Contrave and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Bbc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 22, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I really thought this medicine would help. And it did, at first. But the more I upped my dose, the worse my mental health became. It ended with me having a psychotic break and vowing to never touch it again. I don't care if I stay overweight my whole life if it means never going through those side effects again. I was aggressive, angry, tense, irritable, and yet somehow depressed and anxious too. I must add I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, depressive episodes, and panic disorder...so if you have any of those things, be very, VERY careful. If the side effects weren't so awful for me, though, I probably would have stayed on it. Lost 5 lbs the first month. But it's not worth your sanity."

• Mis...
• July 27, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started out taking one pill a day. Appetite was suppressed, and mood was better. Week two, I started getting hot flashes and then cold sweats occasionally, a little jittery. Was able to make healthy food choices. Walked on the treadmill 30 minutes a day. The third week, when I went up to two in the morning and one at night, I thought I was going to die. I have never had such violent vomiting. (And I’ve had gallstones.) I was vomiting blood, dizzy, couldn’t keep anything down. Diarrhea. Horrible headache. I thought I had food poisoning. Tonight, even though I went back down to one pill twice a day, I am having severe depression, self-loathing. Smelled cigarette smoke all day and couldn’t figure out where it was coming from. It’s 3 am, and I can’t sleep. The only weight I have lost is the two pounds I lost from vomiting all day. This is crazy. I don’t really know where to go from here. I’m afraid to quit cold turkey."

• Gra...
• May 31, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm a 65-year-old woman, 5'9", and I weighed 193 lb, with very high cholesterol, when I started Contrave about a month ago. My goal weight is 160 lb. So far, I have lost about 12 lbs. Contrave has been very helpful in controlling my cravings for treats. It has been easy to stick with healthy foods, such as salads, yogurt, etc. I am only taking 3 tabs a day. When I took the full 4 a day, it made me a bit jittery. I found when I took 4, it also made my ears ring. So I take one first thing in the am, one at around 11 am, then one at 3:30 pm. This minimizes the side effects. When I eat dinner, halfway through, I suddenly get nauseous, so it makes me literally stop eating. I take this as a sign that I have had enough to eat. Then I really have no interest in eating anything else later, where normally I'd be looking for ice cream. I would recommend trying Contrave... I'm really glad I'm doing this as it is helping me a lot."

• NCa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've read the reviews on Contrave and decided to try it for myself. On day 1, I took my pill at 9 a.m. I felt fine until 5 p.m. It hit me out of nowhere: major headache, jittery, and I was so sick to my stomach. I know everyone reacts differently, but I should have listened to the reviews. I was so sick on day 1 there wasn't a day 2."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 13, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am on day 3 of the ramp-up, 1x2 daily. I cannot sleep, my head is fuzzy. Is it lack of sleep or the medicine? A bit jittery, but I am not hungry."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 4, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’m on day 5 now of taking one pill, and I just cannot tolerate this medication. I feel high as a kite and awful: very anxious, highly medicated, as if I’m on speed, extremely tense, and disoriented. Yes, my appetite is well under control, but I feel barely human at this point. I feel like I’ve been hit with a ton of bricks."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 4, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’m on day 5 now of taking one pill, and I just cannot tolerate this medication. I feel high as a kite and awful: very anxious, highly medicated, as if I’m on speed, extremely tense, and disoriented. Yes, my appetite is well under control, but I feel barely human at this point. I feel like I’ve been hit with a ton of bricks."

• CMa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 4, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was excited to try Contrave, understanding it's a combination of two drugs that could help with depression and weight loss. The first day I took one pill and felt anxiety, sweating, and like I was going to explode. Thought maybe it was just because of the first day. Second day, again one pill and had the same symptoms as the first day, plus it made me feel sick and insecure. Had these side effects for five additional days even though I stopped after pill 2. I want a refund. They should at minimum offer a trial of 10 pills instead of making us buy over $100 worth and have them go to waste."

• Ker...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 30, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I took Contrave for four weeks. Once I progressed to two pills a day, it began to give me headaches and the worst dizzy spells ever. I never felt any appetite changes and honestly began to have anxiety issues. I had problems sleeping at night as well. I paid a lot of money for this medicine, and it makes me sad that I couldn't take it."

• Jac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 6, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "So I have been taking these for 1 and a half months, 4 pills a day. The Good: I have to force myself to eat or I can go all day without eating. I have lost 20 lbs. Contrave has helped curb my alcohol addiction, which is helping with the weight loss. I have no trouble sleeping. The Bad: I've had to throw up a couple of times. I've had a few tummy aches, a little constipation, I have had a few headaches, but nothing too bad. Once I went up to 4 pills a day, I've noticed that I am a little jittery, more depressed, anxious, and for the last few days my chest has been hurting and I got a couple of sharp pains in my heart. So I'm dropping down to 3 pills a day. I don't want to stop taking the pills because they do work. If I don't feel any better, I will drop to 2 pills a day. I feel like I'm dehydrated all day! But this has made me have to drink a lot more water, which is also helping with the weight loss. I am really happy that I'm sleeping well during the night, I do get tired still during the day and have been taking naps."

• Jac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 6, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "So I have been taking these for 1 and a half months, 4 pills a day. The Good: I have to force myself to eat or I can go all day without eating. I have lost 20 lbs. Contrave has helped curb my alcohol addiction, which is helping with the weight loss. I have no trouble sleeping. The Bad: I've had to throw up a couple of times. I've had a few tummy aches, a little constipation, I have had a few headaches, but nothing too bad. Once I went up to 4 pills a day, I've noticed that I am a little jittery, more depressed, anxious, and for the last few days my chest has been hurting and I got a couple of sharp pains in my heart. So I'm dropping down to 3 pills a day. I don't want to stop taking the pills because they do work. If I don't feel any better, I will drop to 2 pills a day. I feel like I'm dehydrated all day! But this has made me have to drink a lot more water, which is also helping with the weight loss. I am really happy that I'm sleeping well during the night, I do get tired still during the day and have been taking naps."

• Mys...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "After 2 weeks on Contrave, I noticed increased anxiety, aggression, nausea, and libido. After 28 days on Contrave, anxiety and aggression are not so intense, but I now have major insomnia and still no noticeable decrease in appetite. Also not sure if related, but worth mentioning. I have been off my Valtrex for over 1 year with no flare-up, but now I have to start taking it again because my herpes has returned and the vaginal wart is much more sensitive and has gotten larger. My opinion is that something in Contrave that woke up my libido also woke up the herpes and wart."

• Bus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 2, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Been on for 3 weeks. Feel just awful... constant headache, sleepy all the time but terrible sleeping, fatigue. I am now experiencing anxiety and irritability. I have lost my cravings, though. No weight loss to date. Just the same 5 lbs I've been playing with for the last year. I think I am going to stop as I do not like how I feel."

• rel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 10, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Contrave Jan. 16th, 2018. I had gone to the doctor for my yearly physical, and my blood pressure was sky-high. I'm a 28-year-old female, 5'2", and my starting weight was 277 lbs. The first couple of days taking it, I was nauseous and had a headache, but that went away. I'm at the full dose now, 4 and 4. I'm down to 260 lbs, so I've lost 17 lbs in 3 weeks. I have to remind myself to eat. The problem is, at this full dose, I am so anxious, I'm having hot flashes, I'm dizzy, and my head is fogged. I really hope this passes because, although the weight loss is great, the side effects really, really suck."

• Lul...
• January 4, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have only been on one week. I feel completely altered mentally. I feel anxious and jittery. I have a constant headache and feel fatigued. I naturally am full of energy and happy. I cannot wait for this to be out of my system."

• Lul...
• January 4, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have only been on one week. I feel completely altered mentally. I feel anxious and jittery. I have a constant headache and feel fatigued. I naturally am full of energy and happy. I cannot wait for this to be out of my system."

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Contrave mid-Nov 2017. I have some minor side effects on the days I upped the dose, as expected. I’ve been on the maintenance dose for about 3 weeks. I’ve been so happy and excited; I’ve lost 10 pounds and feeling great. Well, 8 days ago I started getting severe headaches, nausea, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, serious brain fog, etc. etc. I called my NP today, and she definitely thinks it’s the Contrave. I haven’t taken any today, and guess what?! No headache and nausea; go figure. I feel so defeated! I’d finally found something that helped encourage weight loss, and OF COURSE I can’t take it anymore. Beware that you can feel normal for WEEKS before experiencing debilitating side effects."

• Drg...
• November 28, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking it about a month ago, very similar experience to many on this thread: nausea, weird dreams, anxious. Developed an abscessed tooth. Had to stop taking it because the antibiotic intensified the nausea. Have lost about 6 pounds, have less appetite, but not sure I will continue because of the nausea and anxiety. I thought the Wellbutrin was a mood elevator, I haven’t experienced that at all."

• jab...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am going to start taking Contrave today! I'm very nervous after reading all the side effects, but I've taken phentermine before to lose weight, and I survived that! I have been working out for the past 3 months with no results and went to the doctor, and he prescribed me this medicine (mind you! I went there for my thyroid....) Anyway, we shall see! I am really hoping it works, but I know I have to do a bit from my end too! As of today, I am a 28-year-old female, 188 lbs, and 5 ft 3 in."

• Jul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 6, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a 38-year-old female with PCOS. Having PCOS has always made losing weight difficult but doable. However, since my last pregnancy with twins, it has been 10x harder. My starting weight is 198.8 as of this morning before breakfast. I am 5'5'' tall. My doctor has me taking one pill once a day for week 1, one pill twice a day week 2, three pills daily-2 morning, 1 night for week 3, and 4 pills daily as 2 morning, 2 night for week 4. I don't take any other medication. I took my first pill this morning after eating breakfast. A couple of minor stomach cramps and a little jittery (getting close to my normal lunchtime), but no other side effects as of now. I will check back in weekly with updates."

• Bam...
• September 1, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Today was day 1 on Contrave and will also be my last day. I have felt all out of sorts today. Shaky, nauseated, and now I feel like I'm having an anxiety attack at 9:00 pm. It's going to be a long night. I will stick to doing low carb. I can't wait to get this stuff out of my system. What an absolute waste of $99.00."

• Glo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started at 243 lb, I am down to 226 lb. Started about 5 weeks ago. So I was finally on 4 pills a day until the 5th week, but I had two days of extreme stomach ache. I came down to 3 pills, 2 in the morning and 1 at night. The weight has steadily declined about 2 to 3 pounds a week. Truly glad I started the medication. I have had some of the side effects. The nausea, I use peppermint or gum to overcome. Constipation and dry mouth, I drink more water. I do get a jittery feeling, but it does go away. No issues with sleep. Take B12 pills for energy. So far, so good. But I am glad it is working. It was $227 under insurance, but the coupon dropped it down to $99."

• She...
• August 17, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am 59 and about 40 pounds overweight. On Contrave 1 week. I hated the way I felt the first 3-4 days - lightheaded, couldn't sleep (interesting, others felt sleepy) and at times felt jittery. Also had a few hot flashes. I pushed through it and still not sleeping well and some nausea at day 7. I can tell it takes my mind off mindless eating and grazing but still pretty much able to eat a good meal. I did lose 2 pounds in the 1st week, so that is good! I am trying to decide whether to just stay on the 1-a-day pill vs. stepping up to a second pill a day. Not sure if side effects will increase and if it will be worth it."

• bad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This drug was prescribed by a doctor to me to help me with weight loss. Following the instructions to take the medication was, to say the least, a problem. I had to get one of those pill boxes to make sure I did it exactly right. About the third week, I was not feeling very well, and I had not lost any weight to speak of. However, I was feeling agitated and sleepy during the day due to anxiety when I would try to sleep. My doctor didn't help me with this medicine and never talked to me about side effects. I asked for some help with my weight during a yearly check-up, and she gave me this prescription and said to come back in 3 months. This medicine's cost is very high. I came off of the medicine the same way I started taking it, lowering my dose slowly."

• Kic...
• June 21, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have only been on it ten days and have not reached full dosages, but I do not notice any decrease in wanting to eat my binge foods. I am committed to trying this for a month or two. I have now been on Contrave two weeks. I did not notice a difference in cravings or appetite until I began taking two pills in the a.m. and one at night three days ago. The only side effect is I get a bit anxious and worry it might turn into a panic attack. This doesn't last long, but I am considering stopping because of it... But I am finally neutral to food, just eating to live and healthy food choices and smaller portions. I don't want those sugar and flour cravings to come back, as I am the heaviest I've ever been. I am 58 next month."