Contrave and Anxiety: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 19, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I took it for 6 weeks while going to the gym and eating well. But I slowly developed severe depression and anxiety, and tingling and a burning sensation all over my body. Worst of all, I didn't lose even 1 kg. For some of us, it is a waste of money for the discomfort you may experience."

• Tia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 24, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am starting my fifth week on Contrave and have only lost 4 pounds. I only take 3 pills a day because I wanted to give myself time to get used to the dosage. I have some dizziness and feeling jittery, but the worst side effect is abdominal pain and low blood sugar. If I don’t eat small meals every few hours, I feel like I’m going to pass out. Have others had these side effects? I tried Ozempic and it worked better on curbing my appetite and cravings, but the side effects were so terrible that my doctor wouldn’t renew my prescription. Contrave will cost me about $340 Canadian, so if I don’t see results soon, I’ll have to quit."

• Gee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 30, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Day 1, took with breakfast and literally almost called 911. I had an overwhelming sense of paranoia, extreme anxiety, and trouble breathing, but maybe due to the anxiety. Felt nauseous and a floaty feeling. Nope, not for me."

• Cas...
• June 18, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am 5'3 at 167 lbs. I started on June 2, 2021. I kept stepping on the scale. Now on my 2nd week taking 2 pills a day. Just stepped on the scale and I am 2 lbs down. I have been feeling full on just eating smaller portions or snacks. Still want a few cookies though, lol. Now I haven’t changed my diet either, I’ve slowed down on junk but no major changes. I will finish a full 6 weeks, consistency is key, right? Hopefully I can drop another 18 lbs. Update 6/17/21. I am now on 3 pills and my first day was super harsh. I did great in the morning but the evening pill came with side effects. I felt super weak, hot, jittery, and I threw up. I have had chest pains a few times, which didn’t last long. This evening wasn’t as bad, just a little nausea. Anyways, I am now 161 lbs at the beginning of the 3rd week, 6 lbs lost. I started working out and am on my 3rd week as of yesterday. At-home workouts, nothing major. Will update again."

• Zac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 1, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Bottom line: worst side effects I’ve ever experienced with any medication - with amnesia, short-term memory loss, sleepiness (falling asleep during the day) - insomnia, gas, bloating, constipation, headaches, fogginess, anxiety, nausea, and dry mouth. I only lost 3 lbs in 3 weeks - Also warning: They put you on autoship automatically, so even if you stop this medication on your own, they will charge another $99 to your credit card."

• Pau...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 6, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have had weight issues my entire life. But my addiction to craving carbs and sweets got worse when I quit smoking. I've tried most diets, not any with prepared meals. I've tried Contrave now for the second time and am discontinuing it again. The side effects make it intolerable. The second day I started feeling jittery and started with muscle tightness in my neck and shoulders. It got so bad I wasn't sleeping and was very uncomfortable laying down or sitting up. I have now been off of it for two days, and the side effects are starting to diminish. I did lose 11 pounds in the 4 weeks I took the drug, but it's not worth the interruption in my life. I am going to work very hard to stay focused on healthy eating."

• ABa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 18, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Horrible anxiety on day 2 of Contrave. I can't sleep, face very flushed, heart palpitations, and actually increased appetite - I'd rather be overweight than feel like this!! Don't do it, read these comments and avoid this horrible product."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 27, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Wanted Contrave to work to help my tendency to overeat. Each time I take a full pill, I have terrible anxiety attacks. It's also not really working as far as losing any weight. I have been taking it for at least 6 months and am going to discontinue it. Other side effects include constipation, irritability, and a general sense of nervousness. I was already on Wellbutrin, and my doctor wrote a Naltrexone script separately, which was very cost effective!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 27, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Wanted Contrave to work to help my tendency to overeat. Each time I take a full pill, I have terrible anxiety attacks. It's also not really working as far as losing any weight. I have been taking it for at least 6 months and am going to discontinue it. Other side effects include constipation, irritability, and a general sense of nervousness. I was already on Wellbutrin, and my doctor wrote a Naltrexone script separately, which was very cost effective!"

• TMa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 3, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I took Contrave for 3 weeks, and it made me shaky and was always dizzy. I had to come off it as I had a bad experience and now suffer from anxiety and constant dizzy spells. This drug is not healthy."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 9, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been a heavy drinker and an overeater for 20 years. I've started at 102 kg, 187 cm, Type 2 diabetes and am on my 1st week of pills. One per day. A little bit anxious, and some weird dreams, but nothing bad. A small amount of nausea. Will post every couple of weeks and let you know what's happening. Cost in Australia is $340 prescription, which should last a month. A high cost, but if I eat and drink less, probably worth it."

• Sas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am in week 5 and have lost 10 pounds, and people are noticing. I started at 245 and am now 235 lb. I have always been overweight but have led a healthy lifestyle and am quite fit and muscular, but my weight kept creeping up, and I could not lose no matter what. I have consistently lost 2 pounds a week so far, which is record-breaking for me. I seem unable to overeat even on vacation! I cannot drink more than one glass of wine, and it doesn't even taste good. I have no cravings for sweets, and when I taste them, I think, meh, not worth the calories. Obviously, it has rewired my reward system and satiety signals. As far as side effects, yes, at first, I was jittery with a strange lightheaded headache, but it was pretty mild. I often have a dry mouth, so I'm drinking more water. I think it does cause constipation, but I've always been on the loose side, so my bowel movements have normalized. So far so good - I'm curious to see how it works now that I'm on the full dose."

• Mar...
• August 28, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Just wanted to give you my experience so far. I started Contrave on 08/08/2019. I am up to 3 pills a day, and I have a few more days left before I go up to the max. I have noticed a huge difference in my cravings for sweets. I haven’t really had any side effects other than feeling a little jittery and having more energy, along with a suppressed appetite. I haven’t gotten on the scale yet, but I can tell my clothes are looser. I will update when I weigh in after the 30 days. Good luck to all."

• Sio...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 24, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I just began week 5 of Contrave to help me lose weight. The first 3 or 4 weeks seemed OK, but suddenly in the last few days, I feel extremely worried, anxious, and a bit dark- not suicidal, but not right. I have also noticed that my knees are extremely shaky when I'm walking down steps- not up them, just down. I don't know if it's related to the Contrave or just coincidental. I'm in good physical shape, so it seems strange. Even though I am down 12 lbs, I took my last dose this morning. I am quitting immediately. I typically tolerate medications very well, and this is just not right. It was worth a try!"

• Sio...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 24, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I just began week 5 of Contrave to help me lose weight. The first 3 or 4 weeks seemed OK, but suddenly in the last few days, I feel extremely worried, anxious, and a bit dark- not suicidal, but not right. I have also noticed that my knees are extremely shaky when I'm walking down steps- not up them, just down. I don't know if it's related to the Contrave or just coincidental. I'm in good physical shape, so it seems strange. Even though I am down 12 lbs, I took my last dose this morning. I am quitting immediately. I typically tolerate medications very well, and this is just not right. It was worth a try!"

• Dol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave 5 days ago and have lost 5 lbs already! I’m excited to see how much weight I will lose on this! Side effects: I felt a little jittery; however, I think this could be from not eating very much. I notice once I eat something, this goes away. Feel slightly ‘out of it’, for instance I can ask someone something and they tell me, and I won’t remember a second later what they said. Very difficult getting to sleep and staying asleep the first couple of days, but it has been getting better by the day. I am nervous about increasing the dose and not being able to sleep again. Increased energy, mild constipation, mild dry mouth. Zero cravings for anything. It makes it really easy to eat clean, avoid carbs, and sugar. I’m not hungry at all. For the first time in my life, I don’t feel like I’m obsessing over food like an addict. I don’t even think about it. When I do eat, I get full really fast."

• Sun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 19, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking Contrave for 6 weeks and have lost 16 pounds. For reference, I am 5’4” and weighed 165 lbs. This morning I weighed 149 lbs. Dry mouth and constipation are the only side effects I have now. I will get a headache if I miss a dose (I take 2 pills in AM and 2 in PM). I have to say this medication really works. It doesn’t kill my appetite, but no more binges or overeating. I have total control over my appetite now. Fast food was a big problem for me, but now I don’t really want it. Same with my favorite foods like carbs and pizza — one slice and I’m satisfied. This has really helped me lose weight without suffering through a strict dieting. I found tapering up my dosage over 4 weeks as recommended by the manufacturer really helped with the side effects. For me, the immediate side effects (foggy brain, headache, tiredness, anxiety) went away within a few days of increasing my dosage."

• AJa...
• February 14, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Week 3, heart racing, dry mouth, nervous. I decided to stop the meds."

• BBa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 11, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was rushed to the emergency room after taking Contrave. I experienced heart palpitations, anxiousness, nervousness, mild stomach cramps, and nausea. I was so sick I had to crawl to the door to have a neighbor take me to the hospital. This was not for me and hope that others don’t experience this reaction. I have never been this ill. I was administered medicine for nausea and given a shot that made me sleep drowsy."

• BBa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 11, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was rushed to the emergency room after taking Contrave. I experienced heart palpitations, anxiousness, nervousness, mild stomach cramps, and nausea. I was so sick I had to crawl to the door to have a neighbor take me to the hospital. This was not for me and hope that others don’t experience this reaction. I have never been this ill. I was administered medicine for nausea and given a shot that made me sleep drowsy."

• Dem...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 10, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am in the emergency room right now from taking this medicine. I had a reaction to it. I am experiencing nausea, stomach ache, jitters, feeling of anxiousness. I regurgitated and my hands were shaking. Think twice before taking."

• Flo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 24, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was hopeful this would help kickstart weight loss. I followed the directed usage by increasing one pill a week. I was nauseated, fuzzy/foggy, had frequent headaches, jittery, and insomnia from the start. By the time I got to two pills in the morning and two at night, I was holding a trash can all morning because I thought I was going to vomit. I wasn’t losing weight, and it didn’t seem to decrease my appetite. My symptoms just increased with the dosage. I hope it helps others, but I could not continue like this."

• soc...
• September 4, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a 52-year-old female, 5'7", 175 lbs. Ideal weight 135 lbs. 2 years ago, 148 lbs, but it took 4 hours a day in the gym, 6 days a week. Started Contrave 3 weeks ago at 175 lbs. Week 1: horrible taste, very spaced out, up and down sleep. No weight loss. Week 2: bad taste, nose plugged up, making breathing difficult. extreme spaced out, no sleep, increased energy. 2 lbs weight loss. Week 3: I could only follow this dose for 2 days. My nose was better, taste still off, can't sleep, so anxious that I thought I could crawl out of my skin (not kidding). I couldn't even drive to work without feeling like I needed to get out of the car. On the 3rd day of week 3, I went back to 1 pill in the morning and 1 pill in the evening. I'm staying there until my doctor's appointment. This drug is no joke! I wish I could continue the way prescribed. I will update after speaking with my doctor. Good luck to anyone trying this, hope you have a better experience."

• Sus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 4, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I felt off balance, sweaty, nervous, ill or sick to my stomach, and it did nothing to get my eating under control or my cravings. I wasted a lot of money for nothing. Grrr. I do not believe now that there is a medication that can help you lose weight. Pull your will out of the closet and count calories, that is free. I am having trouble with my will right now, but I will have to somehow do it if I want to get my weight under control again. Age makes it harder, but Contrave is not the answer, and I do not believe it can be good for you by the way it makes you feel. I took it for 6 weeks and felt bad the whole time."

• 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."