Contrave and Insomnia: What Users Say

• Els...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 21, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Absolutely fantastic. I have been on this for about 3 1/2 months. I've lost 30 pounds, and with virtually no side effects. I did have insomnia when I first bumped up to 4 pills a day, but I cut back to 3 and more gradually increased to 4. It makes my food obsession and cravings disappear. I just can't believe how great it is. I must admit that I am a bit worried about what happens when I meet my goal weight. Will it all come back on?"

• 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."

• 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!"

• Dol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave 5 days ago and have lost 5 lbs already! I’m excited to see how much weight I will lose on this! Side effects: I felt a little jittery; however, I think this could be from not eating very much. I notice once I eat something, this goes away. Feel slightly ‘out of it’, for instance I can ask someone something and they tell me, and I won’t remember a second later what they said. Very difficult getting to sleep and staying asleep the first couple of days, but it has been getting better by the day. I am nervous about increasing the dose and not being able to sleep again. Increased energy, mild constipation, mild dry mouth. Zero cravings for anything. It makes it really easy to eat clean, avoid carbs, and sugar. I’m not hungry at all. For the first time in my life, I don’t feel like I’m obsessing over food like an addict. I don’t even think about it. When I do eat, I get full really fast."

• Rok...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 28, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "For me, Contrave was my last chance before surgery. I started out at 300 lbs, and yesterday I weighed in at 249! The first month, the nausea was awful. I was almost ready to give up when I found someone that suggested Dramamine. I take one Dramamine every morning and the full 4-pill dosage of Contrave with no more nausea. Other side effects for me have been almost constant constipation and very light sleep. One thing I want to make very clear is that Contrave doesn't make you lose weight by itself. It gets your mind in a place where you can do it yourself. It puts you in control, instead of the cravings. I have lost 50 lbs, and I thank Contrave, but I still worked my ass off to get here!"

• DrA...
• February 23, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a physician, fitness professional, and clinical nutritionist who prescribes Contrave for patients in the morbidly obese range (BMI > 35) with comorbidities. My experience has been that all prescription and OTC weight loss medications carry a risk of adverse side effects. Contrave combines two medications I trust. Bupropion is one of the older and most widely prescribed antidepressants on the market, and research studies show up to 40% of people prescribed will lose weight, in contrast with SSRI class antidepressants associated with weight gain and increased appetite. I have two patients who were unable to tolerate side effects, including tachycardia and sleep disturbance."

• Twe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 22, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave on 3/20/19. This is my first time taking the drug, and I have read plenty of comments. This is my second day, and I did have a slight headache today, but it didn't last long at all. I can say that I like to eat, but my cravings for food have decreased a lot. I only ate twice today, but I had to force myself to eat that. My starting weight is 320 lb. I will post again soon, I pray this works for me. Don't give up on it. Also, I have had dry mouth as well and trouble sleeping at night. I am also following a light diet."

• LWa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 15, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a 63 y/o female, 5'4", weight 185. I started on Contrave 4 weeks ago and have had increasing side effects with nausea, dizziness, ear ringing, insomnia, constipation, and hot flashes. I thought I could tough it out and it would get better, but as I went to 4 pills a day, I couldn't stand it anymore and stopped. It's not worth feeling like this (and paying so much to feel terrible too)! There is no way to exercise either with the side effects. It did decrease my appetite substantially and did away with cravings. I lost 3-5 pounds in that time, but I would rather stay heavy than feel like this."

• Mic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 22, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Contrave for a little over two weeks now and am very pleased with the results. At the two-week mark, I'd lost 18 lbs. but haven't weighed in the past few days. Noticing my clothes are starting to fit differently. I haven't had any issues with most of the side effects others have listed. No nausea, headaches, mood swings, or vivid dreams. The only thing I've experienced is having trouble sleeping at night, which was never an issue before. Some nights I wake up every hour. Really hoping that this subsides as my body gets used to it. Cravings are almost nonexistent, and I also find myself feeling full with half the portions. Excited to get up to full dosage over the next few weeks to see the results. Hope this helps."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 3, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Contrave the 3rd week of January. At first, I did feel a little nauseous and lightheaded, but I drank lots of water and didn't take the pills on an empty stomach, and those side effects went away after 3 days. The only side effects I am still experiencing are trouble sleeping if I take the second dose too late in the day, and I can't stop clenching my jaw. However, I have lost 11 pounds! I also struggle with depression, and I have tried all kinds of meds for it, and NOTHING has made me feel as good as this medication does. I feel like I can enjoy my life. I rarely think about food unless my stomach growls, and I can resist comfort foods and make better choices. I hope it continues to work this well."

• Tra...
• April 19, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started this medicine five weeks ago, and I'm down 22 lbs. Some jitters, some insomnia, some constipation, but not enough to stop the meds. I've always been an emotional eater, and with this medicine, I don't even think about eating, and I have no desire to snack. This medicine absolutely addresses my food addiction."

• Cru...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 18, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a 49-year-old female. I started Contrave in October 2016. I started this drug at 226 lbs, I'm 5'6". To date, I have lost 31 pounds with minimal exercise. The first 4 weeks were rough: dizziness, feeling foggy, sleepless nights, when I did sleep, I had crazy dreams, constipation, dry mouth. But at about week 5, the side effects seemed to diminish. I still have a dry mouth, which makes me drink lots of water, but the other side effects are gone. This drug has really reduced my cravings. I LOVE sweets, but I now find I can pass on them. I also love wine, and I find I can just drink a small glass or nothing at all. I fill up very quickly when I eat a meal. I have tried other weight loss drugs, this is the only one that has worked for me."

• Wan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 19, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Update, I have been on Contrave for a full 3 weeks now. So far, I have lost 10 lbs! I am going to start taking 2 pills in the morning and also at night. I still have some stomach cramping sometimes, but I have to remember to drink lots of water to calm that down, it makes me feel better. I do have some insomnia, but not in an exhausted kind of way. I am still able to continue with my busy career. I have also experienced constipation, but I've started taking in more fiber to combat that issue. So far, I continue to feel full, and food continues to be blah. I'm still eating healthy, I did try carbs twice, but it was hardly anything. At Easter, I did have a few pieces of candy but was able to stop after a few pieces. Will continue to update."

• Chi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 11, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am 58 years old and have been on Contrave for 6 weeks. I started at 280 lbs and have lost 30 lbs. Contrave has completely stopped my food obsession. I feel like it gave me my life back. But I may have to stop taking it due to the side effects. The first side effect was dry eye. I have been using artificial tears 6-8 times a day. I've also had occasional headaches. I also have extreme head sweating. My hair is soaking wet almost all the time. It is an embarrassing side effect. I feel like I have more energy, but I am also very anxious and not sleeping well at night. I feel more aggravated, and I have less patience. Most importantly, and the reason I may have to stop Contrave, is severe and uncontrolled hypertension. Side effects +++ :("

• Hup...
• March 14, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Starting weight 280. In Sept. of 2016, I started taking Adipex (phentermine) and took that for 3 months. I lost about 20 pounds in those 3 months. I had severe dry mouth, heart palpitations, insomnia, and constipation. When I switched over to Contrave, I only experienced a slight bit of dry mouth and sleeplessness with a slight elevation of my blood pressure. I took Contrave for 9 months and lost another 50 pounds by eating right and exercising. After stopping Contrave, I have regained 12 pounds in 6 months, mainly due to not exercising and a significant increase in appetite. I will retake the medication and will update my progress as I work toward my goal of 190. This is a good medication."

• 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."

• Yan...
• September 17, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Fantastic, I couldn't tolerate 2 pills am and 2 pills pm (some insomnia caused by anxiety). So, doc kept me at 2 pills am and 1 pill pm, and that works fine. Cravings are gone, not turning to food for comfort, and satisfied with normal food portions. This drug is incredible, wish it was around years ago. Word of advice, if it causes insomnia, take the pm dose about 7-8 pm rather than right before bed. I do have some minor side effects such as anxiety, headache, and stuff, but worth putting up with for a drug as effective as this. If you're very overweight and nothing else has helped, run, don't walk to your doctor and ask him about starting Contrave, you'll be glad you did."

• Ama...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 25, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave 3/2016. I was already a 10-15k step a day walker and very disciplined breakfast and lunch eater, but when I got home in the evening, all bets were off! I could get up from a nice dinner and eat (sweets) until I went to bed miserable. With the Contrave, I still wanted to eat but was able to control myself. I took 2 pills in the morning only-taking in the evening affected my sleep. I lost 35 pounds through the summer, but after my birthday in September, it seemed not to be as effective and the bad habits returned. I went off the meds until this week and had gained back 15 pounds. I have started taking one pill at lunch and have lost 5 pounds this week and am able again to control myself at night."

• Tur...
• March 16, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Contrave really works! It's not going to be fast or overnight. I've been taking it for 8 months and I've lost 40+ pounds. But there are some side effects that I didn't like, it gave me a dry mouth with a metallic taste. I found myself repeating phrases in my head, and my lips would feel really strange, causing me to bite the inside of my lip often. It causes insomnia and constipation, and for some reason, it makes you sleepy. Sometimes I get very bad migraine headaches after taking this medicine. But I still like the fact that it actually helps me lose weight. You won't see overnight changes, but you will in the long run. I also started back working out and eating right. Good luck."

• Geo...
• May 20, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "First couple of weeks, I had insomnia and weird dreams and sometimes felt wound up. But it did cut my craving for food and being hungry. A few times, I felt that emotional need to binge on something, but strangely, I really didn't feel hungry, and the emotional need quickly passed. I stopped taking it for two weeks while I was in the middle of a big project at work and really needed good sleep. After that, I started up again, and the side effects are more manageable. Take a couple of Advil PM, and my sleep is better, and I've lost 15 pounds in three weeks. This medication really works. I don't feel the need to snack, eat less, but have no problem enjoying a nice meal out eating anything I want and even dessert on occasion. The side effects are less."

• 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!"

• swe...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 1, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Contrave 7 months ago, they have worked wonders for me. I have lost close to 60 lbs and am still working on losing 60 more lbs. They really curb my appetite. The only bad thing is sometimes I can't sleep, and that's one of the side effects. But I would definitely recommend them to someone who is wanting to lose weight."

• Moj...
• April 15, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started a month ago at 184 lbs. I am now at four times a day dosage. Side effects have been minimal. The worst has been insomnia. Not full on, I still get sleep, but it is not usually a good night's rest. Dry mouth in the beginning, which forced me to drink more water (a good thing). That side effect is gone. For the first 2 weeks, I really did not notice any difference and was not losing weight. After 4 weeks, I weighed myself again and I was down to 173. So 11 lbs. in one month with minimal exercise but a big change in diet. I also tried this medication because I heard it helped to stop smoking. Unfortunately, my nicotine habit has not been affected. I am continuing with Contrave and hope it continues to work. Very pleased right now."

• Moj...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 22, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am now on my 4th month of Contrave and have lost 40 lbs. I am averaging 9-10 lbs per month. I started at 185 lbs, and I am down to 144 lbs. (5'5" female). I am beyond happy with this drug. My weight loss comes from an extreme loss of appetite. I have not really exercised. When I do eat, I get full very fast, and my meals are about 1/2 the size. I've had minimal side effects, the worst being insomnia and clenching my teeth, which after 4 months has not gone away (but it is worth it). I did a review a month after I started (MojoT. 4/15/17) and can say my opinion has not changed. Every medication is different. What works for one might not work for another. This particular drug was perfect for me, though. Only downfall - it has not helped me stop smoking."

• Abb...
• May 9, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave on Monday, and it is now Saturday. I have lost 4.8 lbs. To me, that is absolutely amazing as I am hypothyroid and have not lost more than a pound or two in the last 8 years! I am praying that this continues to work. I want to lose 50 lbs so I can be around to watch my children grow up. I have been so miserable for so long and felt nothing would ever help me. I am loving this drug. I am struggling with a few side effects: dizziness, racing heart, and trouble sleeping. The dizziness goes away when I drink water, so I think my body is just keeping me hydrated. The racing heart is usually when I sleep. I will talk to my doctor about that. All in all though, I now have hope, which is more than I've had in a long time!"