Contrave and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 2)

• meg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 4, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am on my 3rd week of taking Contrave, so 2 in the AM and 1 at night. I have lost a total of 11 pounds. I do work out hard 3 nights a week (zumba cardio + weights, and I have for 3+ years). I also have a young dog that I walk minimally 2 times a day. I'm unable to finish a lot of meals, and I definitely do not crave things the way I used to. I work above a restaurant, and many days find myself having a protein shake or a salad due to nothing being 'appealing.' I am still experiencing some side effects that I'm trying to ignore because I do feel that it is working, but I am nervous about going up to 2 in the AM and 2 in the PM pills. I have a headache most of the time, trouble sleeping, insane crazy dreams, and not as much energy. When have others' side effects decreased?"

• DO...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 19, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Unless you are extremely obese (>350 pounds) and have no other options, avoid this medication at all costs. Side effects for me were severe nausea, vomiting constantly, heart palpitations (which have not gone away even after stopping the medicine), chills, terrible body aches, delusions, fatigue, insomnia, bizarre dreams, and apathy. Even after stopping the medicine, I can still feel aftereffects. This drug needs to be investigated for safety because someone I know also had close to the same side effects as me. I did lose 2 pounds the first week, but I believe it was because I had no desire to eat and the constant vomiting. It's also very expensive."

• Jen...
• April 14, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on it for 2 weeks now and, paired with a low-calorie diet, have lost 15 lbs. It does curb your appetite, or... I should say it makes you have no appetite. It was a weird feeling at first, to not be interested or obsessed over what's for breakfast/lunch/dinner. I'm almost never hungry anymore, and I generally only eat meals as a necessity now. I sometimes get dizzy, but it's hard to tell if this is from Contrave or something else. I drink a glass of water and it goes away. So, it could very well be unrelated to Contrave. The only negative side effect I experience is the inability to fall asleep at night. Will update this as needed as I increase dosage each month."

• Ste...
• October 20, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Contrave for weight loss on 10/6/15, and the first week I noticed I wasn't hungry at all, had to force myself to eat. I didn't have any side effects except insomnia. I'm on week 3 now, and I have to say I'm nauseous, my head hurts, I feel extremely dehydrated, and I'm very, very irritable. I'm going to stick with it for the rest of the bottle and use the scale I just received. I hope the side effects will fade out, and I'll see good results. I've lost 2.9 pounds so far. My goal is to lose 70."

• Kok...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 1, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I had gastric sleeve 4 years ago, and I stopped losing weight after 2 and a half years. Then the pandemic hit, and I gained 20 lbs in 2020. I talked to my doctor, and he prescribed me phentermine, and he said that I cannot take it more than 3 months. I barely lost any weight on phentermine, it would only make me be very active, and I couldn't sleep at night. I heard about Contrave and wanted to give it a try. I went online and spoke to one of their online doctors, and he prescribed me Contrave. I have now been 6 months on it and lost 40 lbs. Yes, it's not a lot of weight, but I would rather lose weight slowly than lose nothing. At the beginning, I had some side effects such as nausea and insomnia. I decided not to stop and keep taking it, and now my body got used to it, and I don't have any more side effects. I am 30 lbs away from my goal. It's very expensive to pay $99 a month for this med. Thankfully, I was able to use my health savings account to pay for it. Very happy and no regrets!!"

• Joy...
• August 15, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Today is day 9 on Contrave. On day 1, I felt a reduction of my carb cravings and have been able to make better choices food-wise 99% of the time since then. I am after knee surgery, so I am unable to do any exercise but began at 177.8, and today I was 173: a 4.8-pound loss in just over a week -- pretty amazing. IMPORTANT: Contrave blocks ALL narcotics: no painkiller or muscle relaxant CAN work -- Valium, morphine, Dilaudid, etc. This was a scary side effect when I wound up in the emergency room, so just be aware. I was on day 2 when that happened and had to stop and start again post-surgery/painkillers. Slight nausea after pill 2 yesterday (day 8), otherwise really vivid dreams, a bit of sleep disturbance, but no other side effects."

• Sho...
• May 16, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm 34, started at 168 lbs, and am 5 ft tall. Week one, I had dizziness and really bad anxiety. Day 3 through 5, I thought I was going to pass out at work. I can't stay asleep. Week one, I lost 2 lbs. I'm on week 2. I increased to 2 pills on Saturday. Earlier today (Monday), my coworkers said I was acting weird, and I felt anxious again. I took my 2nd pill at 8 pm. It is now 5:20 am. I woke up at 2:45 feeling dizzy and very anxious, like panic attack anxious. I am tired, nauseated, and dizzy. I don't see how I'm supposed to go to work. I'm seriously considering going off this medicine. Pros: it really did cut out cravings, I eat a lot less, I drink more water, and it's easier to make better choices. Cons: anxiety, lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea, insomnia."

• Buc...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 20, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Contrave for 8 months. Lost 39 pounds. Take the medication and walk every day. I also eat between 1500 to 1800 calories a day. I am not perfect by any means. Been on a couple vacations and did not do so well. But overall, this medication has helped me in numerous ways. It helps my binge eating (I hardly ever do it anymore). I get fuller faster. I have no desire to drink alcohol! That from a guy who could drink a 12-pack every day. I also believe it has helped me be more motivated and wanting to exercise. I see a lot of you stop taking it very fast. Give it time. I had wild dreams the first month and about once a week I have insomnia. But I still get 4 or 5 hours of sleep. The rest of the nights I get my 8 hours. I also get down on myself a whole lot less. I credit that to the meds. It might not be for everyone, but it has done wonders for me."

• GDA...
• October 4, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have only been taking Contrave for 3 weeks. I have felt a little nauseous occasionally. The worst side effect is insomnia. I started at 241 lbs and after 3 weeks 233 lbs. I feel happy, like I could take on the world. Perhaps the antidepressant is responsible. Certainly not like past diet pills that make you hyper and nervous. I really think this drug is a miracle so far. I make better eating choices and don't eat as much. I attribute this to not having cravings and not really caring that much about a meal any longer. Wish my insurance would cover it, but it's well worth the price so far."

• 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?"

• the...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 25, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Unless you REALLY need this drug, I do not recommend it. That being said, if you are 80-100+ lbs overweight, it is worth a try. It has cut my appetite/cravings for any food, not just junk. Female, 30, 5'9", starting wt 260 (ish). Started Contrave approx 6 weeks ago; have had nearly every side effect: nausea, constipation, headache, dizziness, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, bad taste in mouth, and tremors. I also got two of the less common ones: tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and menstrual irregularities. Most of the side effects DO go away. I still get migraines a couple times a week/a few times a week before this. The constipation, trouble sleeping, and tinnitus remain. I am down 16 lbs in 6 wks tho. Would 2-3 lbs be more if I was less constipated."

• Hop...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 4, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I just finished my second week on Contrave, I lost 5 pounds my first week and 1 my second. My cravings significantly dropped the first week, and my overall mood improved (not sure if this was mind over matter, but there has been a drastic difference). I did notice week two did not reduce my cravings as much as week one, but I am still eating much less. I plan on adding exercise this week and staying the course for a minimum of 3 months. I have not experienced any of the side effects (I was scared after reading some of the reviews) except for a little insomnia (this is something I’ve dealt with before, so I’m not 100% sure it’s all Contrave). I noticed if I move more during the day, I will sleep soundly 6-7 hours. Overall, I’m pleased and hopeful for long-term results."

• Jea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 10, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking Contrave for 4 weeks and have lost 7 lbs. It has taken my cravings away. I take 2 pills at 6 am and I am not hungry until noon, and when I do eat, I eat 1/2 of what I used to eat because I feel so full. I eat healthy snacks but rarely want a snack. I eat a light dinner and take the other 2 pills at 6 pm. I cut out soda. I am drinking 80 oz of water daily. I do cardio 3 days a week and I walk a lot daily with my job. The only side effect I had was in the first 2 weeks, and I had insomnia. I had no other side effects."

• eth...
• October 24, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I love this drug! I started taking it on Aug 20 and am now starting my third month. I have lost 22 pounds!! I am 5'8" and started at 187 lbs and am down to 165 lbs in 9 weeks. I gradually increased my dose and would recommend others to do the same due to some of the side effects. When I first started, I experienced some nausea, complete loss of appetite, headaches, and sleepiness. The symptoms did not keep me from living my normal life, and they subsided gradually. Some symptoms I now experience are occasional constipation, irritability, and insomnia. I was a daily coffee/wine/beer drinker and rarely drink either now. All I am interested in drinking is water, nothing else is appealing. Food is never the focus of my mind anymore."

• soc...
• September 4, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a 52-year-old female, 5'7", 175 lbs. Ideal weight 135 lbs. 2 years ago, 148 lbs, but it took 4 hours a day in the gym, 6 days a week. Started Contrave 3 weeks ago at 175 lbs. Week 1: horrible taste, very spaced out, up and down sleep. No weight loss. Week 2: bad taste, nose plugged up, making breathing difficult. extreme spaced out, no sleep, increased energy. 2 lbs weight loss. Week 3: I could only follow this dose for 2 days. My nose was better, taste still off, can't sleep, so anxious that I thought I could crawl out of my skin (not kidding). I couldn't even drive to work without feeling like I needed to get out of the car. On the 3rd day of week 3, I went back to 1 pill in the morning and 1 pill in the evening. I'm staying there until my doctor's appointment. This drug is no joke! I wish I could continue the way prescribed. I will update after speaking with my doctor. Good luck to anyone trying this, hope you have a better experience."

• Cml...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 2, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on this medicine for about 2 months. My side effects were headache, thirsty, tired, and wired. Felt kind of like I was stoned, constipation, insomnia. Most of the side effects went away after I got to the full dosage. Still a headache occasionally, and still feel wired sometimes. But I haven't lost any weight. I know it's a slow-working pill, but nothing. In 2 months, it has curbed my appetite and cravings. But no weight loss is frustrating."

• gak...
• October 10, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave 3 days ago, slowly, with one pill each morning. I'm planning on taking my second one later today. I had some nausea the first day, as well as a sleepless night. I have noticed that my craving for sugar is completely gone! I have lost and gained 40 to 50 pounds several times in my life, but this is the first time my overeating is being addressed as an addiction, which clearly it is, or I would have been able to keep weight off. I'm hoping this approach works long term for me."

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 9, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am 7 weeks into taking Contrave. I have lost 22 pounds. I am having problems with headache, nausea, constipation, problems sleeping, abdominal pain, and difficulty focusing. Overall, I feel like I have been managing these symptoms in order to continue with the weight loss."

• Nur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 7, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Unfortunately, I saw zero results. No change/help with appetite. No decreased cravings. Basically, no change with anything. Dry mouth and horrible insomnia were my side effects. I already suffer with sleep disturbances, and I literally would only sleep a few hours a night while taking Contrave. I tried it for two months, and the cost is outrageous-$250 a month with a coupon. Hope it does help some folks-just didn't work at all for me."

• Lau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 19, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave daily 3 months ago. Initially, I had a bit of trouble falling asleep and felt mildly lightheaded and sometimes dizzy and lightheaded when I was getting out of bed or getting up from a chair. I did not think this new pill was working for me and then, as I hung in and with patience - I began to lose weight. I am happy to report I have now lost 25 lbs. It has been so very long that I have been able to lose this kind of weight. I am very pleased. Just hope Contrave is safer than the last FDA-approved diet pill, that caused heart valve damage. Lauren R."

• Tam...
• November 10, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Well, I've been taking this medication for a little over a month now. I will say the first night I took it I did suffer from insomnia, but only for one night. Now that I'm on the full dosage for about 2 weeks, I am noticing more of a nausea feeling for the past few days. I've lost about 13 lbs, so it does work for me. However, I don't believe I'll be taking it for too much longer due to the nausea feeling. FYI - If you eat any greasy or fried foods, you will definitely feel the effects. It does force you to think about what you are eating and how it affects you."

• Mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 7, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm writing an update. I've been taking Contrave for one month and have lost 9 lbs. This is the pace I had hoped for, 2 lbs a week. I still have to count my calories, and the medicine helps me stick to my 1,200-1,500 caloric intake daily. The medicine won't do the math for you, this is where you need to work! I'm using MyFitnessPal to log daily. I'm very happy that I'm losing weight. My clothes fit better. :) Honestly, I still get side effects now and then. It's mostly nausea, insomnia, and constipation. Sometimes I just have to lay in bed because my stomach hurts so much. It comes and goes. I've observed some people reviewing are taking Contrave for vanity, 10 lbs, and I'm not sure why. This drug is for obesity! Not a quick-fix diet!"

• Cas...
• June 25, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This med is horrible! First of all, I do not see how the FDA approved this. The side effects are unbearable. It caused me extreme nausea, dry mouth, and a zombie-like feeling. In the beginning, I felt wired and had insomnia. Then I was really sleepy. I had to take naps. I felt very irritable and just out of it. I had constipation and an itchy, burning rash appeared on my skin. I lost a few pounds the first week, but that was only because I was too sick to eat. I would not recommend this even if it was free!"

• Jen...
• August 12, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was prescribed this medicine after not being able to lose weight even with a strict diet and exercise. I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Hashimoto's, which both make it very difficult to lose weight and/or cause weight gain. My doctor gave it to me the first week of June, and as of August 12, 2015, I have begun losing weight easily. I have lost a total of 17 pounds while dieting and exercising. The main side effects I have are nausea almost daily within fifteen minutes of taking the two daily doses. The nausea usually subsides within an hour, but the nausea is what makes the thought or sight of food unappetizing. I rarely have an appetite but have hot flashes and insomnia, but it doesn't compare to the benefits of weight loss and feeling good."

• The...
• July 4, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Week 4: 2 pills am/2 pills pm. Severe thyroid, autoimmune, and Hashimoto's. -5'9 | 183 | BMI 27 -Plant protein shake, two salads with protein daily, and healthy snacks in between -Still hungry after meals -No weight loss in three weeks -Food and sugar cravings VERY present -Alcohol cravings present -Dry mouth -Odd aftertaste throughout the day -Severe nausea, bloating, and cramping -Constipation -Trouble falling asleep and then not getting quality sleep. I plan to stick this out for 8 weeks, then I'm out."