Contrave and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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."

• 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."

• DLa...
• April 19, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I tried Contrave for 5 days. I was just taking one in the morning and one at night. The side effects were too much. I was very dizzy, constant nausea, dry mouth and eyes, and on the 5th day, a slight ringing in my ear. I also had insomnia at night and sleepiness all day. Contrave did reduce my appetite and cravings. I might try Contrave again later, but I'll start with just one pill a day. I'll probably drink more water next time. I gave a 5 rating since I was only on the product 5 days."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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?"

• mic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 3, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Took first pill and became very sick. Sleep disturbance, ill stomach, chemical taste."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Cro...
• February 9, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am on my second week of Contrave. So far, nothing. Zero. No help for my hunger/cravings whatsoever. If anything, I am eating more. I lost weight on Phenfen, but I can't sleep at all, so I went off. I really hope this kicks in because I am up 2 pounds since I started it. Fingers crossed."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Ann...
• April 19, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Tried it for a few days - just the one in the AM. Nausea. Gas from the sulfur pits of hell. The runs. Stomach pain. Jittery. Sleepless. Of course, I am not eating much. But. No. Just. No."

• Che...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 20, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Soon after beginning Contrave, I began to feel really wonky, couldn't sleep no matter how I tried. As much as I wanted to quit, I gave it 6 weeks anyway. Like many medications, thought the side effects would pass. They didn't. I titrated off as my doctor recommended. A month and a half later, I no longer feel wonky, but still only getting 2-3 hours of sleep a night. My son-in-law has been on it a year, working hard to change his life. But even as active as he is, surfer, runner, skateboarding, he's lost a whole 12 pounds. Just not worth it."

• 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."

• Ori...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 21, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on 1 pill a day for a week now. The only bothersome side effect had been the restless legs and insomnia. I do great during the day, but this lack of sleep is going to catch up with me. I'm also scared to get on the scale!"

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• October 18, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I only took 1 tablet for two days and felt tired but jittery, difficulty swallowing, and insomnia. I did lose 2 pounds but stopped taking it because of the way it made me feel. Can anyone tell me if those feelings go away after longer use?"

• 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."