Contrave and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Ker...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 30, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I took Contrave for four weeks. Once I progressed to two pills a day, it began to give me headaches and the worst dizzy spells ever. I never felt any appetite changes and honestly began to have anxiety issues. I had problems sleeping at night as well. I paid a lot of money for this medicine, and it makes me sad that I couldn't take it."

• Meh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 27, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Induced extreme insomnia, dry mouth, hot flashes, forgetfulness. Took two weeks recommended dosing. Decided I had to stop for my health."

• Mag...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 27, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Beginning week three, I stopped. Completely. So, two weeks in, this is why: (keep in mind, each week calls for a higher dose) - Awful, AWFUL insomnia began during the second week. - word dropping, forgetfulness - hot flashes, sweating, always feeling too warm - lethargic, no energy - Dry mouth. I mean Sahara desert dry! (Interestingly, did not induce a craving for water). Did it curb cravings? Not sure. I don't think so, but if it did a little, it still is not worth the high degree of downside."

• Mys...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "After 2 weeks on Contrave, I noticed increased anxiety, aggression, nausea, and libido. After 28 days on Contrave, anxiety and aggression are not so intense, but I now have major insomnia and still no noticeable decrease in appetite. Also not sure if related, but worth mentioning. I have been off my Valtrex for over 1 year with no flare-up, but now I have to start taking it again because my herpes has returned and the vaginal wart is much more sensitive and has gotten larger. My opinion is that something in Contrave that woke up my libido also woke up the herpes and wart."

• 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."

• Moj...
• February 20, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started March 2017 at 185 lbs. As of February 2018, I'm at 125 lbs. Contrave reduced my urge to eat extremely well. I did not exercise or increase my activity. My weight loss was strictly from consuming fewer calories. I did not have an urge to binge eat all day. Burgers and pizza are still regularly on the menu, but now instead of eating half a pizza, I am full after 1-2 slices. Minimal side effects. At the beginning, nausea, dry mouth, and insomnia. Sleeping is my only issue still. I wasn’t the best sleeper before, but Contrave definitely made it worse. Insurance will not cover, so it's $90.00/month. I'm at my goal weight now, hoping the weight doesn't come back if I stop. Again, everyone reacts differently to medication (for example: antibiotics make me sick, but for millions, it's not a problem). The side effects can be bad for some, just don’t let that scare you off. Contrave is the first weight loss drug I’ve tried, but personally, I would highly recommend it. Results: 60 lbs - 11 months"

• Les...
• January 30, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was unable to get past the side effects, so I don't know if with prolonged use this would work for weight loss. The first week, you are supposed to take one pill in the mornings, and the dosage increases over the next 4 weeks until you are taking 2 pills each morning and 2 pills each evening. I gave up during the second week. Week one, I suffered mild nausea, headaches, and restless sleep. I learned that taking it with food helped ease the nausea, as long as it wasn't fatty or greasy food. Fatty foods made the nausea worse. The headaches gradually subsided as well. The restless sleep got worse. By mid-second week, with only one pill in the morning and one in the evening, I had full-blown insomnia. Only two to three restless hours of sleep each night at the most. I couldn't handle this part, so I quit taking it. During what little time I was on it, I didn't feel a difference in my cravings or my appetite."

• Les...
• January 30, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was unable to get past the side effects, so I don't know if with prolonged use this would work for weight loss. The first week, you are supposed to take one pill in the mornings, and the dosage increases over the next 4 weeks until you are taking 2 pills each morning and 2 pills each evening. I gave up during the second week. Week one, I suffered mild nausea, headaches, and restless sleep. I learned that taking it with food helped ease the nausea, as long as it wasn't fatty or greasy food. Fatty foods made the nausea worse. The headaches gradually subsided as well. The restless sleep got worse. By mid-second week, with only one pill in the morning and one in the evening, I had full-blown insomnia. Only two to three restless hours of sleep each night at the most. I couldn't handle this part, so I quit taking it. During what little time I was on it, I didn't feel a difference in my cravings or my appetite."

• Ade...
• January 25, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am taking Contrave for a little more than a month. I haven’t lost a pound. This medication is giving me a lot of side effects: nausea, hot flashes, vomiting, and insomnia. The bad thing is that I just refilled a new prescription, which costs me $100. That will be going to the trash... Good luck to those who haven’t experienced any side effects."

• Sai...
• January 8, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Contrave 3 days ago and can't sleep. I have lost a pound since starting, but I'm having severe insomnia. I'm trying to hang in there, but I need sleep."

• Hol...
• November 17, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I got Contrave and shelled out $99.00 for it. I took it the first day and experienced depression and flu-like symptoms, plus I had insomnia. I took it the second day, thinking it would get better. Well, that was a huge mistake. I felt like my body was freezing and then on fire. I could not function whatsoever. I was at work and had to be driven home by my coworkers. I wanted to jump out of my coworkers' van! I could not concentrate or sit still. I also experienced diarrhea like never before! I have never gone through withdrawal symptoms like this before, but I am never taking this rubbish again!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 4, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "If anyone is thinking about taking this medicine, don't. I lost some weight, but the side effects were very bad for me. I took it for about 2 months because I spent so much money on it. I thought the side effects would go away, but they didn't. I don't want to eat because I stayed sick all day. My doctor gave me some medicine for the nausea, but it only helped a little. I have never felt like this in my life, and I will never take another diet pill again, it is not worth it. I had headaches, stomach pain, dry mouth, couldn't sleep. Don't buy this medicine, please. This medicine should be taken off the market."

• She...
• August 17, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am 59 and about 40 pounds overweight. On Contrave 1 week. I hated the way I felt the first 3-4 days - lightheaded, couldn't sleep (interesting, others felt sleepy) and at times felt jittery. Also had a few hot flashes. I pushed through it and still not sleeping well and some nausea at day 7. I can tell it takes my mind off mindless eating and grazing but still pretty much able to eat a good meal. I did lose 2 pounds in the 1st week, so that is good! I am trying to decide whether to just stay on the 1-a-day pill vs. stepping up to a second pill a day. Not sure if side effects will increase and if it will be worth it."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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 +++ :("

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Sha...
• May 11, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Biggest waste of $100 I ever spent. This medication made me so hungry 24/7, I would eat everything in front of me all day! I felt like I was on a strong steroid, and it even got to the point where I would toss and turn all night, still hungry. I tried it for 18 days straight, thinking it took a little while to become effective, and gained 6 lbs before I stopped. I also spoke with 2 other people who tried it (1 of them a doctor), and they both had the same experience. Wish I could get my money back."

• Cin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 2, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I discontinued using this after 2 weeks due to the side effects I felt: nausea, sweating, dry mouth, trouble sleeping. I think I may have lost 1-2 lbs during that time. I guess it works because you're too sick to eat anything and lose weight that way. It didn't work for me. It's also very expensive, and most health insurance does not cover it. One month's supply that I ended wasting most of the pills was $92."