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Contrave and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 2)

Reviews for Contrave

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • EDi...
  • January 1, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm on the 4th week of taking Contrave, with 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening. So far the only side effects I've experienced were in the second week. I started getting dry mouth and motion sickness when in the car. The motion sickness stopped after a week. I still get dry mouth, but I can deal with that. The first 3 weeks, it didn't seem to suppress my appetite, but I successfully stopped a lifelong habit of drinking soda with no cravings. Since I started taking the full dose, it's now controlling my appetite. The past 4 days, I have no desire to snack, and I feel very full after eating half of a meal, and I continue to have that full feeling long after eating. So far, 5 lbs down with no exercise. I'm optimistic, time will tell."

10 / 10
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  • liv...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 16, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am currently in week 2 (about halfway through) and have lost 6.6 pounds already. I am quite pleased with that. This has helped greatly to curb my cravings completely and decrease my appetite overall. I haven't had any negative side effects, no nausea, etc."

10 / 10
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  • Yoo...
  • February 20, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Contrave for almost 11 months now. I just hit the 100 lb weight loss mark a few days ago and am now at 103 lbs lost. As I've said before in these reviews, it's been amazing for me. Low side effects and so much relief from my food addiction. I didn't really know that until this med let me take a step back from it and I could see exactly how all-consuming and crushing an addiction it was. I never had the nausea or headaches."

9 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • SKI...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 25, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "OK - today is day 1. (9/25/17) I started at 2 pm (because it arrived then) & it's 4:30 pm. So far, I became very sleepy, which is ok, but I'm at work. No Nausea yet - so YAY! I'm about 200 lb - 5'2, so I'm hoping to lose a lot, at least 50 lb - 60 lbs. My knees hurt, & I avoid looking at myself naked anymore. I just wanna fit in my pants from 5 years ago. I think I've gained a lot of weight just from stress & getting older - I'm 47 years old. I used to lose weight so easily, but not anymore. I'm hungry all the time, and I think I can eat about 5 to 6 slices of anything in one sitting. I'm just being honest - So I'll check in next week in 7 days. I used the name SKINNY101 in case anyone wants to keep up with me. I also enjoy reading everyone's progress here."

7 / 10
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  • Ste...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 3, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was one of the few that didn't see a result. I had the nausea, as most everyone else did. I followed the dosage directions perfectly. I read that if you don't see any change in appetite by the 4th week, you probably won't. That much is true. I gave it 3 months."

1 / 10
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  • Edz...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 11, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started using Contrave 2 weeks ago. The first day I was good, the second day I felt a little sick. On the third day, I was Googling the 'best nausea pills.' I was ready to give up. I had headaches, felt very weak, and didn't eat at all for the next 2 days. I also was sleeping very lightly (I'm a heavy sleeper) and woke up multiple times during the night. That was my first week. In the second week, I was afraid to take 2 pills, but I must say in the second week my body got used to the pills. I'm now coming into my third week. I feel fine. I lost 2 kgs already, but it was mostly from being sick and not eating. I do feel my appetite has lessened a lot. If you can get through the first week, give it a chance. Drink lots of water, exercise, and eat a lot of small portioned healthy meals and snacks, our body still needs its fuel :)"

8 / 10
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  • Hey...
  • May 29, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Day 1: 9am I took my first tablet with breakfast (poached egg on toast). Felt great and went for a 6 k walk. At 1pm I was feeling very nauseous and also very spaced out. Spent 2 hours in bed. At 3:30pm I got up and had some soup and felt fine. Day 2: I was very nervous about taking the tablet again, so I contacted the doctor and she prescribed anti-nausea meds. I took my tablet with beans and toast and drank plenty of water. It is now 2:30pm and I feel fine, I didn’t need to take the anti-nausea medication."

7 / 10
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  • Mam...
  • June 24, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm down 17 pounds in 23 days. I have NEVER had this kind of positive result from anything I've tried. I have PCOS so my hormones made losing weight almost impossible. I have found that I've had to play with the dosage a bit... when I got to week 3 where I'm supposed to take 2 pills in the morning and 1 at night, the nausea was intolerable and I wasn't able to sleep at night. I found that taking one in the morning and 1 around 2-3 in the afternoon seems to be my 'sweet spot'. The only side effects are occasional nausea, constipation (easily managed with senna), and extreme dry mouth, which helps with my water intake! I cannot wait to see what results are down the road for me!"

10 / 10
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  • 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!"

8 / 10
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  • Gsk...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 9, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I had been struggling with my weight for the past couple of years, having PCOS and losing all my self-confidence. Went from my fittest 72-75 kg to a whopping 96 kg. It was by chance I was visiting my GP due to carpal tunnel when she then mentioned weight loss could assist with alleviating some of the pain. I started on Contrave, and this pill basically switched off the persistent unhealthy craving voice in my head. I felt nauseated at times, but nothing unbearable-as long as you don’t eat fatty foods. Today, a month from the first pill I took, I have lost 7 kg and gone from size 14 to 12. This medication is helping me reshape my habits and teach my body to be satisfied with less, teach myself to seek comfort in wholesome outlets instead of food. Food is my fuel, not my pleasure, and I am okay with that. I still have 14 kg to go to reach my goal. And I am motivated and excited to keep on going."

10 / 10
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  • Sha...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 5, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "So I’ve been on Contrave for one week so far. I’m starting on two pills today. Since I started Contrave, I have noticed more energy. Sometimes I have a slight headache, but I don’t know if that’s because of allergy season or not. I have not had any nausea. I have noticed in the last three days that my appetite has decreased. My sugar cravings are also decreased, and I’ve lost 3 lbs this week. I did pay cash for the first prescription. But I found out from Aetna, my medical insurance, that if I get a pre-op form filled out from my doctor, then sent to my insurance company, a person with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or any heart condition, then it would only end up costing me about $65 (depending on the diagnosis) instead of $330. I called my insurance company to find out whether it was covered or not. The doctor was unaware and thought it was only a cash pay medication. So my advice is to check with your insurance company."

8 / 10
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  • Dre...
  • May 12, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm 5'9'' and weighed 340 pounds on March 29, 2016! And I'm happy to say that as of this morning, 5/12/16, I weigh 296 pounds! I won't lie to you all and say it's been easy and there are side effects-constipation, some nausea, etc... Because with any man-made medicine, there will be side effects. But I would deal with the side effects any day. If I've gone down 2 suit sizes in a matter of a month and some change! I will also not say that it doesn't take hard work - I go to the gym 6 days a week, I eat about 1400 healthy calories a day (sometimes less), I drink about 14 cups of water a day. If you want to lose weight, take the pill and work with it, not against it! Be positive, not negative, and you'll have great results! Thanks."

10 / 10
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  • MOT...
  • June 4, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm finishing week 3 and have lost 21 lbs. First few days, I was nauseous, but that went away. I was irritable the first few days and a few times since. I drink a lot of water every day and don't drink anything else except a cup of coffee in the morning. I have a small healthy breakfast, a decent-sized healthy lunch (1/4 of my plate lean meat, 1/4 starch, and 1/2 veggies), and for dinner, I drink a Herbalife shake. I walk 4-6 miles a day. Sometimes I'm so motivated I could walk more, but my schedule only permits me to walk at night, and I don't want to be wired so late. I also noticed I go to sleep much earlier than before, and for the first time in years, I get a full 8 hours of rest."

10 / 10
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  • Wan...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 5, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Female, age 40, height 5'2, 305 lbs. Started Contrave on 3/29/17. Week 1 I lost 6 lbs!! Now 299 lbs. I am pre-diabetic and my doctor put me on Metformin. This was a BIG wake-up call for me. I feel mentally ready to do this. So far, symptoms have been nothing bad - a few stomach cramps, food tastes 'blah', a little nausea but only when I don't drink enough water. I do go to the bathroom more often, about 4 times a day. I don't have cravings, and I feel full. I have changed my diet big time - no carbs, fish and lean meats, lots of eggs, tons of water, and small snacks throughout the day. I feel good, no tiredness like others that I read. I will continue to update weekly. I feel this will make me accountable and it may help someone who is like me struggling."

7 / 10
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  • Mje...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 26, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Contrave for 5 months now. I started at 219, I am now 183! I cannot say enough about this medicine. No jitters, no nausea, or headaches. Controls my cravings all day. I would recommend it to serious people that will take it as directed and truly want to drop weight. I look forward to the next few months to see how much more I can go, my goal is 145!"

9 / 10
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  • Mar...
  • February 14, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I hate to say that I would not recommend this med, Contrave. I started taking it 3 weeks ago and am now stopping. The side effects headaches, nausea, cramping, sweating, and lethargy are not worth it. True, I am losing weight, but I am also on W.W. I will admit, I don't crave anything, but mostly because I am focusing on the nausea and cramping. I am happy it works for some. As for me, I think I'll pass."

1 / 10
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  • blo...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 17, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave, and during the 2nd week, I became so nauseated that I had to stop taking it. About 4 weeks ago, I started to take it again and have stuck with just the ONE morning pill and have been doing great... I've lost 12 pounds. BUT, and here is the biggest thing for those complaining they are 'NOT LOSING WEIGHT': I'm also doing this with the Weight Watchers program, meaning I am taking accountability for the food I am putting into my mouth. I'm eating more fruits and veggies, I am not going to the drive-through of McDonald's or eating medium-sized pizzas expecting this medication to help me lose weight. YOU have to change your habits, or the medication won't do anything for you. I suggest taking this with a 'diet plan' or 'eating program'."

7 / 10
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  • suc...
  • March 13, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've had an excellent experience on this medication. I have been on the medication and it is now close to the time where I need to wean off. I have had side effects from this medication, though they were short-lived and tolerable. During the first 6 weeks (+/- a week), I experienced nausea, headaches, borborygmus (or a loud active sounding intestinal tract). I did not have any vomiting or diarrhea ever. I did occasionally experience constipation which was alleviated by taking Colace (1-2 pills 1-2 times daily as needed). I began this journey almost a year ago to the date. I started out at 166 lbs (5'4) and moderately overweight. I am now healthier and happier. I currently weigh 138 lbs and have a target weight of 135 lbs. Very successful."

9 / 10
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  • Fir...
  • April 1, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Contrave for a month and a half now, and I am down 23 lbs. I would always enjoy a cocktail or two when I came home from work and felt like I needed it to unwind, but this has totally changed that feeling. I don't have a desire to drink, and my appetite is definitely decreased. This morning I was down to 216. Two minor side effects I have experienced: 1. I get a feeling of nausea which discourages me from eating, and 2. I have been getting headaches all day. Both are well worth the results!"

9 / 10
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  • New...
  • March 1, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I just started Contrave on 2/27/17, weighing in at 274 lbs. As of this morning, my weight is down to 270.6 lbs. I am taking Contrave, and I joined Weight Watchers to hold myself accountable for the food I eat. It has been a struggle because I am simply not hungry. I have no side effects to report. The one time I did feel nauseous was because I was forcing myself to eat when I wasn't hungry. I will continue this process, and I hope that I have as much success as I did the first two days. I have also increased my water intake, and I am sure that I will lose lots of water weight in the process. One thing is for sure, my cravings are gone. I can't wait to see what this process does for me in the long run."

8 / 10
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  • Bas...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 2, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm a 43-year-old female who started at 202 lbs and is 5'3'' tall. I began taking Contrave on March 12. I have almost completed week 7, and I'm now at 177 lbs. All the side effects are gone except occasional nausea when I don't eat or drink enough. I haven't exercised at all, but my normal daily activities have increased naturally with the added energy from Contrave. I've slipped and eaten foods outside my diet plan, but Contrave has prevented me from overindulging in them."

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 16, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on this medicine since March 20, 2015. As of today July 16th, 2015, I have lost 60 pounds. I exercise and eat healthy and have never felt better. I had bouts of nausea in the beginning but it's better now. I recommend this drug. It's wonderful."

10 / 10
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  • jam...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 11, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Contrave on April 15th, 2023. Today's date is June 11th, 2023, and I've lost 30 lbs. This stuff is INTENSE! It takes a lot for my body to handle it, but the nausea does subside after about 2 weeks. I have the metal taste in my mouth that some people mentioned, but I just chew gum. I personally can't handle a full dose! When I take at 2 am and 2 pm, I can almost feel the drugs surging through my body, so I take 1 am and 1 pm. I feel like I lose more weight on the lower dose for some reason. Anyway, I would recommend Contrave, but only for a short period of time. I do not see this being a good thing to take long term."

10 / 10
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  • Loo...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 22, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Contrave for 1 month and lost 12 lbs. My appetite is gone! I have to remind myself to eat, but even then I eat very little and put it aside. My grocery bill is down by half, which covers the cost of the medication. As far as side effects, I had mild nausea a few times during the first 2 weeks, but really it was so mild and infrequent I hardly remember it. I'm shocked to read some of these reviews that express 'horrible' side effects. What gives with that? I can't understand. I mean we are all different, but really, horrible violent nausea and vomiting? I wonder if you took it right or what other medications you are taking. Oh well, the only side effect I can report is mild to moderate constipation, easily relieved by Colace. I'm HAPPY!"

10 / 10
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  • Its...
  • June 14, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "5'5 SW 120: Started 1 month ago, have lost 12 pounds, steadily losing 2.5 a week now. Can only handle the 2 pills in the morning. Anything beyond that and the nausea is too severe. Since I'm still losing on the lower dose, so just sticking with that for now. You HAVE to take this medication with food. Honestly, the hardest part was the mental/emotional side effect. Food loses its allure. It's like you're 'breaking up' with food. Food keeps calling and showing up, but you're like, 'No food, I'm just not in the mood, I'm sorry, it's me not you.' And then you are left dealing with what emptiness you may have been trying to fill with food. Also, you get full so fast it's not even worth cooking a full meal. It works, but there are sacrifices."

9 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.