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
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
81 Answers Page 6
AviRichardson
18 March 2015
This is my third day, and am not feeling any different. Am going to start my workout this week, hopefully that will speed things along. I thought it was going to give me a 'Stacker 2" effect, where it immediately cuts my appetite. Am not experiencing any side effects... at least not yet.
Mander14
17 March 2015
I've been on contrave for 3 full weeks today and I noticed that within the first week my appetite decreased drastically. Like carben said, I eat to live now! My meals have literally been cut by 2/3rds or more. I did have some side effects though... a lot of dizziness and nausea for the first few days after changing each dose. And even after I've gotten used to it, I still have some spells of both. I know this question was from January, so I hope things have gotten better!
Slydancer
12 April 2017
Hi Mander14, I'm in the middle of my 3rd week and I experience nausea and a lot of dizziness each time I go up in dosage. The side effects tend to lessen by the end of the week but then it's time to go up in dosage again and it starts all over. I certainly cannot drive for at least a couple of days. When you felt "dizzy" did you also feel like a lethargic, drugged-type feeling?
argitto1123
20 April 2017
I haven't felt dizzy, but in week 2 there was definitely a lethargic feeling. It got better for me. Hope it does for you. I am now completing week 4, and I have lost 10 lbs. This is the first week that I am not hungry... at all.
Laura239
15 Jan 2015
I'm on my fifth week. In my experience, I didn't notice a difference until about week 2-3. I noticed I didn't think so much about food or my next meal. I've been able to listen to my body and only eat when I feel hungry. I think someone else already said this on the post, but I feel like I eat to live and not live to eat like before. Good luck!!!
angelbear1
20 May 2016
what time of the day is best to take them? I crave food bad after 6pm
Debi Sample
22 Feb 2017
late night cravings are my major downfall, i do well all day and then blew it a nighttime, will contrave help with this
Ilovedan
24 April 2017
This is my 4th day on Contrave and I do really well except I'm very tired during the day, a little dizzy, and some nausea... but night time I blow it because I'm hungry!
AlisAr
4 Oct 2017
I’ve taken 2pills as late as 7:15p and was able to fall asleep by 11:30
COHgirl
6 Jan 2015
My appetite has flip flopped back and forth. At first I wasn't hungry. Last week I wanted to eat everything. Tomorrow starts the full dose, hopefully my appetite will be under control then.
Jma52866
15 Feb 2018
Are you feeling better on full dose?
Jma52866
15 Feb 2018
Are you feeling better on full dose?
carben
6 Jan 2015
My appetite didn't decrease until I was up to the 3-pill dosage. Actually, when I was on the 1-2 pill dosage my appetite INCREASED. Now I am on 4 pills a day and I don't even think about food until my stomach starts growling. Yay! It has made a world of difference for me. I now eat to live rather than living to eat. That being said, the morning nausea is driving me nuts. I am trying different food combinations (i.e. only carbs, only protein, combo... ) hoping that will help.
Lisagale10
22 Feb 2017
I have gained weight as well. I'm on week 2, with 2 pills a day. So discouraged
Quyen217
21 March 2017
I, too have gained weight. Finishing week 2.
dorthiafarmer14
22 Sep 2017
I’m at the three pills. I started using contrave August 14. My beginning weight was 258 now I’m at 249 September 22, I love this medicine!!!
jennbunch
1 Dec 2017
I was wondering about the nausea. The first week I was on it I threw up several times in the morning and have been nauseous until a few days ago. I have not noticed a change in my eating except at night I am not craving at night but my brain still wonders what is there too eat. :(
missyme11
20 March 2018
That's exactly what happened to me! I was almost ready to throw in the towel because the weight I lost week one was regained in week two. I just started 2 in morning, 1 in evening and FINALLY a difference. Like you mentioned, I'm not really thinking about food until my stomach growls and I realize I haven"t eaten. I will be interested to see if things are the same or better with 4 per day.
gmmusser1
5 April 2018
I start pill three tomorrow. Hoping that I see a difference as well. Week one I was STARVING... insatiable appetite, even though I was following my dietary plan. I have had zero side effects.
jimsinoregon
25 June 2020
Same here. At week two nothing. Now in week three. Huge difference!
Jim
kaismama
6 Jan 2015
One of the two ingredients in it bupropion has in its info, may decrease appetite. I've been on it for 6 weeks, and have noticed no difference in my appetite.
MelamieKS
17 Sep 2017
Anyone that has been on Contrave more than 4 weeks and had not noticed a difference in appetite, stop taking it. It's obviously not going to work for you and you are just wasting your money.
Crummms
27 Dec 2020
I’m going on week 3 I have not any success or side effects
jamieswfl
24 June 2021
I'm on day 10, just started 2 pills daily, i have absolutely no side effects however absolutely no positive effects either, i actually gained 1 pound, a little discouraged but going to keep taking and see what happens
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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