Contrave and Constipation: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Cur...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 11, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I just started Contrave 3 days ago, so I can't tell exactly how it's going to affect me later on. What I do know is how it makes me feel now, just starting out. I have 1 side effect, which is slight constipation, other than that, I feel great! I don't seem to be as hungry, and I have less cravings after only 3 days! I also smoke fewer cigarettes. I take 2 pills in the AM and 2 pills in the PM. I have 25-30 lbs to lose, and my insurance will cover it for 6 months (I received 1080 pills for $25.00, so I consider myself lucky since it's so expensive). I will give an update once I'm on it for a while. As of now, I'm loving the Contrave!"

• Ana...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Contrave for about a month. I have had a great experience with this. I am never hungry, basically force myself to eat. I try to eat clean but occasionally have a slice of pizza or two. I try to get to the gym at least 3 times a week. But I like to go more than that. I enjoy doing the elliptical for at least an hour, which I do take a pre-workout that helps me push through that hour. I have lost 14 lbs. Would probably be more if I didn't have any cheat days and more days at the gym! But it is working for me. The ONLY side effect I have from this is dry mouth, so I drink tons of water... but now I am experiencing constipation... I also take Cymbalta and an iron pill. So not sure if the combination of all is causing it. But drinking organic 'Smooth Move' tea for constipation has been helping with that."

• Kel...
• September 5, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "UPDATE: It is now 9/5, and I've been on Contrave for almost 2 weeks and have just started the 2 pills a day. I do now feel the nausea sometimes, usually right after I take the pill if it's on an empty stomach. I take my first pill at 7 am and my second pill at 6 pm. I'm usually not hungry for a big breakfast, so I have a coffee and banana. Lunch is usually around 12 pm, and I'll have a hot pocket and maybe an orange, but I'm usually feeling full after I eat the hot pocket. I still don't get those afternoon hunger pangs. I would definitely make sure that everyone stays hydrated because, in at least my experience, drinking a ton of water keeps me from experiencing the constipation symptoms. I haven't experienced the trouble sleeping, but I do take my pills early (6 pm dose, and I usually go to bed around 11). When I started Contrave, I was 239 lbs, and now weighing in this morning, I am 236 lb. I am 5'5. *I started on Contrave on Monday, August 27th, 2018. *Good luck to all my fellow Contravers on here!"

• Bri...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 31, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I did fine with 1 pill in the AM and 1 in PM, but became extremely ill after increasing to 2 in the AM. The doctor told me to continue another week, but I continued to vomit and have dry heaves. So they told me to just do 1 twice a day. I continued on this for about 6 months and suffered from horrible headaches, constant nausea, lethargy, night sweats, hot flashes, depression, constipation, and the only food I could stomach was French fries and Sprite. I lost about 7 pounds the entire time I used it. I weaned myself off and feel like myself again. Of course, I’ve gained 10 pounds in the 2 months I’ve been off. Not worth the cost or the horrible way I felt while taking it. On a side note, my doctor told me it was safe and I could take it the rest of my life, I do not agree at all. It is a horrible medication."

• GWB...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 13, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Contrave on April 19, 2018. I am a 5'6" male with high blood pressure and a family history that includes heart disease. On that date, I weighed 204 lbs. Today, August 13, 2023, I weigh 171 lbs. The medicine is an excellent appetite suppressant, and if you really have the desire to diet and lose the weight, it seems to work very well. I exercise 2-3 times a week (walking 3-4 miles or golfing). I experienced some dry mouth and constipation when I first started the medicine, but I found that if I eat clean, the constipation isn't an issue. But if I go a few days without at least a salad a day included in my diet, I will tend to have that symptom. I tend to have an addictive personality by nature, and it has seemed to help with other areas as well. I feel like I am more balanced and not nearly as obsessive as I once was. I hope to continue this medicine for the long haul."

• Tog...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 11, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am 5’9” and 285 lb. I absolutely need to drop weight. Any more and I’m considering surgery! I really want this to work for me so that I can avoid more drastic measures. I just finished the first week, and I have most definitely noticed a decrease in appetite and cravings. I have lost a few pounds this week. I do have some side effects with just one pill. My sleep is poor, and I’m having crazy dreams when I do sleep. So far, that’s it. I’m a little worried about the constipation.... I sincerely hope that I can drop down to my goal of 165-175 and stay there indefinitely. I know it will take time and effort, but I’m desperate for a change."

• 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."

• mse...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking this pill now for 2 weeks. I lost the 3 lbs the 1st week. Since then, I have gained like 6 lbs. However, I can tell that it's curbing my appetite, but no more weight loss. I'm trying to decide if I continue. I'm totally sleep deprived and constipated to the max degree... Is it worth it to continue?"

• Lal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was losing weight, but today, I have decided to stop taking Contrave. I wouldn't be able to eat anything at all. I felt like puking whenever I tried to eat something. Weeks without eating, just drinking. My eyesight went from perfect to blurry. I now need glasses, I never needed them in my life until taking Contrave. All of a sudden, I have this pain on my side, I'm constipated. I have this bad taste in my mouth 24/7. I thought at first it was something I ate, but it wasn't that. I brushed my teeth, and a while later I felt the same taste, so there I go brushing my teeth again. I feel like this all day long. It's horrible. It really isn't worth it."

• STA...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 31, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Like most of you, I was wary of starting Contrave due to bad reviews. Well, I started Contrave on Feb. 12th, 2018, at 250 lbs. Now I've come back to shed a little light in the dark! July 30th, 2018, I'm 155 lbs and so happy. Contrave does do its job, but you have to let it. Don't give up because of headaches and etc. Contrave does come with a lot of side effects, but you have to let your body get used to it. Adapt to the change. It took me a while, but I did do it. Any spare chance I got, I was working out. Even for a few minutes in my bedroom every night. Eating right also helped, fruits, vegetables. I did have the bad constipation and headaches, but I found ways to look past it, and what helped was vitamins, fibers, natural medicines! Anything to keep me pushing forth!! I hope this helped reassure a few people that you can do it - because I did."

• Fay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 9, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I had immediate results. A few weeks in, I wanted sweets, and when I did try to eat them, I had a little bit and was satiated. Taking 4 a day, I was hardly hungry. I have a HUGE sweet tooth, and this killed it. I dealt with the constipation and dry mouth because it was worth it. Unfortunately, that all came to an end because of a nasty side effect. I all of a sudden got a sore eye. By day 2, it hurt so bad I made an appointment with my optometrist. I went in, and I could barely read the eye chart, and I’ve had LASIK. My doctor told me I just needed reading glasses as a result of my LASIK after 10 years. My eye was still blurry, and I saw yellow spots, and it was still sore. My hubby said, 'I wonder if it’s those pills?' I read the side effects, and it says it can cause blurry vision and can cause angle closure glaucoma. I did not have glaucoma, but I was in A LOT of pain, and my eye is still blurry. I lost 20 lbs in 8 weeks, and I wish I could still take this, but not at the cost of my eyesight."

• Dol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 26, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This is my second month on Contrave, and I have lost 25 pounds the first month, but I did do a little exercise, not much as I should have done, but I work outside too. So the heat from me sweating from work, and I am walking once in a while. I have been very successful, no side effects but constipation, but the doctor prescribed me a laxative so I am good now, but I just love these pills. Hopefully, I will finally be at my ideal weight. I was 225 lb, now I'm 199 lb."

• Cha...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 13, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking the drug about a year ago. I was miserable because my weight was steadily increasing (about 15 pounds overweight and counting) due to menopause and an inability to control food cravings (especially sweets). My doctor put me on this drug to help control the cravings and weight gain. I was miserable the first few weeks after starting the drug - nausea, dizziness, severe headaches, and constipation - but all of the side effects (except constipation) eventually went away. I lost 10 pounds within the first month, which was great. However, after a while, I stopped taking the pills regularly due to the terrible constipation. When I did take them, I decreased the dosage to half (2 pills a day) and had less of an issue. Unfortunately, though, my cravings have returned and I have gained back 5 pounds. I am not sure taking the full dosage is worth it considering the discomfort. I'm not sure what I am going to do at this point."

• Mad...
• June 5, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave in October 2017, and by the end of March 2018, I was down 32 pounds. No other program I tried in the past has produced these results. Early side effects included hot flashes and extreme constipation. After two months, the hot flashes stopped, but constipation remains a problem. However, using stool softeners and taking a water-soluble fiber such as Beneficial has helped me to manage these side effects. Around month three, I began to notice slight tremors in that my hands were shaky when lifting anything from one place to another. It does not seem to be a constant event, and most times I am just not aware of it. At this same time, I thought I was smelling cigarette smoke in my home. Since no one here is a smoker, I'm thinking I'm losing my marbles. Maybe it's related to the taste side effect. My weight has plateaued, but I still have another 60 target pounds to lose."

• Oki...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 29, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Contrave for 7 1/2 weeks, and I have lost 14 lbs without adding any extra exercise or significant changes to what I eat. I am eating smaller portions and not snacking. I noticed my cravings subside in just the first few days. My biggest struggle was eating habits-eating when watching TV, etc., even when I wasn't really hungry. I have experienced some side effects-I started with headaches, then they stopped after week 2. By week 6, I started to experience nausea, dizziness, and constipation (which can be controlled by watching what you eat). So I decided to cut back to only 3 tablets a day. I am still losing weight, and that is my motivation to keep this going."

• BJS...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 28, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am coming up on one month of using this medication. The first week or so, I had a headache, but it was mild, and drinking lots of water relieved it. The first day or so after I started, and each time I increased a dose, I had most of the other listed symptoms (nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, constipation), but they went away in 24 to 48 hours. I started at 193 lb and lost 13 lb. I am a 57-year-old female. I am following Weight Watchers and am finally seeing success because my appetite is very low and my cravings are gone. I walk for an hour each day and sometimes do other exercise as well. Sometimes I think I would like something I used to crave, and then realize I am thinking about it out of habit and don't actually crave it at all. I feel really hopeful about this. Just really expensive for me, as insurance doesn't cover it."

• Mrs...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 4, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Awful. This made me so constipated. I had no extra energy, my appetite stayed the same, and I had to give myself enemas just to use the bathroom. It did make me quit biting my nails, which I'm sure is the Wellbutrin contained in the pill."

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 2, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Contrave now for 6 weeks. I've noticed my clothes fit looser. Downside, my left hand twitches like Parkinson's, but I know what's happening and keep going. Constant dry mouth, with a strong metallic taste in my mouth. I actually sleep well at night when I take it. Some constipation, and when you have the urge to have a bowel movement, it hits suddenly and sometimes feels like childbirth with severe spasms. Cravings are down considerably, but frequent nausea. The Wellbutrin in the medication helps me stay calmer. Overall, I'll continue to take the medication."

• Ms ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 18, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "First week, no problems. On the second week, starting having some visual problems. Now on the third week, constipation, nausea, severe headaches, and severe dizziness. Help with the craving, but no pounds lost. Side effects too severe. Have to stop."

• sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 13, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Went on it in Dec 2017. I noticed mild constipation (didn't have to take anything for it) and sleeplessness if I took the last dose close to bedtime. I also had pretty bad nightmares. Continued my dose and lost 20 pounds in 2 months. Unfortunately, didn't get my refill timely (my fault) and had zero withdrawals. Back on it again and notice the exact same things. Some nausea, but I try to eat a little something with the pills, and that seems to take it away. It works if you let it. Funny to notice how coffee cravings and sugar cravings are totally gone."

• Pam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 13, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Contrave in Nov. 2017. In the first week, I had lost 7 pounds. I had previously (before Contrave) felt irritable all the time. After I started taking the drug, my emotional state seemed to improve. For the first two months, side effects were extreme nausea, constipation, fatigue, and dry mouth. All of which I could live with. At my three-month follow-up visit with my doctor, I had lost 25 pounds. Since then, I have continued to take the drug, but the appetite suppression has faded. I feel like I'm struggling to do all the work myself. I go to the gym every day and walk close to three miles. I also struggle to not overeat. I've only lost five pounds in the last two months. My main concern is the irritability has returned ten times stronger. I meet with my doctor again next month. Not sure if I will be continuing the drug."

• Car...
• March 20, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm now on day 1 of the full dose, week 4. So far, my experience has been mixed. I had severe withdrawal-type symptoms, though I'm not addicted to anything. Full disclosure: I had just tapered off of my prescribed antidepressant in order to take this medication, which has one built in. This is most likely why several people are experiencing the downs, it gets worse before it gets better, as with most antidepressants. However, after the first intense week of dizziness and headache, etc., the only real lingering side effect is irregularity (constipation) and occasional sleepiness. I haven't lost any weight yet. I gained 5 pounds at first, which is not me. I have lost those initial pounds gained, though. It has slightly adjusted my craving/appetite level. I had lost 50+ pounds in the past using diet pills (discontinued ACE), so I know real appetite suppressants, and this isn't it. I'm sticking with it in hopes that it will eventually help more for now."

• Can...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 17, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’m starting week 2 and, like most, I’ve been so hesitant in taking Contrave. My cravings have gotten a lot better. I’ve been extremely tired every day, which lasts all morning. Dizziness comes and goes, but no nausea or even headaches. I’ve felt like my head was in a cloud. I did have constipation, but then, out of nowhere, I’ve had diarrhea. I got on the scale and lost 3 lbs, but not sure if that was because of the diarrhea - I hope not. I’m going to continue and follow the dosage, but I’ll be honest, I’m scared as anything, but I’m also desperate to lose weight. Before Contrave, I was constantly eating all day long, and the weight just kept adding on. I’ve tried so many diets, and nothing ever really worked, so I’m hoping Contrave is the one."

• Jen...
• March 12, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Contrave for about 6 weeks and have lost 12 lbs. I started losing weight week 3. I was a little worried about trying Contrave after reading the reviews here. The side effects were/are mild for me. Mild nausea for the first 4-5 days each week with the change in dosage. I take the doses with a meal, which helps prevent nausea. I also found eating a banana would help with nausea. It did make me tired, which has mostly gone away. By week 5, I was feeling really good and started exercising. I've had some pretty disturbing dreams that I wake up from occasionally. It does cause some constipation, but there are plenty of ways to deal with that. The only side effect that I have a hard time with is I get hot/sweaty with any type of moderate activity. I still have to make the right decision with food, but it's not a crazy struggle anymore. It has not eliminated my hunger, but it has reduced it. I have no problem walking away from sweets or fatty foods, which were my weakness before."

• 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."