Contrave and Constipation: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Wan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 19, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Update, I have been on Contrave for a full 3 weeks now. So far, I have lost 10 lbs! I am going to start taking 2 pills in the morning and also at night. I still have some stomach cramping sometimes, but I have to remember to drink lots of water to calm that down, it makes me feel better. I do have some insomnia, but not in an exhausted kind of way. I am still able to continue with my busy career. I have also experienced constipation, but I've started taking in more fiber to combat that issue. So far, I continue to feel full, and food continues to be blah. I'm still eating healthy, I did try carbs twice, but it was hardly anything. At Easter, I did have a few pieces of candy but was able to stop after a few pieces. Will continue to update."

• Nje...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 14, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on this for 4 months, initially for weight loss to reduce blood sugar. I have lost 40 pounds and 4 inches off my waist. The scale down program is amazing, and frankly, I would make any copay to get this result rather than take diabetes meds. I am wearing clothing I haven't worn in over 10 years. My only side effect is constipation, which is slowly subsiding, and hot flashes/sweating, so I walk around with hankies. On the whole, this drug is amazing. I am more active and focused and less moody, too."

• RB2...
• January 30, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am 52 years old... have an extreme pain in my knee that has limited my exercise a lot... additionally, some emotional reasons that made me gain 20 pounds in the last year, and I was already 10 pounds over. Today is my day five. The only side effect is constipation. Medication for me is being fantastic... I always read how to lose weight in the past but never was able to practice. Now I am eating to live in the last 5 days and not living to eat. Medication left me more calm in general... doing things in my time including eating and exercise... very hopeful I will lose the weight I need."

• Bar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 11, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on this drug for 4.5 months and have lost 44 lb. I combined this medication with the online Weight Watchers, and it's the perfect combo for me. I also walk 60 minutes a day and do something else 2x per week, like cycling, yoga, or volleyball. I started at 196 lb, am female, 5'5", and 57 years old, and have not been able to lose weight since my early 30s. So I am thrilled. Yep, lots of side effects the first month, still have bowel issues (either diarrhea or constipation), so I have to vary OTC medications to find normal. The real bad ones lasted about a week after upping the dose, but it's better than all the issues that come with being overweight. I don't like the vivid dreams, and my blood pressure is low on this drug, causing dizziness, so I have to consciously drink a ton of water to fix that. So, so happy to have found this."

• Anonymous
• February 9, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave in October of 2016 with a starting weight of 159. In the beginning, I didn't notice any changes, I actually felt like I was eating more for the first few weeks. I had a few side effects - headaches, nausea, constipation, hot flashes, but those have since gone away. It's now February 2017, and I'm happy to say that I am down 25 pounds! Very happy with the results."

• 75P...
• April 11, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Contrave for two weeks and am down 12 lbs. It has absolutely taken away my cravings for fatty food, and also that glass of wine I craved after work each night! The only side effect I have had is constipation, but taking a stool softener has helped that a lot. This is the only medication I have ever taken that has actually done what the description says it should. I couldn't be happier with my results so far. It is a little pricey, but to find something that actually helps in my weight loss battle, it is worth it to me to cut back in other areas."

• 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."

• Nel...
• June 9, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started on Contrave about 6 weeks ago. Haven't really followed a diet as much as cutting down portions. I weighed 252 lbs when I started, now down to 234 lbs. The nausea was on and off for the first two weeks, but I pushed through it. Now the one thing I really notice is my cravings for sweets and fried food are virtually gone. The real drawback has been constipation for me. I ate a huge salad last night and it helped. I also am adding Colace to my diet along with more water. But, being able to wear a smaller size jean is amazing. And stress eating is all but a thing of the past. A little disruption in sleep but not terrible, and if I exercise, it's more restful. So far, I'm happy with the results. Also, my BP has been much lower!!"

• For...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 8, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Update from my 3/5/17 post. So it has been one week since I started Contrave. I have lost 9 lbs, and I am very happy! I am not craving sweets or junk food at all. My energy level is good, although I haven't started any exercise yet, waiting until the upper respiratory infection is completely gone (nothing to do with Contrave). Making sure to drink a lot of water every day. After day 4, had some constipation issues, but I just added some prunes to my oatmeal, and problem solved. Definitely eating smaller amounts of good food because my mind is telling me I'm done. I like that a lot! Today I will begin taking 2. Hoping things remain the same, I'm a little nervous reading the side effects that some others are having after increasing the dose."

• Mia...
• May 6, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I love Contrave. December 1st, 2015, I started Contrave at 289. As of this morning, I weigh 207! I feel amazing. The only side effect that I have had is constipation, which isn't a huge deal when you get excellent results."

• Fis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Contrave for three weeks and have not lost a pound. Just starting the two in the morning and two at night regime. I've been watching what I eat and tracking every bite. This is my last resort before bariatric surgery. It does curb my appetite, and I don't have the cravings I previously did. I've not experienced many of the side effects others have listed, other than it makes me sweat, shake, and constipates me horribly. The sweating and shaking are short-lived, but the constipation makes me feel awful. Has anyone else had this problem, and if so, what did you do? I'm drinking coffee in the morning, lots of water during the day, eating plenty of fiber, taking additional fiber, walking. Help! I'll finish the bottle, but I don't think it is going to work for me and is expensive."

• Hup...
• March 14, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Starting weight 280. In Sept. of 2016, I started taking Adipex (phentermine) and took that for 3 months. I lost about 20 pounds in those 3 months. I had severe dry mouth, heart palpitations, insomnia, and constipation. When I switched over to Contrave, I only experienced a slight bit of dry mouth and sleeplessness with a slight elevation of my blood pressure. I took Contrave for 9 months and lost another 50 pounds by eating right and exercising. After stopping Contrave, I have regained 12 pounds in 6 months, mainly due to not exercising and a significant increase in appetite. I will retake the medication and will update my progress as I work toward my goal of 190. This is a good medication."

• Bel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 10, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have only been on Contrave for 1 month. My doctor is really supportive and suggested it because I had worked so hard to lose 40 pounds in 2018 and was holding even though 60 pounds was the goal. In 2020, with all the stress, I gained all 40 back very rapidly. I then lost the first 10 on my own, but my doc suggested Contrave this time to help. I haven't even put great effort into working out yet, and in 1 month I am down 12.5 pounds. On another note, I have fibromyalgia... it did seem to resolve my symptoms at first, but I will have to see if that continues. I cannot take my regular opioids to cope with the pain that comes with intense exercise, so I am taking it easy. So far, so good. Oh, as far as side effects: dry mouth, very thirsty, and constipation, but it got better in two weeks. I still suffer from insomnia but seem to sleep more soundly. I don't wake up feeling exhausted anymore. I do not plan to take Contrave longer than 6 months, so I hope to reach my 60-pound goal by then."

• SBe...
• February 28, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I read many reviews before starting Contrave at the end of Nov. 2015. I have now been on the full dose of the medication for two full months and have lost about 16 pounds. I highlight full dose because I truly don't think there is much benefit until you hit four pills a day. Many reviewers were disappointed in the first month because they hadn't seen a difference. Once I was on the full dose, the results were immediate! My appetite has been substantially curbed, I don't have cravings, and I feel fuller faster! It's up to you to put your fork down though! Side effects: a bit of the shakes with each dose increase, which went away after a few days, slight dry mouth, and constipation. All very minimal. Use the program www.scaledown.me with it!!"

• Kan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 13, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started at 330 lb in 10/2016. I am currently 269 as of 06/2017. I am so thankful for the medication. I know it helps. I also have to be responsible and make good decisions, but the medication, I believe, helps me to do this. I have never been this successful in my weight loss journey in my entire life of being overweight. I am still not exactly sure how it works, but it works. The side effects were mild for me: at first, a slight headache that went away after about a month, some constipation, but I am sure it's because I have decreased my food consumption so much. I may be a little irritable at times, but nothing I can't catch and change my attitude."

• kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 4, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Took for 3 months. Lost about 5 pounds total (all in the first month), so it didn't work. Moreover, it made me INSANELY constipated. I could have tolerated the constipation (by using a laxative) if I had actually lost weight, but not effective at all."

• Dag...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 19, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Love. It has literally changed my life. It took until week three to really feel that control over food, but it has been over 2 months now. I have no desire for anything really. I have complete control over what I eat. I used to plan what I was going to eat and when. I would eat 3-4 pieces of pizza. I still will eat a slice, maybe two, but it depends on whether or not I have eaten healthy the rest of the day. I am down 23 pounds in 9 weeks, and I went on an 11-day vacation and didn't feel effects until week 3. The downside is constipation. Miralax and prune juice are a staple now. For me, it is hope and control in a bottle."

• Ali...
• March 24, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Love this drug. I started in the 170s, and I am down to 134. I have not been this weight since the 3rd grade. I have no side effects other than constipation, which I remedy with lots of water and greens. I get full well before I eat less than half a meal. I actually even have to force myself to eat. I have been on this drug for two years. AMAZING. I also take 1000 mg of extended-release metformin as well. Running my 6th marathon this year... Could not feel better. PS: I take the bupropion and naltrexone separately as it's super cheap this way... but now don't need it anymore."

• Tur...
• March 16, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Contrave really works! It's not going to be fast or overnight. I've been taking it for 8 months and I've lost 40+ pounds. But there are some side effects that I didn't like, it gave me a dry mouth with a metallic taste. I found myself repeating phrases in my head, and my lips would feel really strange, causing me to bite the inside of my lip often. It causes insomnia and constipation, and for some reason, it makes you sleepy. Sometimes I get very bad migraine headaches after taking this medicine. But I still like the fact that it actually helps me lose weight. You won't see overnight changes, but you will in the long run. I also started back working out and eating right. Good luck."

• Tam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was so skeptical when I first decided to start this medication for weight loss. I have tried nearly everything to lose weight in the past, and even when I have managed to lose a bit, I always ended up gaining it back and then some. I started taking Contrave one month ago, and lo and behold, it is working!!!!! I have dropped 10 pounds this first month. I no longer have cravings or a strong desire for food and feel quite fulfilled on 1,200-1,400 calories daily. Before this, I was eating 3 meals daily and eating on and off between them, too. I had terrible sugar cravings, and now they are gone! The downside is I had been experiencing some insomnia and constipation as side effects, but I have been able to manage them with melatonin and a stool softener. I feel the benefits outweigh the side effects and actually feel confident that I will reach my weight loss goal of 50 pounds. 10 down, 40 to go!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 24, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm a 39-year-old, 5'5" female, and I've been taking Contrave since August 2015. My starting weight was 267, and I'm currently at 216, a 51 lbs loss. I've never felt better. I did have a little nausea in the beginning, but it passed after I began taking 4 pills a day. I would take a non-drowsy Dramamine to help. I follow a 1200 calorie diet. I have done little to no exercise to this point. I do have constipation, but I take Miralax to offset that. I highly recommend Contrave. It does have a few side effects, but nothing that can't be tolerated to reach your weight goal!! Good luck :)"

• Tea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 17, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Contrave 12/25/14. Now 2 lbs short of losing 40 (1/3 of goal). Weight fluctuates due to how much liquid I have. With salty foods, I gain. Water helps. I was a binge eater, and I was a coffee drinker. With chocolate, now don't want it or just a bite. Fruit, veggies, water are my go-tos. I eat other foods but now count all calories. Try to be under 1000. I HATED water. Now it's my ultra fave, over diet iced tea, diet mixes/pop. I don't diet; just not stark raving hungry where anything will do. I now think about what I should have. Eat anything I want but not much. Now picky. Only effect now is constipation, so Miralax daily/prunes weekly. Side effects were bad at first mainly because I was eating/drinking addict food. Once realized, all good since. =) happy me"

• lrg...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 17, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Contrave for a year now. I'm down from 155 to 128 and still losing. Initially, there was slight nausea, but eating something small with the morning dose alleviates this. Have stopped smoking, finally, after 25 years, have also quit drinking alcohol within 3 months of starting on Contrave. I will be 50 this month. This med has changed my life. I was trying to drink and smoke myself to death. All of those cravings are gone. The only side effects are constipation and sleepiness. I counteract these with a stool softener and caffeine."

• Mus...
• November 6, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This medication has been what I consider a lifesaver for me. I was very conflicted about taking it in the beginning after reading the possible side effects. After a bit more research on my part, I gave it a try. I have been on this medication for 9 weeks exactly. My starting weight was 205.6 lbs, today I weighed in at 177.0. The only side effect for me is the constipation about once a week or so. I take something for that, and I'm fine. I feel great, sleep better than ever. I feel more upbeat and energized without being jittery. I'm glad I decided to try this medication. It has been a positive experience for me, I gave myself a year to lose the weight I need to lose, but I'm halfway there, and it's only been about 9 1/2 weeks!!"

• Lee...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 1, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was able to lose 50 lbs through calorie restriction and exercising, but I plateaued. Finally, I started Contrave, and now I’ve been on it for almost a year. Day 1 was incredible. I wasn’t craving food every minute of the day, kept thinking is this how NORMAL people feel? Day 2 my appetite came back, but it was manageable. I lost 40 lbs in 8 months, but for the past 3 months, I keep losing and gaining the same 2-3 lbs. Also, the pills make me gag every time I take them. That has been the worst problem, but from the beginning, I’ve also experienced hot flashes several times a day and at night, and also constant constipation (have to take a stool softener since extra fiber alone doesn’t work). I walk on the treadmill and ride a stationary bike every night about 2-2.5 hrs, but then I’m super hungry. I wish Contrave extended till bedtime and didn’t make me gag."