I started developing minor constipation around week 3. 20% developed this side effect from what I have read. I eat plenty of fiber and drink lots of water. 2-3 days into week four the problem got worse. I've tried OTC medicines, extra fiber supplements, and eating foods that would normally cause immediate results (grapes especially). I decided to stop taking Contrave because of this. It's been 3 days since my last dose. My bowels aren't quite back to normal yet.
Has anyone else had constipation issues and been able to get it resolved and continue on this drug?
Contrave - Severe constipation around week 3?
Question posted by COHgirl on 14 Jan 2015
Last updated on 9 August 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.
27 Answers Page 2
goatfarmgirl
18 Aug 2016
I have been taking demograss pills to help with the issue.
Pefire48
18 Aug 2016
I too am having severe constipation while on Contrave. It's not healthy not releasing your bowls. I will stop taking it and get my digestive system back on track!
Springchicken30
10 May 2016
Yes, I too have had SEVERE constipation with Contrave. (Think I will give myself a stroke, hemorrhoids, or leaky bowel trying to pass rock hard stools!) still taking it, but take two stool softeners in a.m. And again in p.m. AND a Dulcolax pill once a day which helps, but doesn't resolve problem, just severity. Will start taking softeners 3x/day to see if that helps. Haven't seen any real weight loss with Contrave, but until I see my Dr. Again, I don't want to just quit since I had to work up to the full dose, I might have to work down the doses to quit?
Gwixy
21 June 2016
I have the same problem. I have actually gained four pounds and have not gone to the bathroom without a suppository since I started taking Contrave. I don't want to quit, but this cannot be healthy.
CSDS
15 Aug 2016
I am having the same problem with constipation. It is a big problem for me, because I was so regular, every day 2x a day. Missing one day is very uncomfortable for me. I have tried drinking more water, eating fiber, prunes, and taking stool softeners. I do not want to stop the Contrave. It's the only thing I have found that really works for me. I was loosing almost every day. Since the constipation I am not losing and today I had gained a couple of pounds. I am suppose to be on 2 in the morning now, but am very concern because of this problem. I need for this to work, or there will probably be surgery, and I don't want to have to do that!
Fatgirl16
30 Jan 2016
I'm on my fourth week of Contrave. I have tried Miralax & stool softeners but nothing has helped. I'm frustrated because I don't want to have to stop taking Contrave. Any suggestions?
kjt2
6 Sep 2015
I find taking Align every night helps me
cheryjohnson
6 Sep 2015
I had the same issue and a friend recommended cascara sagrada found on line and at the health food store. Natural plan based laxative without all the OTC junk.
Tamara79
8 July 2015
I too am having severe constipation. It is the only problem that I'm having with Contrave. The first two weeks I was having abnormal dreams but they faded around the second week.
The constipation got so bad that I had terrible stomach cramps and stool softeners aren't helping. I had to take a suppository. I saw in a previous post that someone else found relief worth Miralax. I'm willing to try anything at this point, I really don't want to stop taking Contrave because its actually working!
mina3036
10 July 2015
this is my six week on contrave 2 in the am and 2 at night. The constipation is horrible. I started Miralax at night. I also put benefiber in a bottle of water and drink that throughout the day.. The problem is I gained 2 lbs... go figure... I was losing every day, then the constipation set in and nothing.. I dont know what to do. I am not as hungry as I use to be. but still.
suebeth
30 Jan 2015
Miralax. I mix a capful with water every morning and drink. Works like a charm!
goatfarmgirl
20 Jan 2015
I have been taking contrave for 6 weeks. 4 weeks into taking it I noticed a big difference in my bowel movements. I have never had an issue with constipation, and went at least once a day. Yet, during week 4 I noticed that I wasn't going to the restroom as frequently as I had been. By the end of the week I realized that I was constipated. I too drink lots of water and eat plenty of fiber (I track it with my fitness app)I have tried dissolving fiber in my drinks, eating prunes, adding flax seed to my smoothies and last night tried Dulcolax but the problem does not seem to be going away in its entirety. Tonight I will be trying a candlenut that my mom got for me in Mexico. The candlenut requires that you drink a lot of extra water and eat extra potassium. I will continue to try different things and get back to you if anything works.
Gina197880
19 Jan 2015
I too am having the constipation issue. Been taking Contrave 8 weeks. I have begun taking gentle laxative. It was my only answer. The stool softner prescribed by my doctor did not effect it. I have been looking for weeks to find someone who is having this problem.
Jules6775
22 June 2015
I have been on Contrave for almost 6 weeks & am having severe constipation. I have tried almost every thing & can't get any relief. I have lost 18 lbs & don't want to quit taking the meds but I am so bloated & uncomfortable. I am sorry that others are experiencing this as well but I am glad I am not the only one.
mchargstl
16 Sep 2015
Ditto on the SEVERE constipation issues after about 6 weeks on Contrave. I always thought if I found a diet drug that worked, I didn't care WHAT the complications were. But after losing 20 pounds on Contrave in about 6 weeks, the constipation pain got so severe, I couldn't take it and stopped the Contrave. I had tried a daily stool softener and lots of water, without much relief. I know 2 suggestions were Miralax and Align. I'd like to hear from someone who has ABSOLUTELY resolved their severe constipation issues so I can do what they're doing and start up on the Contrave again. But not willing to do so until I am totally confident I can control the constipation. ANY SUCCESSES OUT THERE?!
CSDS
27 Aug 2016
I was so excited I had found something that truly worked. I lost 9 pounds in about two weeks. I looked forward to stepping on the scales every morning. After week 3 weeks I started with the consipation. I have always gone very day most times twice. Missing a day makes me very uncomfortable. I started trying more fiber, lots of water, and stool softeners. It helped only a little. I kept trying different things, because I do not want to have to stop the Contrave. I have gotten to 2 in the morning and 2 late in the day. I have lost 14 pounds since Sept. 26. I have been fighting with 2 pounds the last two weeks. I lose them and then gain them back. What works for me with the constipation is two doses of Miralax or Benifiber a day, along with two stool softeners, high fiber diet and a lot of water. I hope this will help, because this problem can make you really miserable.
Nabitha
26 April 2017
Hi. I am very constipated. I have never been constipated in my life except when I took narcotics post surgery. The side effect was so immediate and pretty severe. I have been afraid to take more than one Contrave pill a day. I also have serious dry mouth starting 30 minutes after taking it but only lasting about 90 minutes. My real question is: Does the side effect of constipation get worse when you take the drug more than once a day? Thanks for your help.
bailey9573
1 May 2017
It is my third week on contrave and my body is prone to being constipated so I was concerned when learning about the side effect and sure enough week 3 the constipation has gotten worse I have taken Miralax and it has worked very well however I have received very very intense sharp pains after taking the Miralax so it will relieve the constipation however you may be doubled over in pain . I have taken Miralax in the past for constipation and it has never affected me this way so I am assuming in combination with the drug it's not a good mix but yes it does relieve your constipation and may not affect you the same way it has me it's worth giving it a try.
Skinniergirl
14 April 2018
I have been on contrave for 10 months and have lost 50 lbs. now at 153. I take 2 colace with every 2 contrave twice a day. This has really helped. I still only "go" every 3 days and wish it were a little more frequent, but I can live with this. Good luck to you all. This has been a fantastic drug for me!
carben
14 Jan 2015
I had bad constipation and my doctor offered me a stool softener. I declined hoping that it would "resolve itself." While I still don't "go" every day, I am much better and go approx every 3 days. (I have been on Contrave for 11 weeks.)
chuck1957
14 Jan 2015
COHgirl this is a very low chance of constipation for this medication if i were you I would call the doctor office let them know your having this problem and can you take a stool softener like generic colace ,,, or senna both are real good and don't have a laxitive effect you must be extra sensitive my friend being your fiber diet because you have to take this medication as directed or it is not going to do what the doctor wants it too give dr a call..before you start what i put down please Good luck friend chuck1957
chuck1957
14 Jan 2015
COHgirl in most cases there would be no reason the system would remove your question that might have been when they were doing some updates please feel free to check and see if its on there and if not repost it our people are really good about answering so it may not have shown up..Please feel free to use us anytime that should not have happened im sorry you did not get a answer... ok call the doctor chuck1957
chuck1957
14 Jan 2015
Last time sorry just looked it up on our site here and it says the same as i did pretty much here is a copy and paste Cohgirl from our web site right here its more common then you put chuck1957
Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; dry mouth; headache; nausea; trouble sleeping; vomiting.
elzand
16 Feb 2015
Yes! I am 3 weeks into this medication as well and having BAD constipation! I have been using Swiss Kriss, a natural laxative to no avail. It is so painful that I don't know if I can continue on this medication... Please let me know what has worked for you so I don't have to go off of it. THank you!
cheryjohnson
6 Sep 2015
Same problem here. If you want natural relief you can use cascara sagrada found on line or at health food stores. Plant based and works very well.
slhb
13 June 2018
Horrible constipation. I tried extra fiber and stool softener to no avail. I wasn't losing weight and was miserable. I followed the directions to a T and I always drink tons of water. I had to quit taking it which disappointed me. I would love if someone had a solution.
Related topics
Further information
- Contrave uses and safety info
- Contrave prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Contrave (detailed)
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