Contrave and Headaches: What Users Say

• 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."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 9, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "After one hour of taking Contrave, I felt nauseated and then vomited a few times; no gravel, ginger, or Pepto-Bismol helped. I had to take Zofran (the strongest antinausea meds) to stop vomiting. I had dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling drunk (very drunk), and sleepy, so I went to bed at about 7 pm instead of 11 pm like usual. The same happened for the rest of the week. When I increased the dose to twice a day, morning and evening, I started having hallucinations at night; (shoot, it scared me out). I also started having headaches and intense cravings for alcohol (I drink two times a year, at Christmas and my birthday, which is in summer), carbs, sweets, and other junk food. So I gained 6 pounds in two weeks. I stopped taking these pills about 4 days ago and still have side effects. I am now dealing with weird side effects: I have to overeat to stop nausea without a pill after I stopped taking Contrave. OMG, not even sure how long it takes to get Contrave out of my system to feel better."

• 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."

• Sus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 20, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am now on week 3 and started two morning doses today. Week 1 I did not lose any weight. Last week I lost 2 lb. Even though the weight isn't falling off, I swear I feel like this is a miracle drug. I have been a huge sugar addict and food addict in general since I was in 5th grade (I'm 43 now). This is the first time ever I am not constantly thinking about food. Even when I've gone on diets and forced myself to not eat certain foods, I was still thinking about food and craving sweets. Those impulses have almost gone altogether. That's always been the hardest part for me. As far as side effects, the only one I've had is being very tired. I am prone to headaches and nausea, so went in expecting that, but I've been pleasantly surprised. I am 43, 5'2" and started at 215. My first goal is 44 pounds down by my 44th birthday, Feb. 11. Good luck to all of you in your journeys. :)"

• Tes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 20, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This was positively the worst experience and the biggest waste of $239.99. I literally threw this money away, I can't sell the tablets, can't return them, I have 10 out of the box. This made me so sick. The first couple of days I was tearful, the next week I was just miserable and felt pissed off all the time. But I thought it would subside, and then I started to feel horrible in my own skin, with a little headache, also a little dizzy, it steadily got worse through the day. By lunchtime, I could barely function. By 2 pm, I was ready to go to the medical center but got someone to drive me home. I had to remove every item of clothing and jewelry off my body, I put the air conditioning on and slept for 3 hours. I fell asleep quickly, and when I woke, I was 70% better. I stopped the tablets immediately and swear I would rather be fat than go through that. The support line said I was just unlucky."

• Wen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 8, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was prescribed Contrave to help with binge eating disorder. First few days, dry mouth, weird taste, and headache. It is all worth it, I don't obsess over food, I haven't binged at all since starting. I've gone from at least 9x a week binges to none. I am making better choices, exercising, and learning healthy habits. The weight loss is just an added bonus at this point - I finally feel sane, my brain is quiet!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Took it for the first time today and experienced the worst nausea, vomiting, and headache I’ve had in a while. I don’t think I’ll take this medicine. I'm literally scared to take my second dose. $145 down the drain."

• Wor...
• July 7, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I took it thinking it won’t be so bad. I lasted 4 days before stopping it! It caused side effects of vomiting, dizziness, and headaches, which is pretty bad. I am really sick. Shaking as I am typing this. Worst drug to ever take! Please just lower your carbs and move more. Don’t take this drug, it’s the worst thing I have ever tried in my whole entire life."

• BR5...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 7, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave after not being able to lose the rest of the weight I needed to lose. I had even considered lap band, but I am so thankful I found this instead! After I started Contrave, I lost 65 lbs pretty quickly. I had headaches at first, but those stopped after my body adjusted. Also, that was 3 years ago, and I haven’t gained it back."

• Cin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 6, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Do not take this... it caused me to have a panic attack and I had the worst headache!"

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 28, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Okay, so I am only 3 days in, and all I can say is wow!! If you struggle with self-control on food, if once you start eating sugar and you can't put it down or carbs, then this is for you! I haven't had any cravings, and my appetite has been suppressed! Usually, if I eat one tortilla, that kicks off a whole feast of sugar and carbs! Nope, not on this pill, I was able to eat one burrito and stop there. Which doesn't happen with me. The only side effect that I've had is a headache. Right now, I weigh 233. We will see what the scale says in a week. I will check in and let you all know how I feel on week number two. I am so happy this pill works, I was desperate and needed something. My insurance doesn't cover it, so I had to pay out of pocket for a hundred and twenty pills, I paid $313... like I said, I was desperate! I'm glad this wasn't a waste of money, this is helping me get to my goal and get healthy. Just the push I needed."

• tci...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 15, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am on day 11. Age 50, female, 5'3", 175 lb. I have done nothing but push around the same 3 lb. I run a minimum of 3 miles per day on the elliptical at least 5-7 days a week, plus work out. I am not a crazy eater, I eat healthy, no soda, no fast food, no sweets, minimal dairy and carbs. I think my entire issue is menopausal. I struggle with drinking water, I know I do not drink the recommended amount. I also have a desk job and sit 8-10 hours a day, which is the reason I work out almost every day, trying to keep everything working! I was hoping that Contrave would help with the weight. My doctor has only prescribed it as take 1 pill every morning. No instructions for increase. My body feels so tired and muscles are sore, some headaches, some issues with insomnia, trouble concentrating at work. No energy. Does this get better? Has it even kicked in yet in less than 2 weeks? Feeling frustrated. Any tips?"

• ako...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have started taking Contrave a little over 2 months. I’ve had the worst headaches on a daily basis until 2 days ago when I decided to discontinue the treatment. The medicine did not work for me as planned. I still had a normal appetite with normal cravings. I train kickboxing 3 times a week, burning about 650 kcal during each session, and I really hoped that Contrave would help me with my crazy appetite a little. Instead, I gained 5 lbs since I started the treatment. So disappointed :("

• 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."

• Wen...
• April 18, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I took one pill. Within a few hours, I was dizzy, had a horrible headache, vomited, and nausea all day. Waste of the $144.00 I paid."

• Anonymous
• April 8, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Doesn't work! Bad side effects of headache and dizziness. My craving actually increased, and I ate more!"

• Lee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 28, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I began Contrave about 6 months ago. I lost 10 pounds the 1st month. The 1st month, it really helped with feeling hungry, which it still does, but not as intense. I have not lost any more weight, which is a bummer. I keep taking it in hopes that it will continue to work. I eat a low-carb, almost no-carb diet. I began at 269 pounds and got down to 259. I am also active. I have serious issues with my metabolism. Side effects that have bothered me are dizziness, headaches, and mood swings. I take 2 in the AM and 2 around 5 pm. The medication is also very expensive, around $300, but with a discount, you can get it for around $115."

• 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."

• Cba...
• February 11, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been having a rapid heart rate, headaches, and high BP for the last 2 weeks when I tried to go up to twice a day. I have stopped it 3 days ago, and BP is still high with a high heart rate. Not worth it!"

• Poc...
• January 13, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Took one Contrave tablet yesterday morning. As the day wore on, I could feel my heart beating really quickly. By 7 pm, my blood pressure was 151/94. Normally, it sits at around 110/80. By 9:30 pm, I was vomiting, sweating, diarrhea, and chills, and a terrible headache. I will never take this drug again, and I’m really seriously surprised that it’s available. It’s now 36 hours since I took the one tablet, and I still feel really nauseous and shaky. It’s just awful."

• Jos...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 3, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "The nausea, the headache, and very lethargic. I worked since I have significantly less craving, but I can't tolerate being in this horrible condition. This is not worth it. Every day when the medication wears off in the late afternoon, I will have a bad episode of nausea for around 1-2 hours, exactly 6 hours from my second dose daily, and it didn't get better after 2 weeks, so I decided to stop."

• 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."

• Jer...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 10, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started at 153 lbs. I’m 5’2”. Three weeks later, after starting Contrave, I’m now 144. The side effect symptoms weren’t as severe as others describe, but I do feel a little loopy, occasional headaches. I haven’t upped my dosage to more than 2 a day because I haven’t found it necessary. I used to drink almost every day. It wasn’t only bad, but it was keeping me from losing weight. I felt like I was losing control of the drinking, and Contrave has absolutely almost eliminated all my drinking cravings. I’m so thankful to God, I’ve only drank 3 times in 3 weeks. And I must say, DO NOT DRINK WHILE ON THIS PILL, don’t take it for at least 2 days before drinking. My food cravings are very much diminished, and staying under 1000 calories has been easy. It’s gotten easier as time goes. It does make me sleep through the night, which I love, but it does make me feel slightly loopy during the day. I highly recommend Contrave for weight loss and to stop drinking."

• Lyd...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 22, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Contrave a week ago - 1 tablet in the morning. Only side effect was got a bit of a headache for the first two days, doubled my water consumption to approximately 4-5 liters a day and no more headaches. Prior to Contrave, I was addicted to all sweets, especially chocolate, drank sugary drinks, was a constant snacker and overeater. I do not crave these things anymore which feels amazing. Within a week, I have more energy, feel better about myself, and have gained the confidence to beat my food addictions. Week 2 starts tomorrow. My starting weight is 95 kg with a BMI of 37. Haven’t weighed in yet, however, can feel a slight difference in the tightness of my clothes."