Contrave and Constipation: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Tri...
• September 23, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Contrave since 6/9/15 and have lost 30 lbs. I exercise every day, at least 45 minutes of walking. I had minimal side effects that started with nausea after increasing to 2 pills in the morning and evening, but that diminished within a few days, other than that, I have had mild constipation. LOVE this medicine. It's helped me to steer clear of snacking, especially chocolate. I have at least 35 more lbs to lose to be where I want to be. I will continue with Contrave because to me, it is AMAZING! Good luck to you all!"

• Mis...
• January 22, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave on 1/2/16. I am 5 ft 7 inches, and my starting weight was 241.4. I am 33 years old and have always struggled with weight. Immediately, I noticed that my mood was improved. I also have almost no desire to drink alcoholic beverages or smoke (which I was doing fairly regularly). I have had minimal side effects up to this point, besides the occasional constipation or headache. As of today, I weighed in at 229.8. Not sure if this is the progress that is expected, but so far, I am happy. That puts me at a loss of approximately 0.55 lbs per day for the past 21 days."

• 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!"

• Luc...
• February 15, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking Contrave since 01/19 and have lost 11 lbs. My only side effects have been mild constipation and occasional shakiness, mostly in the mornings, but other than that, I feel great. I have cut all bread and sweets from my diet and am walking at least 4-5 days a week. Before cutting out the bread and sweets, I had pain in my knees and other joints, but the pain has subsided. Contrave has given me the willpower to make better food choices. It costs me around $90, but compared to the health benefits of losing this weight, it's worth it!"

• Sus...
• January 18, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Update! I started Contrave on 12/6/15 at 5'2" and 166 lbs. As of 1/17/16, I'm down 15 lbs. I'm on 1400 calories or less a day and exercise for about 20-30 minutes 2-3 times per week (if I'm lucky!). I'm a nurse, so I regularly get at least 8-10K steps per shift, so that may be a plus for me. The nausea and constipation have gone away, but when I tried to go up to 4 pills, the nausea and headaches came back with a vengeance, so I've been taking 3 pills and steadily losing weight, so I'm not concerned about titrating up to 4 pills. Don't give up -- your body needs time to adjust. It is not a miracle pill - you have to make an effort and lifestyle change if you want this medication to help with your weight loss."

• 6 m...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 7, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Contrave for 7 months with 50 pounds of weight loss, in conjunction with a 1400-1600 calorie diet and exercise 30 minutes 4-5 days a week. For the first 4 months or so, it was so strong for me that I only took one pill a day and it worked great. Months 5 and 6 I moved up to 2 a day. Doctor monitors me every month. She was fine with me taking a lower dose. She said you'll know when you need to increase your dose because eventually your body will become adjusted to the medication and you'll need to up the dose. I also had constipation the first two weeks, but I upped my fiber consumption and took Miralax. I have had no side effects since. Starting weight 273. Current weight 223."

• lov...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 8, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Contrave for 2 1/2 months. My main side effects are slight periodic nausea, headaches, and moderate constipation. I will continue to take Contrave. The drug has been so beneficial to changing my mindset and eliminating cravings! I cannot believe how well it works. I also eat 'clean' and work out 3-4 times a week. I have done that for two years. I lost 75 pounds before the Contrave, but over the holidays 2017, I gained about 35 back. I now have lost about 16. I think this medication is a great tool!!!"

• SSP...
• May 14, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm a 43 YO F. Started Sat, 4/2/16. Was at 233 & am down to 213.8 six weeks later. Takes some adjustment getting used to the med & new lifestyle. Experienced nausea, constipation & body shakes, but went away at full dose. Full dose is when weight started dropping fast. I will experience nausea if I eat greasy/fatty foods, so I avoid them. Track my calories. Reevaluated eating habits & make better decisions. It stopped my cravings & makes me eat small portions. Practice moderation. Not a miracle pill, takes commitment & dedication to a healthy lifestyle. INS doesn't cover, but the Scale Down program makes it $70 to start. Not sure how you can review a drug fairly the first week. There's going to be adjusting & for me, it's been worth it."

• PWi...
• June 4, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking this for less than a week, started 5/30/15. So far, I have lost 9 pounds! I have experienced a few of the side effects: slight nausea in the evenings, mild headaches, and constipation. I have high blood pressure; however, it is controlled. This hasn't seemed to affect it at all. I'm only on one pill a day right now and experience some hunger in the mornings. Other than that, I'm not hungry all day, but when I do eat, I'm trying to lean toward fruits, veggies, and lean meats. I have been on the elliptical daily."

• DML...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Update from 12/16/15. I've been on Contrave for 8 weeks and have lost 18.2 lbs. I really can't say enough about this drug. I have no desire to binge eat. My cravings are greatly suppressed. I used to be a social smoker and drinker. Haven't had a cigarette or a drink in at least 3 weeks. I feel like a completely different person. Other than a little nausea and some constipation, I haven't had any more side effects. I can't wait to see what the next 8 weeks brings!"

• Kim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 3, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Was scared to try because of side effects, but I'm more scared of dying and leaving my family because of my obesity. I'm 41, 5'5 and starting weight at 210.9 lb. Currently, I do no activity, eat garbage, depressed. I've been on Contrave 7 days today. Lost 5 pounds. Have a little headache, constipated today. But for the first time in a long time, I have a little hope. I can see a little light in the dark now."

• Kia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 4, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Contrave is the best medicine for weight loss! It is not a magic pill by far, but if you put in the work (exercising and portion control), you will see the maximum results. I started in April 2016 at 295 pounds. As of August 2016, I am down 35 pounds and going. This is the first medication I have had that works for me, and I absolutely love the scale-down program. You really have to weigh every day in order to WIN! I recommend this medication to anyone struggling with weight and needing some assistance to get rolling. The first week was just a few headaches adjusting to the medicine, but the only side effect I continue to have is constipation, for which my doctor provided me with senna to relieve. TRY, TRY, TRY and pass it on to anyone that it may help."

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 1, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking Contrave for almost two months. I am a 50-year-old 5'2" woman that started out at 155 lbs. Since starting, I have lost 11 lbs. I had, I think, all the side effects: a week of severe nauseousness. No throwing up, just wouldn't eat anything without a stomach ache. Before I started Contrave, I drank up to six cans of pop a day and now do not even crave it. I had headaches for about a week and constipation. Now, almost two months in, I feel better. I really feel this is a great diet pill. I only have 9 lbs to go to my goal weight."

• Ste...
• September 12, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on this med just over 3 weeks. I initially was put off by the side effects (feeling a bit off, nausea, body aches), so I started at one tab every other day. That seemed to make the transition better. But still not without side effects. The worst of which are: dry mouth (which helps up water intake, so not too bad), hot flashes (which are NOT fun but manageable), and constipation (the worst of them all and nothing I do seems to help). But to date, I have just hit my 10 lb lost mark! Within the first few days, I could walk by cakes or donuts that were brought in to work, and it was like it didn't even register as 'food' in my mind. Cravings for soda and junk are gone, and I can eat very little to feel full."

• Ges...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 17, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This medication works. I started the medicine the second week of August 2018, I was at 338 lbs. Today, November 16, 2018, I weighed at 310 lbs. Yes, there are some side effects, such as dry mouth and constipation, but when you do your exercise and actually include vegetables and fruits in your daily meal, I have noticed that I am able to go to the bathroom at least every other day. I know it's not very ideal, but it's better than nothing."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 3, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Just started week 2 with 2 pills/day. I haven’t started a structured eating or exercise plan yet but definitely feeling more energetic. I even wake up “happier” in the morning for lack of a better term. I’m excited to continue and see what it will help me accomplish. Side effects... mild constipation, but I try to drink 100 oz of water/day. Female, 5'10”, 300 lbs. Good luck!"

• Wan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 21, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "UPDATE: So I started Contrave on 3/29/17, and so far I have lost 23 lbs, today being 5/20/17. From 305 lb to 282 lbs. I continue to have small meals, which I feel satisfied. I continue to have constipation a few days a week. I don't have any other symptoms. I have not lost any weight for several days, and my doctor said I needed to up the game and to start exercising. I'm not ready for that yet, so I started to juice, and I still don't see a change going on my 4th day. With all the greens I'm drinking, I'm still constipated. I might have to take something for that. Coworkers have noticed some weight loss, but I can't really feel a difference yet. I will continue to update."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 1, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Contrave after trying many other medications (phentermine, Qysmia, and more). Also diet programs like Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers. Would only lose 5-10 pounds and gain it back within one month while still on the programs. Literally, nothing was working for me. I also have hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which have made it incredibly difficult to lose weight even with exercise. 5'8", 233 pounds starting in April. As of today, I am 213 pounds. I can't believe I've lost 20 pounds! I did have stomach cramps and constipation at first, but that has subsided. I feel full after just a little bit of food, but I still get hungry when my body needs to eat. Almost NO cravings for sugar, but if I want sweets, just a little is enough."

• MGL...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've lost over 25 lbs! I started out at 197.6, today I'm at 172.0. I'm using the scale down program at the same time, and it really helps me correlate my choices with what I see on the scale the next morning. What Contrave has done for me is taken the high away from eating. I don't crave that feeling of being stuffed, and I also don't think about food 24/7 anymore. When I eat, I eat for fuel, not for pleasure, it's just a different mindset. It is really like a weight that has been on my shoulders for almost all my life has been lifted. I also have found it much easier to stick to an exercise routine. The only downside I've noticed is constipation."

• Ruo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 21, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave on September 17, and as of this morning, I'm down 15 lbs. I also joined Weight Watchers online to keep track of my calories and exercise. The only side effects I have are dry mouth, which just requires me to drink more water, which is a good thing, and some constipation, but I just increased my fiber, water intake, and used a stool softener and was back to normal within 4 days. My doctor wanted to put me on Lipitor because of my high cholesterol. I asked her to let me try to lose weight first. So, to me, the $90 is worth it so that I can avoid any type of prescriptions."

• ART...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 29, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Update: started week 3 a few days ago. I started at 215 lb, now at 207 lb! No side effects besides constipation, but I take a stool softener every day and have been able to overcome that. Have been watching what I eat but not crazy strict by all means. I eat way, way less, I do not go back for seconds. I don't even finish what I put on my plate. I don't snack at all. From this standpoint, I would have to say Contrave was a good choice to make. I wasn't really sure about it because of all the reviews and the awful side effects, but I don't have any."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 20, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started using this product for weight loss. I am 5'5" and the day before I started, I weighed in at 238. I am now 7 weeks in, and I am down to 220. The last few weeks, I have not seen much of a change. I am going back and forth a pound each day. I have not been keeping a food log, but feel that I need to start so that I see more weight loss. I have no interest in food. The drug really does stop the cravings. I do get headaches if I go too long without eating. I have nausea if I eat too much or have a high-fat meal. Not complaining about that, as it forces me to make better choices. Only major downfall is constipation. So, I take a stool softener. No big deal."

• Ric...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 25, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Been on this med for just 3 weeks, resulting in a weight loss of 22 lbs. I don't feel hungry or binge eat anymore. I also walk at least 10,000 to 12,000 steps daily, plus gym time 3 to 4 days a week, so that also helped with my speedy weight loss. I started at 252 lbs and now 230 lbs. My goal is to reach a weight of 200 lbs and cut my daily dose down to one pill a day. No side effects other than dry mouth and a bit of constipation. I highly recommend this medicine."

• 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."

• Jea...
• September 12, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking this medication for approximately 1 month and have lost 23 pounds. Have not had to take the tablet at night because I am not hungry. I do have a little more energy but am having trouble with sleep. It did cause me to have severe constipation. My doctor told me to take Pericolace. It is very expensive, so I bought the cheaper equivalent. I take one in the AM and one in the PM. I take a bundle of medications which also cause constipation, tiredness, sleepiness, drowsiness. So, I don't think the Contrave is the problem, but it did add to it. I do forget to eat and am worried about getting enough protein. So, I bought ENSURE. I seem to have more energy and forget to eat because I am not hungry."