I've been taking Contrave for about a week. So far no side effects, but not much change in my appetite either. I was hoping for instant hunger disappearance!! Does it take a while for the effectiveness to kick in? Thanks!
Contrave - How long did it take for your appetite to diminish?
Question posted by WriterMom on 6 Jan 2015
Last updated on 19 November 2023 by Cynt71
81 Answers
Cynt71
20 Nov 2023
I have been on Contrave for 3 days. Today my appetite seem to change. I really am not craving junk food as much. I did have some side effects like a headache and heart palpitations but I am watching my caffeine intake today and my palpitations aren’t so bad.
Steph1576
24 Aug 2022
For me to feel the full effects, it was several weeks. 3 weeks in, I can't eat 1/4 of what I used to eat. It disintegrated any of my cravings, no more craving chocolate (hallelujah!) and oddly enough once a coffee addict, I don't even want coffee anymore. I do tend to want fruit now (I was a sugar junky) so my body is actually craving the healthy stuff, which is great. If this keeps up, I will end up losing a lot of weight on this. I'm so new into it, but I'm barely eating because when I do, I fill up quickly and have to remind myself to eat. It's also leveling off my anxiety and I haven't had any panic attacks since beginning it. My husband just started on it and he's only taking 1 pill a day and he's already full on feeling the effects. So to answer your question, I think it works on everyone differently due to our brains. It's so nice to be satiated once I eat and not to think about food.
Food no longer has a hold on me, and this is something I've never had - and so grateful for it!! 5 pounds down already and just started the full dosage, so we will see! There were times I didn't think I could make it through the side effects at the beginning, but I pushed through and so glad that I did. Give it a few more weeks to see, because like I said, it was a good 3 going on 4 weeks before I truly felt the difference in my appetite and cravings.
CKnocke
1 Aug 2022
I have been on Contrave for 3 months and minimal positive results I take 2 pills each morning and 2 each evening before dinner. I work out with an exercise coach 2 days/week and have been for a full year, but just wasn’t dropping weight, thus why my doctor let me begin Contrave. Even though I feel I am eating much less and quickly full at meal time, usually only eating a third of a meal compared to what I was eating…. I have NOT lost even 1 pound… I just keep bouncing around wishing a 3 pins range. I have had daily headaches and sometimes struggle with constipation. I started getting that odd metallic sense of taste with multiple foods, but I am 3 months in and that is a new recent symptom. I am finding this to be an incredible waste of my money. No weight loss results and yucky symptoms.
JeffAtv
2 June 2021
Less that one week. Just started taking the two pills on week two.
I drive tractor trailer and am always munching. That has stopped already.
Just hope it can be covered by insurance when doctor appeals.
Crummms
27 Dec 2020
This Wednesday will be 3 weeks in Contrave and I haven’t had any appetite suppressant or side effects. I’m up to one pill in the morning and one at night. Has anyone experienced this?
lolaS
15 July 2020
I am about 2.5 weeks in. I did have a few side affects at the beginning (extreme sleepiness, nausea and spaciness) but they have leveled off. I am noticing appetite differences..but not always. I cannot always finish my plate (nor a glass of wine as an added bonus!). What I am finding more and more now is... things are becoming "enough". I get my fill. I feel full and I am not "jonesing" for more, more, more. That alone is significant and wonderful. I just finished a very light lunch and am more than satiated. Additionally, I am now craving fruit more than junk food sweets. I grabbed a bedtime snack other night of some grapes and a couple of cookies. I ate all the grapes and then had a cookie. I finished it but it was overly sweet (I never would have said that a few weeks ago..nothing was sweet enough lol). I left the other cookie easily. If you have some patience and muster through some side effects (common to any new medication really)...
I think you will find some success. I look forward to a continuing journey. Consensus seems to be full effect is reached at around 3.-4 weeks which I am on cusp of. Good luck all.
TerbearW
25 April 2021
How are you doing now? Did you lose the weight you wanted to? Are you still on Contrave? I am almost 3 months in and love that I don’t care if I have any alcohol and am not craving crappy food like I was... down 14 pounds
asilreyom
9 July 2020
Contrave started working for me 1 to 3 days after taking it and I only need 1 (one) pill a day. It stopped my sugar cravings dead in its tracks. No more cravings. Its said to be more helpful to people who have cravings than those that may need to suppress their appetite. I have a huge sugar addiction and Contrave is a godsend. I really don't have a huge appetite. That's what Contrave is better at, cravings not so much a suppressant. Your doctor should have told you that.
markneil1212
5 April 2022
your answer is so Dangerous, ridiculous, obnoxious and wrong.
It has suppressed my APPETITE so much that I have lost almost 75 pounds.
Perhaps you feel superior or just like making people feel bad.
And that's a shame.
PLEASE no one pay any regard to that post.
My APPETITE is way down.
Not ... cravings... whatever that means.
markneil1212
5 April 2022
your answer is so Dangerous, ridiculous, obnoxious and wrong.
It has suppressed my APPETITE so much that I have lost almost 75 pounds.
Perhaps you feel superior or just like making people feel bad.
And that's a shame.
PLEASE no one pay any regard to that post.
My APPETITE is way down.
Not ... cravings... whatever that means.
markneil1212
5 April 2022
your answer is so Dangerous, ridiculous, obnoxious and wrong.
It has suppressed my APPETITE so much that I have lost almost 75 pounds.
Perhaps you feel superior or just like making people feel bad.
And that's a shame.
PLEASE no one pay any regard to that post.
My APPETITE is way down.
Not ... cravings... whatever that means.
markneil1212
5 April 2022
your answer is so Dangerous, ridiculous, obnoxious and wrong.
It has suppressed my APPETITE so much that I have lost almost 75 pounds.
Perhaps you feel superior or just like making people feel bad.
And that's a shame.
PLEASE no one pay any regard to that post.
My APPETITE is way down.
Not ... cravings... whatever that means.
markneil1212
5 April 2022
your answer is so Dangerous, ridiculous, obnoxious and wrong.
It has suppressed my APPETITE so much that I have lost almost 75 pounds.
Perhaps you feel superior or just like making people feel bad.
And that's a shame.
PLEASE no one pay any regard to that post.
My APPETITE is way down.
Not ... cravings... whatever that means.
curly1biscuit
28 June 2020
I started my 3rd week with no decrease in appetite. Have had some side effects as others have mentioned but they seem to get better with time. I am having a problem with sleep. I can get to sleep okay but wake up around 3 or 4 am and often cannot get back to sleep. Anyone else? Any suggestions on when to take evening dose? I have been taking it around 4 pm.
ChampsMom
23 Oct 2019
I started Contrave 6 days ago. I’ve noticed significant changes in my appetite but mostly how I think about (or don’t think about) food. My problem has never been true hunger. Instead, it’s been a somewhat constant need to chew and swallow. Crunchy, salty, then repeat. I feel hopeful about my ability to actually lose weight (I have 40lbs to go!) and with lifestyle changes, keep it off.
My Dr. also prescribed me Phentermine for a short time period to jump start my metabolism (menopausal... ). Therefore, my experience may be quite different than Contrave alone. I’m experiencing dry mouth and a bit of dizziness in the am, and super slight headaches. This could be because I’ve eliminated caffeine. I’m consuming 800-1000 calories a day with fewer than 100g of carbohydrates and at least 55g of protein.
I wish everyone much success and will post an update in four weeks when I weigh in. Wish me luck!
Champ’s Mom
Tameeks
15 June 2019
My appetite is still intact, but I am able to make better choices without the insatiable desire to eat sweets and alcohol. I am on week 4
Khackert
18 May 2019
I lost my appetite right away and was extremely nauseous
tdh423
18 May 2019
I took my first dose last night. Then this morning and I had no desire to eat. I didn't eat until 4pm and this evening my husband had ice cream and I didn't want any. Ice cream and chips is my guilty pleasure. I feel great so far. I hope this is a sign of good results to come.
Sharonk1178
21 Feb 2019
Argitto1123 your response was almost 2 years ago and I am wondering how you are maintaining and if you are still following the Contrave Plan. I am just starting this is my 3rd day and I have to say I am starting to feel less hungry (not having the urge to ramble through my desk for some unhealthy snacks). It was awesome to read that in almost 4 weeks of time you had lost 10 pounds. I just want to know if you are continuing to lose weight.
Prettyladylh
21 Feb 2019
Update: had a follow up & was down 11 lbs, it's kind of nice Not thinking about food, still no side effects other than dry mouth;)
Sharonk1178
20 Feb 2019
I too am a newbie to Contrave (2 days so far) so of course I am not noticing any drastic changes YET. However, based on the responses I have read so far, it appears no changes will be noticed for at least 2-3 weeks (pretty much like most medications you have to get it into your system). Good luck and don't get discouraged we are all in this together.
Related topics
side effect, appetite, contrave
Further information
- Contrave uses and safety info
- Contrave prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Contrave (detailed)
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