Key takeaways:
Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonist medications are used for diabetes management and weight loss.
So far, there’s no proof that GLP-1 drugs can prevent or treat migraines
In a recent research study, people with obesity and chronic migraines who used liraglutide (a type of GLP-1 medication) had fewer, less disabling migraine attacks.
You may have heard of Ozempic (semaglutide), a type of GLP-1 agonist medication. It’s used for Type 2 diabetes and to help people lose weight.
But did you know that GLP-1 agonists may have other uses as well?
So far there’s evidence hinting that GLP-1s could potentially be useful for liver disease, substance use disorders, neurological disease, and more. And now, new research suggests a link between GLP-1 drugs and fewer, less disabling migraine attacks. Let’s take a closer look.
What are GLP-1 agonist medications?
GLP-1 agonists are medications used to treat diabetes and promote weight loss.
Common GLP-1 drugs include:
Ozempic (semaglutide)
Wegovy (semaglutide)
Rybelsus (semaglutide)
Saxenda (liraglutide)
Victoza (liraglutide)
These medications mimic natural hormones in your body that help control your appetite and blood sugar. Most of these effects happen in your pancreas or stomach, but GLP-1s affect other parts of your body, too — including your brain.
Do GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic help with migraines?
It’s not clear. Right now there’s no solid evidence that Ozempic or other GLP-1s help with migraines. And at this point, no GLP-1 medications are approved for migraine treatment or prevention.
But because of the way these medications work in the body, there’s growing evidence that GLP-1s could help with other conditions, too — including migraines. Specifically, GLP-1 drugs may help with migraines by:
Lowering inflammation: GLP-1 drugs seem to have anti-inflammatory effects. And since inflammation is linked to migraines, it’s possible that lowering inflammation could help with migraine symptoms, too.
Lowering pressure in the brain: GLP-1s might also lower the pressure in your brain. This may suppress the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a protein that plays a key role in migraine attacks.
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What research has been done on GLP-1s and migraines?
Unfortunately, there hasn’t been much research done yet on migraines and GLP-1s.
So far there have been a couple of promising rodent studies. And in 2025 a small research study in humans found that liraglutide injections were helpful for certain people with migraines.
In this study, participants with chronic migraines and obesity used liraglutide every day for 3 months. While on the medication, participants had fewer headaches — down from about 20 headache days per month to 9 days. Their migraines were also less disabling. And though the participants also lost weight, it wasn’t enough to affect the results of the study.
But keep in mind: Even though these results were exciting, the research study had some flaws.
First, the study was short and very small (only 31 people over 12 weeks). There also was no placebo group. This last part is important because the placebo effect can be especially strong in migraine research.
Can GLP-1s cause migraines and headaches?
Yes. Headaches are a known side effect of GLP-1 medications. On the other hand, some people say their headaches and migraines get better on these medications.
Can GLP-1s help with other neurological conditions?
It’s not clear. Scientists are currently studying GLP-1s for many conditions, including neurological conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
There’s some evidence that GLP-1 drugs might help prevent these conditions, but it’s too early to say for sure whether they work. There’s also no concrete evidence that GLP-1 drugs can slow the progression of these neurological diseases.
Where can you get GLP-1s for migraines?
Right now, GLP-1s aren’t FDA approved for migraine. Today they’re approved for Type 2 diabetes, weight loss, and for certain heart, kidney, and liver disease indications — but not for migraine.
If you’re interested in trying a GLP-1 drug, reach out to a healthcare professional. They can help you determine whether a GLP-1 agonist is a good match for you. A GLP-1 medication could be worth considering if you have migraines and another health condition, like obesity or diabetes.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, depending on your body weight. There’s some evidence that for people with a body mass index (BMI) higher than 30, losing weight can result in fewer, less painful migraines. Losing weight may also help your migraines go away sooner when you do have them.
There are many medications that can prevent migraines or treat them once they start. Medications that treat migraines in the moment include over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as well as prescription options like triptans and anti-nausea medications. Preventive options include CGRP inhibitors, certain blood pressure or antidepressant medications, anti-seizure medications, and Botox for chronic migraine. The best choice depends on your migraine pattern and medical history, so a primary care provider or headache specialist can help you find the safest, most effective approach.
In many cases GLP-1s are covered by health insurance. But if you don’t have coverage, there are many ways to make your medication more affordable. Options include patient assistance programs, copay savings cards, and more.
Yes, depending on your body weight. There’s some evidence that for people with a body mass index (BMI) higher than 30, losing weight can result in fewer, less painful migraines. Losing weight may also help your migraines go away sooner when you do have them.
There are many medications that can prevent migraines or treat them once they start. Medications that treat migraines in the moment include over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as well as prescription options like triptans and anti-nausea medications. Preventive options include CGRP inhibitors, certain blood pressure or antidepressant medications, anti-seizure medications, and Botox for chronic migraine. The best choice depends on your migraine pattern and medical history, so a primary care provider or headache specialist can help you find the safest, most effective approach.
In many cases GLP-1s are covered by health insurance. But if you don’t have coverage, there are many ways to make your medication more affordable. Options include patient assistance programs, copay savings cards, and more.
The bottom line
Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications are used to help people manage diabetes and lose weight. But these medications may have other beneficial effects, too. This might include reduced pressure in the brain and lowered inflammation in your body — both of which are linked to migraines.
All the same, there’s no solid evidence yet that GLP-1s can prevent or treat migraines. If you’re curious about GLP-1s, talk with a healthcare professional. They can guide you toward the best medication for your unique needs.
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References
Alharbi, S. H. (2024). Anti-inflammatory role of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists and its clinical implications. Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism.
Braca, S., et al. (2025). Effectiveness and tolerability of liraglutide as add-on treatment in patients with obesity and high-frequency or chronic migraine: A prospective pilot study. Headache.
Halloum, W., et al. (2024). Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists for headache and pain disorders: A systematic review. The Journal of Headache and Pain.
Kuruvilla, D. (2024). 15 frequently asked questions about CGRP monoclonal antibodies and gepants. Association of Migraine Disorders.
Morgan, C. T., et al. (2025). The role of inflammation in migraine headaches: A review. FASEB bioAdvances.
Neurology Advisor. (2025). Liraglutide may reduce migraine burden in adults with obesity, migraine.
Tepper, S. J., et al. (2023). The temporal trend of placebo response in migraine prevention from 1990 to 2021: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis with regression. The Journal of Headache and Pain.
