidepressant that can promote weight loss. Unlike many other antidepressants, bupropion doesn't typically cause weight gain.
The best foods to eat on Saxenda
The 3-3-3 rule for weight loss is a simple, habit-based method focusing on three key areas: 3 balanced meals a day, 3 bottles (or ~1.5L) of water by 3 PM, and 3 hours of physical activity per week, aiming for consistency over complex diets. It simplifies fat loss by establishing rhythm through consistent eating, adequate hydration to support metabolism, and regular movement, promoting sustainable health without intense calorie counting or restrictive rules, says Five Diamond Fitness and Wellness, Joon Medical Wellness & Aesthetics, and EatingWell.
In conclusion, if you're not losing weight on Saxenda, it's important to talk to a healthcare professional. There may be several reasons for this, including the medication not being the right fit for your needs, not following the recommended guidelines for diet and exercise or weight loss being a slow process.
Research suggests that eating less carbohydrates when you're using weight loss medicines that work on GLP-1 receptors like Wegovy, Saxenda or Mounjaro can improve your weight loss. This means limiting the carbohydrate content of all your meals to 10-40%.
No energy on Saxenda is a commonly reported concern among patients using this GLP-1 receptor agonist for weight management. Liraglutide 3.0 mg (Saxenda) works by reducing appetite and slowing gastric emptying, which can lead to significant caloric restriction and subsequent fatigue.
However, studies have also shown that Ozempic leads to fewer side effects and adverse events than Saxenda, with people tolerating Ozempic better.
Amitriptyline is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor if you: have ever had an allergic reaction to amitriptyline or any other medicine. have a heart problem – amitriptyline can make some heart problems worse.
Amitriptyline is not a narcotic (opioid) drug. It works by increasing serotonin levels in your brain. This neurotransmitter, a chemical that communicates with nerve cells, plays a role in how your body responds to pain.
Amitriptyline is only available on prescription. It comes as tablets and as a liquid that you swallow. Amitriptyline is also used to treat depression. The doses used to treat pain are lower than the doses for depression.
Sleep disturbances are not listed among the common side effects of Saxenda in UK regulatory guidance. However, some patients may experience indirect effects on sleep due to gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or abdominal discomfort, particularly during the initial weeks of treatment.
1. Semaglutide (Wegovy®)
Foods to avoid while on Saxenda® to reduce side effects
For weight loss, the best alcohol choices are clear spirits (vodka, gin, tequila, whiskey) with sugar-free mixers like soda water or diet tonic, light beers, dry wines (white or red), and hard seltzers, as they are lower in calories and sugar, with vodka soda and champagne often topping the list for lowest calories; avoid sugary cocktails, regular beers, and sweet wines to keep calorie and carb intake down.
Some causes of unintentional weight loss include: mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) problems with digestion, such as coeliac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) hormone conditions, such as an overactive thyroid or type 1 diabetes.
The 7 common signs you're not drinking enough water include thirst and dry mouth, dark, infrequent urine, fatigue and headaches, dizziness, dry skin, constipation, and bad breath, all signaling your body needs fluids for functions like toxin flushing, nutrient transport, and maintaining energy, with urine color (pale yellow is ideal) being a great self-check.