Contrave and Constipation: What Users Say

• Joa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 26, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’ve been taking Contrave for 8 months and have dropped 38 lbs. I definitely have some side effects. The worst is perpetual constipation. I also have tremors in both hands. I’ve had episodes of light-headedness. No nausea. BUT… My craving for food (especially unhealthy foods) disappeared. I eat half of what I used to eat. Full disclosure: I have exercised very little since starting Contrave. I’m sure that I would have lost 50 lbs by now if I was doing a little something every day. My bad, for sure. I also feel that the drug isn’t as effective as it was in the first 6 months. I asked my MD if a higher dose would help, and she explained that the benefits of Contrave do not increase with a higher dosage. All that said, I am very grateful that I dropped quite a few pounds! I was struggling for so long and was always discouraged. This was a huge boost for me."

• Tor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 10, 2024

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Love it! Totally took away obsessive food thoughts, I no longer feel excited about all foods I used to pig out on and can easily pass by them in the store without a compulsion to buy or eat them. The pleasure centers are calm and do not respond to food as if it were a hard drug - food addiction is under control now. I also feel full much sooner and by smaller volumes of food, albeit it is not a formal indication. I am a fan, what can I say? The only side effects that I am experiencing are constipation and, if I happen to take it after 5 pm, I end up not being able to fall asleep until midnight, which is a bummer for me because I am an early riser. Watching that I take it before 5 pm solves the latter issue. I am still figuring out how to manage constipation without drugs. Despite these, I absolutely love how Contrave manages my compulsive eating and oversized portions."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 6, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "37 male, 6'6" tall. The first, I had a few instances of nausea, never vomited or experienced any severe side effects. The worst side effect I experienced were headaches for the first few days. After one month of taking this medication, two tablets in the morning, two at night, I had lost 18 pounds. This was without exercise and a low-carb diet, constipation is an ongoing issue. Nothing that can’t be dealt with by some MiraLAX. Now three months in, I have not lost any more weight. My appetite has increased. Slowly, my doctor feels my body has somehow become immune to this medication. I am now going to be trying Wegovy. I hope to have better long-term results with Wegovy without any of the side effects. Bottom line, Contrave worked for me, and I would recommend giving it a try. I have kept 15 of the 18 pounds off after the 3 months."

• Hol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 23, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Let me start off by saying this pill does work. I actually start week 3 tomorrow, but these side effects are crazy. I was only constipated once, so I started taking a stool softener. I go from having a headache to feeling lightheaded to feeling like a zombie, all in the same day. My mouth is always dry, so drinking water is a must, and trying to sleep is horrible. I'm going to try to make it 3 months, and that's it. I have no appetite, and I am losing weight, but the way I feel is nothing I can get used to."

• Sun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 28, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started mid-December at 85.5 kg, and I’m now 80.5. Started off constantly losing half a kilo a week, but I feel like the medicine is not as effective as it was. I am going through a stressful period at the moment with full-time work and full-time study, so it might just be me. This is not a magic pill, as you still have to have willpower, but it definitely helps. I would like to keep going, but for an average of 300 grams a week weight loss for the cost of $265 per month, I’m going to stop. I was on the full dose, and it actually took a good month for it to even start working, but once it did, it was amazing. Felt full after meals, and sweet foods made me sick. Had the worst constipation of my life, so you will need to take stool softeners. I wish it wasn’t so expensive, otherwise, I’d keep going. Any weight loss is good weight loss."

• Eri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 13, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My experience with Contrave has been amazing! I have lost 24 lbs in 2 and a half months, and I have almost completely stopped binge eating. I think I have had maybe one slight binge since I started taking this medicine. This medicine has changed my life quite literally. I don't even think about food the way I used to, I feel free from the obsession. The only negative is that it does cause constipation, but I just take stool softeners to help with that. I never experienced the nausea or sickness in the beginning, but I have heard that some have and then it goes away. I had to come and leave a review because I want other people to experience this freedom from food."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 8, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Five years ago, I was 200 lbs, 5'4'', size 12/14. I started on Contrave, and 1 year later, I was 50 lbs less & a size 6. Today, I fluctuate between 140-145 lbs & remain size 6. I did go off it for a few months at a time, & when starting to gain, would start back. I had accumulated many bottles, so I do take 1/2 my dose daily. Hopefully, when I run out, I can maintain on my own. I plan to wean down with my last two bottles, as I will not be eligible for refills. Worst side effects: constipation, feeling forgetful/spacy & heartburn (the early days only)."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 27, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This drug does cut my appetite but not my desire for sweets. It has caused extreme constipation and terrible itching all over my body at night. I can’t sleep and will cut back to one a day. I was up to three a day."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• Ktr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 5, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This is my second round attempting to use prescribed Contrave to aid in weight loss. Both experiences were the same. Notable side effects I’ve experienced include severe vivid dreams/insomnia (waking up throughout the night, tossing/turning) and constipation. Constipation I can deal with, but the dreams/insomnia I cannot. I’m exhausted throughout the workday and have no energy to exercise. I also do not notice any changes in food craving, food tastes, or weight. I’ve read many reviews that praise Contrave for their weight loss, but the same reviewers go into how they’ve also followed a diet and exercised. I can’t help but think Contrave is just a coincidence. If you haven’t experienced side effects, I guess you’re the lucky one. I’ll go back to Weight Watchers-safe, drug-free, and I’ve lost more weight following that program than has been reported by those on Contrave. And I’ll have my sleep back."

• 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."

• S12...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 8, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I used Contrave as directed for about 3 weeks. It does help with cravings and weight loss. But I felt sick all the time, and food disgusted me, especially meat. I had severe headaches and severe constipation, which I still have. The side effects were too much. It does help with weight loss if you want to feel like rubbish and be full of poop."

• Smi...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 14, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Love love love!!! I started at 223 lb. I am now 150 lb! Thanks to Contrave and the hard work I put in. This is not a magic pill, you do need to help yourself as well. I do recommend that you take a stool softener while taking Contrave, one of the side effects is constipation. I took Contrave for almost a year, and 2 years later, still keeping the weight off!"

• Jim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 1, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I had the Gastric bypass in December of 01. I was a KFC biscuit short of 400 lbs. The lowest I became was around 240, and my weight fluctuated between that and 260. I was asked by my VA dietitian if I would like to try something to take off some additional weight. I was placed on the Contrave Medication. When I started (Sep 2020), I was 255. I weighed in this morning (NO JOKE) 225. I am actually the same weight I was at when I was playing college ball in the Midwest. To be honest, if we did not have the stupid restrictions about going to a gym (CA), I feel I can get down to my army wrestling weight of 220. Normally, a person will consume food when the body says 'Oh, That Looks good.' Contrave allows me to keep on a steady eating regiment. I noticed that I can eat the things I like to eat, yet not have that binge button go off in my head. So!!! It worked for me, if you are disciplined enough, it will work for you! One side effect! It will plug you up, so drink lots of water!"

• Eve...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 22, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm an everyday mom who is tired of feeling puffy and overweight. The one important key learning I've had is that you need to tailor Contrave to you. This isn't a magic pill you take and do nothing else. With my experience, I exercise on a regular basis. I watch my calorie intake and drink 64 oz of water daily. If I become constipated, which is rare, in addition to water intake, I will also eat prunes or unsweetened applesauce. Also, I always take Contrave with food, I've noticed a difference if I take it on an empty stomach. My body works with one in the morning with breakfast and one later in the afternoon with a snack or meal, and sometimes one in the middle of the day. The biggest difference this has given me is that I don't crave food, overeat, or snack, which is huge. I've lost weight and inches. If I get dry mouth, I sip on water and it is taken care of. Try to stick with it and get on a schedule with healthy meals, snacks, exercise, water, and sleep."

• JLa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 14, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Six weeks into my Contrave journey and I am loving it. I have lost 10.2 kg (22.4 lbs) so far and I feel amazing. I had mild side effects for the first four weeks - some dizziness and headaches (usually worse the day after increasing the dose) and constipation. All side effects ceased after week four, but I do continue to take a stool softener every few days as a precaution. Food cravings disappeared within a few hours of the first tablet, and I am able to stick to a 1000-calorie diet, eating three meals and a small snack each day. I have been exercising every day (cardio four times a week, yoga three to four times a week, and walking 8000 to 10000 steps a day). I haven't drunk coffee since week two and barely drink alcohol as I don't feel like it and was worried about seizures. I think Contrave is amazing, I feel for the first time ever that losing 28 kg will actually be achievable, and what's more, I am already 10 kg down... only 18 kg more to go to put me from obese to a healthy weight range for my height."

• See...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking Contrave for a month and a half. In this time, I have lost 15 lbs. Since day one, my appetite has decreased. I did extend my ramp up to 4 pills but only because I was having success with fewer. I have very few side effects--the exception is constipation due to the calorie restriction, and I am just conscious of my fiber to remedy this issue. As I've lost weight, I've tried to eat very mindfully and take pleasure in the taste of food, and I've found myself eating much healthier and smaller portions. I know that some people experience bad side effects, but believe me, that is not always the case. It has been a wonderful experience."

• 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."

• 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!"

• Cou...
• November 4, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave about 3 months ago. I am 22 years old and am 5ft 11. When I started, I was 275lb and was just not happy with where I was with my body and health. I decided to start taking the medication and got up to taking 2 pills a day. I only really experienced constipation and headaches as bad side effects of this medication. They were not that bad but were worse on some days. As of now (3 months in), I am 45 pounds down, weighing in at 230. It is such a simple medication and works so quickly when paired with a good diet."

• 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."

• Mrs...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 13, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am very happy with this Contrave pill; I take it right before bed and at lunchtime. I have never experienced nausea or headaches, but I have experienced constipation (which I remedied with extra water and vegetables) and some restless nights around week three. I didn't have much to lose, so it's not falling off, but it allows me to not crave food, binge eat, and I really could care less about a drink at night or on the weekends. My water consumption is at 100 oz, which is a huge improvement!"

• 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."