Contrave and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 3)

• jes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 14, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I just started Contrave on Friday, 1/11. Still doing the one a day in the morning. So far, I've lost 3 pounds. Slight nausea and headache. My appetite has decreased, and nothing sounds good to eat. I am optimistic about this and looking forward to seeing where it goes."

• Swe...
• January 9, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started using Contrave in June of 2018. My starting weight was 204 lb, now my current weight is 177 lb. I exercise 5 or 6 days a week and drink 70+ ounces of water a day. The first 6 months, I experienced a few headaches, weird dreams, the bitter taste from the pills, and ringing in the ears. It feels great being 25 pounds lighter, and I got another 25 to go."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 11, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "The first 3 weeks were awful. Headaches and nausea were almost unbearable. Once the full dose was reached, the side effects were minimal. The first month, I was down 12 pounds. I ran out of the Contrave. It would be 5 days before I could get my prescription refilled. The pharmacist said I should be able to pick back up. Well, that did not happen. The withdrawals from the Contrave landed me in the doctor's office. It not only affected me physically, nausea and horrible headaches, but mentally and emotionally, I was a basket case. I have been off Contrave for 8 days and gained the weight back, the headaches and nausea are still hanging on. Mentally and emotionally, I am starting to feel like a human again. As much as I'd love to lose the weight, Contrave is not for me."

• Abb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 13, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking Contrave for a month now. It has not helped much with the overeating and binging. I have had more days with headaches than usual. I am going to continue to take the medication and hope for better results in the upcoming month."

• SMH...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 6, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I could not make it past the second day. I had horrible headaches, I could barely get out of bed. They should have some type of refund for people who can't get past the first week due to the side effects. I wasted so much money on this."

• luc...
• November 1, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking Contrave for 4 weeks now. It wasn't very effective in the beginning, but I have noticed that my nicotine addiction is now virtually nonexistent. I maintained at 228 at first, but then I started dropping some weight. I have only lost 4.5 pounds, but I find that it is much easier to control when and how much I eat. I started exercising 1.5 weeks ago, 20+ minutes on the elliptical, which is when the weight started dropping. The most impressive fact is I actually started exercising. I haven't done that in YEARS. I get a little pressure in my head between my ears, but other than that, as long as I drink a lot of water, that is it. Nausea only happens for me when I don't drink the water. I am only giving Contrave a score of 8 because, let's face it, it is no miracle drug. But it does help with food addiction and that constant 'what can I eat now' thought. For me, I lacked motivation and willpower, and I think the Contrave is what is helping me finally after all these years."

• Flo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 24, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was hopeful this would help kickstart weight loss. I followed the directed usage by increasing one pill a week. I was nauseated, fuzzy/foggy, had frequent headaches, jittery, and insomnia from the start. By the time I got to two pills in the morning and two at night, I was holding a trash can all morning because I thought I was going to vomit. I wasn’t losing weight, and it didn’t seem to decrease my appetite. My symptoms just increased with the dosage. I hope it helps others, but I could not continue like this."

• Bex...
• October 22, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave in March of 2017 at a weight of 222 lbs. Weekly, I went to therapy, an eating disorder group, and a pre-diabetic class. I checked in with my doctor monthly. By November 2017, I was at 182 lbs. In early October, I had gotten injured, and my attitude rapidly declined because I wasn't able to work. By March of 2018, I was up to 206 lbs. I got back on Contrave in April 2018 to help aid the leg pain and maybe some of the back pain and stepped back to the full dosage. It is mid-October 2018. I am successfully down to 182 lbs again. Being on Contrave for 7 months in 2017 and now 6 months, I can say most of my chronic meralgia paresthetica pain is gone. My side effects for the first round were nausea and headaches for 3 months. I also noticed constipation and ear ringing. This round, the ear ringing is still there, and I did binge for a bit at first, but I figured it took some adjusting to get my body back into the swing of things."

• LJH...
• October 14, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on this medicine 10 days now. I wasn't considered overweight by medical standards, just uncomfortable by my own. I had been steadily gaining weight from emotional/bored eating and drinking. The first day, I did have a mild burning stomachache and headache, by day 3, completely gone. I have lost 4.5 lbs in 10 days. I will see how it continues, but cut away my feeling for needless snacking and drinking alcohol, cut down to where I have only been drinking two days (I was drinking 5 days a week), and the two occasions were for a wedding and the most recent hurricane (people in FL have hurricane parties)."

• 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!!!"

• rcl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 6, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was on Contrave for 2 weeks. First week, I felt nausea, light headache, constipation so bad it felt like I was having a child through my butt. The 2nd week, no side effects. I did not lose one ounce, discontinued Contrave now, switching to Qsymia."

• 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."

• Ric...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 27, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I used Contrave for 3 months and lost 35/40 lbs. Taking them helped motivate me to exercise. I've been off a couple of months and gained a few lbs back, but that's because I don't exercise as much. I did get headaches at first, but the weight was coming off, so I dealt with it. I gave it a 9 due to that. The headaches did get better around when I started the 3rd month."

• CCa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 18, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am 5'4", age 60, and weighed 174 lb. I am now on my second week and weigh 167 lb. I don't exercise like I should. I had headaches when I started the first few days and when I went into my second week. I only have 17 more pounds to lose, and that's it for me. My doctor only put me on this for the 120 pills, which is probably 4-6 weeks. This might not be for everyone, and I'm glad I haven't had problems like some of the others. This helps with the cravings and overeating."

• Tin...
• September 11, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "In 6 months, starting at 248, down over 35 lbs! I weigh every couple of weeks. My stress was bad, but I was overall a healthy eater, but nothing was working. The side effects were rough, especially for the first month! It is teaching me to eat like skinny people. I even lose weight traveling. 1) I have to drink tons of water. Must drink 8-12 oz with pills to help side effects. 2) Small portions are plenty, even veggies. 3) Being selective with quality is important. Don't waste a bite on junk. 4) Food is secondary to good conversation, not your focus. 5) A short walk helps stress levels and energy. 6) Sleep is critical. 7) Small portions, throw it away (any leftovers). A bento box with random small items for the day (trail mix, strawberries, baby carrots, string cheese, hummus, and pretzels, pita chips). While I do still have some side effects, the worst is brain shocks and headaches. They are so much better if I follow the above. My clothes are getting very big, but our food bill is way down!"

• Cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I could only take this for two days. It gave me aches, chills, headaches, and extreme exhaustion. I also felt spacey and dreamlike. It is much easier to follow a healthy weight loss than to go through the effects of this drug. Avoid at all costs!!"

• CKa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 6, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Disappointed. Really helps block cravings out, but the side effects are horrible. Severe dizziness, headaches, fogginess, fatigue, nausea, hot flashes, diarrhea. I think I had every side effect. I was only on it for three days. Was told to stop taking it immediately."

• Lim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave 8/22/18. Two weeks, I am taking 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening and have lost 5 lbs. I have tried everything, CrossFit with a meal planning, weight training, and cardio... nothing would stay off. If I went on vacation for a week, it all came back. With Contrave, I don't eat that extra slice of pizza and drink another beer. Yet everything still tastes enjoyable, I am just full and satisfied. If you have an addictive personality, this will help you! You will not crave that addiction, you will be in control. I experienced a slight headache and mild dizziness for the first week. What I am experiencing now is fatigue, I hope this levels out when I begin 2 in the morning, 1 at night in two days."

• 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."

• Mel...
• August 21, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "In Feb, I was 343 lbs & on 600 units of insulin a day. Once on Contrave, my cravings & appetite decreased immediately. At 2 weeks, I was lowering my insulin dose. I had headaches & mild dizziness the 1st month. I lost 5 lbs the first 3 months & continued to lower my insulin. At 6 months, I’ve lost 24 lbs, and my insulin dose is 205 units. It’s still curbing my appetite & cravings. This drug has been a lifesaver for me. I was having weakness in my arms and legs, numbness in my hands. I couldn’t take a shower without feeling faint. I have a condition where my heart beats too fast & was on the verge of upping my meds for it. My resting heart rate was on average 98 & now it’s in the low 70s. The numbness & weakness in my arms/legs is gone. I still get out of breath, but not excessively. My ankles aren’t swelling anymore. My indigestion has improved. No more bloating. I was headed for some major health complications. I am so thankful I asked my doctor for help."

• Inf...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 18, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been using Contrave for one week. I can already feel myself eating less. But I have been having headaches and blurred vision. I don't know if it will subside, but I'm keeping taking it to see if it does. I understand nothing is worth my vision and constant headaches. I have read the reviews, people have said side effects stop, so we will see......"

• LJa...
• August 7, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Contrave for 20 weeks and lost 40 lb. The first month was hard. I had nausea and occasional vomiting. I had headaches, and some dizziness. After a month and starting the full dose, I began to notice a difference. The nausea became less, along with the headaches and dizziness. This medication helps curb my appetite and cravings. I eat half as much because I feel fuller faster. I haven't exercised, and I don't follow a certain diet. I hate exercise, and I hate counting calories, LOL. I don't have sugar cravings. I also take Prozac for depression. The Contrave, along with the Prozac, has helped my depression tremendously. I feel great. I feel a motivation that I have not felt in a very long time. I love the fact that this is a medication that you can take longer than most other diet meds. If you can make it through the first month, the medication truly helps."

• SKa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 6, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I just started on my 4th week of taking Contrave. This drug was recommended by my therapist due to being a compulsive eater and the mild antidepressant benefit. I was already on a low-cal, low-carb meal plan and doing food journaling, but wasn’t losing weight because of the stress eating. The first week was a learning experience. The first and second day I learned that if you eat something fatty, then you will get sick no matter what time you took the pills. Your body will reject fatty foods. I think that is why people suffered from headaches and nausea. I have not had a problem since I cut out those foods. If I ate too much or ate even though my brain said not to, then I would feel like I was having a panic attack. I do have a very active job and I sometimes walk. I lost nothing the first week, and over the last two weeks, I lost 6 pounds. My goal is to lose 50 pounds."

• Cat...
• August 5, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’ve been taking Contrave for 5 months. I had minor headaches, nausea, but never threw up in the first two weeks. I was more focused on work and not snacking. Laser focused. This is not a pill that will cause you to lose weight by itself. This is a medication that helps prevent your food addiction and helps you consciously eat. In addition to my daily dosage, I work out 2-3 times a week, and I’ve joined Weight Watchers. In the past five months, I’ve lost 23 pounds. My heart rate has been higher than prior to taking Contrave, but only by a bit. Losing that weight has taken a lot of work and I’m still struggling with cravings around that time of month. But you will find it easier to stay away. For me, I’ve gained energy from my weight loss, not from a pill. I’ve noticed that I’m less creative and more direct. Things don’t bother me as much. But this pill hasn’t changed my personality. Try to stick with it for at least three months to fully assess if this is a product for you."

• 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."