Contrave and Insomnia: What Users Say

• 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."

• 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?"

• 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!!"

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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?"

• Ktr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 5, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This is my second round attempting to use prescribed Contrave to aid in weight loss. Both experiences were the same. Notable side effects I’ve experienced include severe vivid dreams/insomnia (waking up throughout the night, tossing/turning) and constipation. Constipation I can deal with, but the dreams/insomnia I cannot. I’m exhausted throughout the workday and have no energy to exercise. I also do not notice any changes in food craving, food tastes, or weight. I’ve read many reviews that praise Contrave for their weight loss, but the same reviewers go into how they’ve also followed a diet and exercised. I can’t help but think Contrave is just a coincidence. If you haven’t experienced side effects, I guess you’re the lucky one. I’ll go back to Weight Watchers-safe, drug-free, and I’ve lost more weight following that program than has been reported by those on Contrave. And I’ll have my sleep back."

• 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."

• ABa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 18, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Horrible anxiety on day 2 of Contrave. I can't sleep, face very flushed, heart palpitations, and actually increased appetite - I'd rather be overweight than feel like this!! Don't do it, read these comments and avoid this horrible product."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Loo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 13, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Absolute waste of time and money! $300.00 a month and zero weight loss and unpleasant side effects, insomnia, constipation, and flat-line emotions. I am shocked that this is on the market as a weight loss drug, other friends who have taken it have had very short-lived modest success."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Flo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 24, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was hopeful this would help kickstart weight loss. I followed the directed usage by increasing one pill a week. I was nauseated, fuzzy/foggy, had frequent headaches, jittery, and insomnia from the start. By the time I got to two pills in the morning and two at night, I was holding a trash can all morning because I thought I was going to vomit. I wasn’t losing weight, and it didn’t seem to decrease my appetite. My symptoms just increased with the dosage. I hope it helps others, but I could not continue like this."

• 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."

• Lef...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 1, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave 2 days ago, and I am not sleeping at all. My first night was 2.5 hours, and last night wasn't even that. It did not curb my appetite at all. I eat really clean food anyway, so I'm not sure if this is for me. I am highly disappointed at the amount of money spent."

• Tog...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 11, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am 5’9” and 285 lb. I absolutely need to drop weight. Any more and I’m considering surgery! I really want this to work for me so that I can avoid more drastic measures. I just finished the first week, and I have most definitely noticed a decrease in appetite and cravings. I have lost a few pounds this week. I do have some side effects with just one pill. My sleep is poor, and I’m having crazy dreams when I do sleep. So far, that’s it. I’m a little worried about the constipation.... I sincerely hope that I can drop down to my goal of 165-175 and stay there indefinitely. I know it will take time and effort, but I’m desperate for a change."

• sli...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 3, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "On my second week taking one pill a day. I've lost my appetite, that part is great. My head hurts some parts of the day. I'm feeling more and more agitated as the time on it goes on. Sleeping very poorly, and I'm feeling pretty down. I feel thinner, but don't look it. Not taking it anymore."

• 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."

• Big...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Week 2 on medicine. Last night I felt like I was dying. Nausea (since day 1), cold sweats (that's a new one), hot flashes, unable to sleep, and VERY short-tempered (since day 1). No effect on appetite either, unless you count always being nauseous as an appetite suppressant! Decided I'd rather be fat than feeling like I'm losing my mind in the middle of the night. I've taken Wellbutrin alone before and did not have such severe side effects. Must be the combination of the two medicines. My skin was crawling, hands and feet ice cold, and I was seeing things. Now I know what opioid withdrawal must feel like. Not pleasant. I'm stopping immediately."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 13, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am on day 3 of the ramp-up, 1x2 daily. I cannot sleep, my head is fuzzy. Is it lack of sleep or the medicine? A bit jittery, but I am not hungry."

• Jus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 7, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I thought I was going crazy. The hot flashes, nausea, forgetfulness. It was so bad! I was having trouble sleeping and terrible headaches! I never ever felt any less hungry. I stopped taking it after a month and a half and no results! Not worth $100."