Contrave and Constipation: What Users Say (Page 2)

• For...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 11, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave in January of 2018 and have lost 50 pounds (185 lb to 135 lb). It has changed my life, and I look good and feel good. I did not have any side effects other than constipation and a bad taste in my mouth. I really didn't follow the recommended dose at the beginning. I was taking four a day by the second week since I was not experiencing any major side effects. I did have a little brain fog off and on during the first month, but I was determined to see this through. The first 4-6 weeks, it really helped me avoid sweets and pop. I try to take the pills around 8 am and 4 pm. I've gone from a tight size 14 to a size 6. Don't give up, and don't obsess over your weight at the beginning."

• kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 26, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on this medication since 3/12/15. I've lost 25 pounds. I am on a lower carb diet (only fruits and veggies - no grains). I feel great. I've stopped binge eating. You can't have high-fat foods on this medication or you will get sick. Stick with lean protein, fruits, and vegetables. I've stopped craving snack foods or fast foods. I walk 4 miles a day. This isn't a magic pill, you still have to put in the work. I do have trouble with constipation, so I upped my water intake to ten glasses a day and take Miralax once a day. I'm sleeping better. The first two months, I slept awfully. It could have been sugar withdrawal."

• Fin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 27, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking Contrave for 6 weeks. I have lost 18 pounds (186 to 168) and have been extremely pleased with the results! The initial side effects of nausea, constipation, and headaches have all gone away! If you are just starting, stick with it. Give it a week. I am taking the full dose now, and the sugar cravings are gone. I am using my Fitbit to log my intake and set up challenges with friends to encourage exercise. I hope to lose 20 more pounds using this medication. I have tried phentermine and had a terrible time with sleep. I have not found Contrave to affect my sleep. It relaxes me enough, and the exercise has helped. I have dry mouth, but I can live with that!"

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 22, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave on January 20, 2017, weighing 216 pounds. The side effect I have experienced is constipation. My weight today, May 21, 2017, is 178 pounds. Contrave has helped me kick my habit of eating late at night. Also, if I have a craving for junk food during the day, I can tell myself no and really mean no. I have been writing down everything I have been eating using an app called MyFitnessPal. This app helps me keep up with my nutrients by breaking down my food intake by carbohydrates, fat, and protein. This app also breaks down the fat into saturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, monounsaturated fat, and trans fat. With Contrave and MyFitnessPal, I hope to lose more weight to reach my goal of 150 pounds."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 12, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have lost 40 pounds in 6 months using a combination of Contrave, walking 2 miles 5 days a week, and increasing water intake. Contrave gave me the power to better control my food choices and the amount I was consuming. I have had almost no side effects (slight headaches, though not abnormal for me, and mild constipation). I would recommend it."

• LWa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 15, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a 63 y/o female, 5'4", weight 185. I started on Contrave 4 weeks ago and have had increasing side effects with nausea, dizziness, ear ringing, insomnia, constipation, and hot flashes. I thought I could tough it out and it would get better, but as I went to 4 pills a day, I couldn't stand it anymore and stopped. It's not worth feeling like this (and paying so much to feel terrible too)! There is no way to exercise either with the side effects. It did decrease my appetite substantially and did away with cravings. I lost 3-5 pounds in that time, but I would rather stay heavy than feel like this."

• Los...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 20, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave, recommended by my specialist, as I am 48 and have high blood pressure, and after all the tests, it is most likely from being overweight. My specialist is quite confident that my BP will lower if I lose weight. I have now been on Contrave for 6 weeks, and I have lost 23 lbs. I have changed my eating habits to more healthy choices and portions, and healthy snacks if I want one. I find that I do not need as much food, and I do not miss the junk food and have no cravings. I did have some nausea when I went up to the 4 pills a day for about a week and took a children's gravol to get me through. I also still have the constipation, which I am taking a stool softener for help. It is a little pricey even with the discount from Contrave, and wish it was more affordable, but it is working, and to me, it is worth it not only to feel better about myself but to help with my health as well."

• Wor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 17, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Contrave for right at one month. The first week and a half, I experienced extreme dry mouth, but easily fixed by drinking lots of water. After the first week, I also started with constipation. Colace rectified the problem, but working with the doctor for a better solution. Around the third week, I started experiencing mild headaches. Mild as in I knew it was there, but it didn't interfere with my day. I'm feeling great! My appetite has decreased significantly, and the joy I get from eating (which is what caused the problem in the first place) has diminished. I have the energy to get up and move throughout the day. I've lost 10 pounds, most of which came off the last week. Hoping that means it will start coming off quickly."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave in June 2017 with a weight of 319 lbs. As of August 19, I'm down to 283 lbs. I have had nothing but success with this medicine. As far as side effects go, the only thing was constipation and mild hot flashes. I would and have recommended this medicine."

• Tra...
• April 19, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started this medicine five weeks ago, and I'm down 22 lbs. Some jitters, some insomnia, some constipation, but not enough to stop the meds. I've always been an emotional eater, and with this medicine, I don't even think about eating, and I have no desire to snack. This medicine absolutely addresses my food addiction."

• Ann...
• August 21, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My provider started me on Contrave... slowly. I started at 1 pill daily for 1 week, 1 pill twice a day for 1 week, 2 pills in the morning and 1 in the evening for 1 week, then 2 pills twice a day, and I've been okay. My moods are so much better than they were. I don't crave the pizza, ice cream, and junk food in general. I eat fruit or veggies to snack on for most of the day - which helps if there is any constipation. I try to eat a healthier dinner but have what I want when I want it... just in moderation. As of this morning, I am down 46 lbs. I started Contrave in April. If I were more aggressive, I feel that I would be down more, but I'm not depriving myself. I'm just making better choices more frequently."

• JoM...
• June 3, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Contrave since Jan. 15. The side effects can be horrible the first 2 weeks as your body adjusts to the meds. It does get better and it is so worth pushing through them. Bonine is awesome for the nausea, extra-strength Excedrin Migraine works wonders for the headaches, and Phillips products are the best cramp-free choice for constipation. I am down 35 pounds and 5 pounds away from my goal weight. Contrave has stopped me from binge eating and it gives me the strength to turn down junk food without feeling deprived. I know I am responsible for me and the choices I make, Contrave is just a tool to help me. Contrave doesn't curb my appetite but it gives me resolve to make better choices. I can't do it without Contrave!"

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Contrave for 6 weeks, and I'm down 17 pounds. The only side effect I'm still having is constipation. If you are looking for a medication to reduce cravings, I highly recommend Contrave. You still have to put the work in. I'm a yogi, so I still do my daily yoga practice, but I've also cut my calories down to 1,200 a day, and I'm able to stay within that range without being hungry - I attribute that to the Contrave because, without the Contrave, there's no way I would be able to just handle 1,200 calories. I've tried to eat this amount before, and it never worked for me, but the Contrave is keeping me within my calorie range. I love hearing success stories, so please do share."

• Cru...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 18, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a 49-year-old female. I started Contrave in October 2016. I started this drug at 226 lbs, I'm 5'6". To date, I have lost 31 pounds with minimal exercise. The first 4 weeks were rough: dizziness, feeling foggy, sleepless nights, when I did sleep, I had crazy dreams, constipation, dry mouth. But at about week 5, the side effects seemed to diminish. I still have a dry mouth, which makes me drink lots of water, but the other side effects are gone. This drug has really reduced my cravings. I LOVE sweets, but I now find I can pass on them. I also love wine, and I find I can just drink a small glass or nothing at all. I fill up very quickly when I eat a meal. I have tried other weight loss drugs, this is the only one that has worked for me."

• Coa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 31, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I began taking Contrave nine months ago. I started out at 350 lbs and am now down to 232 lbs. I seem to have hit a plateau at about 230 lbs. I am an older guy, and Contrave does seem to cause me to be constipated more often. I am completely satisfied with the product, and it has helped me immensely."

• 6ft...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "After 1st week, lost about 4 lbs. Only side effect is constipation. MOM helps. Didn't increase dosage as prescribed, still take 1 per day. If I eat carbs, my appetite increases, if I stick to proteins with fresh fruit and vegetables, appetite decreases, no desire to snack. No exercise yet."

• Mic...
• November 9, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Contrave for 12 weeks with a 23 lb weight loss to date. It's definitely working for me! I have only moderately changed what I eat, cutting out most sweets and avoiding fast food, but just don't feel like eating as much. I don't have food cravings anymore and feel motivated to lose this weight. I take two pills daily, one in the morning - one in the evening. Tried to increase to 3 or 4 but felt sick a couple of days. Since I'm losing on two, I'll continue this way. Only side effect is slight constipation and I'm careful to take the doses after eating. I plan to lose 50 or 60 lbs more! This is the first time in my adult life I've lost more than 10 lbs without getting discouraged and giving up!"

• Ovr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 16, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I just started my third week and now up to 2 pills 2x a day. I'm 5'7 and weighed 205. I now weigh 195 with a weight loss of 10 lbs and feel great. I am amazed that my cravings are gone and reach for more healthy options. I do have the occasional headache, dry mouth, and constipation, but it is tolerable. I am motivated that this may finally be my key to substantial weight loss. I'm feeling optimistic. Hoping for another 10 in 3 weeks. Will check in."

• Sas...
• December 18, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Today's the beginning of my 4th week/start of full dosage. In 3 weeks, I've lost 7 lbs and haven't exercised... yet. I'm 5'8" & started at 221 lbs. I am a mostly healthy eater, but struggle with portion & snacking. The first 2 days, I felt mild nausea. Constipation began today. I had to be conscious of eating smaller than normal portions. My favorite part is no longer feeling 'hangry' at times. I can feel when I get hungry, but I don't get ravenous if I put it off. I no longer snack at night. I can get the winter blues and think the anti-depressant in this medication has helped that too! Coffee & wine taste was not affected. I think that the official results are supposed to be a 9 lb loss. I really don't understand this by reading through the reviews stating huge losses and my own loss. With the discount card, it's $115 at the pharmacy. If they fill and deliver, it's $100. I understand that about 25% of people will not tolerate side effects, but we're all different."

• Pom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I experienced problems with severe constipation when on the full dose (4 pills a day) and massive hair loss, especially in the shower. I did lose weight, but the side effects were too severe and outweighed the benefits."

• Anonymous
• August 4, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "After 5 days of taking Contrave, I had severe constipation. So bad that after taking a laxative, I was puking and almost passing out. Finally, after a couple of hours, I was able to go. But after being off of Contrave for 3 days, still having issues of constipation and nausea. This pill is not worth this major side effect."

• Yoo...
• October 21, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This is an update from a couple of months ago. I started Contrave on 3-27-15. Just shy of 7 months later, I have lost 81 lbs. This has absolutely been a miracle pill for me. I have tried dozens of different things my whole life to lose weight. I have been obese since early childhood and was, though I didn't know before I started the Contrave, OBSESSED with food. That stopped within the first couple of weeks. My appetite decreased tremendously. I mostly eat small meals now. I only have one dessert a month. The only long-term side effect I've had is constipation, and I just take two stool softeners a day. I was on the verge of having bariatric surgery and am now so relieved because I feel as if I have a non-surgical option that actually works."

• Mar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 21, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Contrave since July 2018. I started at 256 lbs and now weigh 225 lb. As most people say, I now don't have the cravings for food as I had in the past. Constipation is a big problem for me on the medication. I do wonder how long I can be on the medication and what will happen when I stop. However, being 31 lbs lighter, I feel great and motivated to lose more."

• Big...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 1, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "It works. Started taking on Feb 20. This morning I’m down 10 pounds. I followed instructions exactly, slowly working up to the 4 pills/day. No side effects other than constipation. This first ten pounds came off without any real effort. I’ve just stopped the emotional eating. I kept a log, and I didn’t notice a difference until getting up to the full dose. Then, it really started working for me. My advice - a. Try it, b. Follow instructions exactly as prescribed, c. Be a little patient. I’m really happy and hopeful."

• Bar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Been taking Contrave for 3 months and have lost 35 lbs so far. Went from 245 lb to 210 lb. Have had no side effects except constipation. The cravings just aren't there. I'm still hungry sometimes, but find after half my meal is finished, I push it away. I highly recommend."