Contrave and Vomiting: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Mis...
• July 27, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started out taking one pill a day. Appetite was suppressed, and mood was better. Week two, I started getting hot flashes and then cold sweats occasionally, a little jittery. Was able to make healthy food choices. Walked on the treadmill 30 minutes a day. The third week, when I went up to two in the morning and one at night, I thought I was going to die. I have never had such violent vomiting. (And I’ve had gallstones.) I was vomiting blood, dizzy, couldn’t keep anything down. Diarrhea. Horrible headache. I thought I had food poisoning. Tonight, even though I went back down to one pill twice a day, I am having severe depression, self-loathing. Smelled cigarette smoke all day and couldn’t figure out where it was coming from. It’s 3 am, and I can’t sleep. The only weight I have lost is the two pounds I lost from vomiting all day. This is crazy. I don’t really know where to go from here. I’m afraid to quit cold turkey."

• Mis...
• July 27, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started out taking one pill a day. Appetite was suppressed, and mood was better. Week two, I started getting hot flashes and then cold sweats occasionally, a little jittery. Was able to make healthy food choices. Walked on the treadmill 30 minutes a day. The third week, when I went up to two in the morning and one at night, I thought I was going to die. I have never had such violent vomiting. (And I’ve had gallstones.) I was vomiting blood, dizzy, couldn’t keep anything down. Diarrhea. Horrible headache. I thought I had food poisoning. Tonight, even though I went back down to one pill twice a day, I am having severe depression, self-loathing. Smelled cigarette smoke all day and couldn’t figure out where it was coming from. It’s 3 am, and I can’t sleep. The only weight I have lost is the two pounds I lost from vomiting all day. This is crazy. I don’t really know where to go from here. I’m afraid to quit cold turkey."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 24, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "After reading all the reviews, I was kind of skeptical about taking Contrave but decided to try them anyway, hoping for a positive experience. I started them on Monday, August 21, and felt fine the whole morning, then about 1 pm that day, it went nothing but downhill. I had nausea, vomiting, headaches, flu-like symptoms, light-headedness, and ringing in my ears. I could not do anything but lay in bed, I felt so bad. This is day 3, and I still have the headache and am not feeling 100%. Some of the reviews said to try and stick it out at least a week, but after the reaction I had, these pills are going in the trash. I just hate the fact that my insurance didn't cover it, so I am out of $99!"

• mis...
• May 12, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Contrave helped me keep 5 pounds off in a month. However, the nausea was unbearable, and it made me vomit profusely. Some days I felt that I had the flu. The side effects were a major hassle, especially when they happened at work. Once I stopped taking it, the weight I lost came back with a vengeance."

• Bri...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 31, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I did fine with 1 pill in the AM and 1 in PM, but became extremely ill after increasing to 2 in the AM. The doctor told me to continue another week, but I continued to vomit and have dry heaves. So they told me to just do 1 twice a day. I continued on this for about 6 months and suffered from horrible headaches, constant nausea, lethargy, night sweats, hot flashes, depression, constipation, and the only food I could stomach was French fries and Sprite. I lost about 7 pounds the entire time I used it. I weaned myself off and feel like myself again. Of course, I’ve gained 10 pounds in the 2 months I’ve been off. Not worth the cost or the horrible way I felt while taking it. On a side note, my doctor told me it was safe and I could take it the rest of my life, I do not agree at all. It is a horrible medication."

• Bri...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 31, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I did fine with 1 pill in the AM and 1 in PM, but became extremely ill after increasing to 2 in the AM. The doctor told me to continue another week, but I continued to vomit and have dry heaves. So they told me to just do 1 twice a day. I continued on this for about 6 months and suffered from horrible headaches, constant nausea, lethargy, night sweats, hot flashes, depression, constipation, and the only food I could stomach was French fries and Sprite. I lost about 7 pounds the entire time I used it. I weaned myself off and feel like myself again. Of course, I’ve gained 10 pounds in the 2 months I’ve been off. Not worth the cost or the horrible way I felt while taking it. On a side note, my doctor told me it was safe and I could take it the rest of my life, I do not agree at all. It is a horrible medication."

• KVi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I had about 25 pounds to lose, so my doctor prescribed Contrave. I was super excited to try it! I took it for two days and woke up the second day with the worst migraine of my life and vomiting. I stopped taking it but felt ill (nauseous) for the rest of the week. That Saturday, I got a fever. By Tuesday, my fever had spiked to 103, and I was vomiting with a headache. I went to the ER, and my liver enzymes had shot through the roof (almost 400). The doctors think I got hepatitis from this medication. I have been so sick: nauseous, fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, headaches. I was a totally healthy (although a little overweight) 40-year-old female who doesn't drink or do any drugs, who got seriously ill on this medication."

• Ter...
• October 16, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I took my first pill on Saturday morning. About an hour later, I began sweating so much it was seriously dripping off my head. Then I got nauseated and started vomiting. I was also very sleepy and felt drunk. Will this get better? Should I continue taking Contrave?"

• Liz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 19, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was only on Contrave for a week, so I can’t speak on how well it worked. The reason I was only on it for a week was due to the side effects. I had debilitating nausea that meds wouldn’t touch. I kept telling myself it would get better, but yesterday I threw up several times, and it was interfering with my job, so I just had to quit Contrave. It felt like a combination of being hungover and having a stomach bug for a whole week. I'm so bummed I had to quit due to the side effects."

• Cej...
• April 3, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a 31-year-old female at 200 lbs. I do not have diabetes or any other health problems. On the first day, my stomach felt like it was on overdrive, tensing up. I actually managed to have some old period blood come out. The second day, I had a light headache, but nothing too serious. On my third day, I had a salad with vinegar and oil. (Your appetite is cut dramatically on this pill, by the way. You will end up eating less than 1,000 calories a day.) Ended up getting the chills and a migraine until I vomited my salad. This pill works, lost 5 lbs in 2 days. Do NOT eat oily or fatty food. You will get sick."

• Puk...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 20, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Paid a lot for this medication, $365 month supply (you need to get month + at a time because the pharmacist's directives not to open the packaging for weekly or bi-weekly scripts). I was hopeful. I was extremely nauseous weeks 1 and 2, it was unbearable. I bought Gravol, and it didn’t work. By week 3 (9/80 mg 3x day), I was vomiting randomly. Been on 30 different types of meds and never experienced anything like it. Actually gained 2 lbs the first two weeks, and the 3rd/4th I changed my diet drastically, so I lost 12 lbs. Still had intense food cravings. Needed to discontinue due to the side effects. Now left with $150 of medication!"

• BON...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am now fighting for my life after taking Contrave for weight loss for 1 week and 5 days ago. The instruction says limit drinking, I had 1 shot of skinny vodka with mango juice, and within half an hour, my right foot got numb, heart palpitation, feeling of vomiting, and I fainted. I stopped drinking and continued the meds, the same symptoms occurred 3 days later but worse. My blood pressure was 179/111, my husband called 911 and rushed me to the ER, advised me to discontinue Contrave, but they did not know, nor did I, that you cannot stop cold turkey. So, 3 days later, I was back in the ER. CT scan, blood clot test, heart test were done, all negative, they realized I was going through horrible withdrawal. Today is day 10 since I stopped the medication, and I was so bad last night from the same symptoms. It wakes me up with stomach cramps, leg numbness, heart palpitations, high BP. I had no med issues prior."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 27, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "So today is my first day taking this medicine. I had to leave work because I was extremely dizzy and was continuously vomiting. Took the pill at 7 am, it's 4 now and I'm still sick. I'm going to try and take it for the remainder of the week to see if the side effects dissipate, I really hope they do. On the upside, I have not been hungry at all today. I don't know if that's because I've been so nauseous or if it's because the pills are really working. I hope these symptoms go away."

• Oli...
• August 20, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have just tried Contrave 2 days ago, and it was horrible for me. I ended up in the hospital because I got VERY lightheaded and vomiting, along with diarrhea, and I couldn't control either one of them. I also had muscle spasms, as well as nerve shocks, and my head was on fire. My body moved on its own and however it wanted to, as well as sweating really bad. Now, 3 days later, I am back to my normal self, and I will never take Contrave again. I paid $150.00 for my bottle, and now it's no good for me. I hope that my doctor can find something else for me to try, 'cause this isn't working. I'm 39 years old, 5'3 and I weigh 190 lbs. Let's see what can be done for me."

• Kel...
• July 22, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I cannot take this medicine. About 45 minutes after taking it, I started to feel bad. Felt like I had the flu. Head sort of hurt and felt nauseous. About 3 hours after taking the first dose, I started vomiting. Have felt sick and drained all day. Will not be taking day 2 or anymore of this medicine."

• Cry...
• September 22, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "1st day on Contrave, I was so nauseous I vomited 2 hours after taking the pill. I even took it with food. I tried to get some sleep. I woke up and am still a little dizzy and off-balance. I will not continue to take this, can't deal with the nausea."

• Tug...
• March 26, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Do not take!!!!! Horrible medicine. The first day on Contrave, I had uncontrollable vomiting, and the second, I had severe anxiety attacks. I ended up being prescribed Xanax just to keep me calm until the Contrave was out of my system."

• Sug...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 3, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "After going to my doctor for some blood work, I found out I’m unhealthier than I thought. I gained 20 lbs (I’m 5 ft 4, 183 lbs, 41 yo female). My cholesterol is high (255), my fasting blood sugar was (99), and my vitamin D was low (17). I asked my doc for a prescription, and she warned me about the cost. I was able to get it for $99, which is still high and probably not something I can do long-term. I still want to try it though. I start Contrave tomorrow, and I’m a bit nervous. I took Zyban 10 years ago when I quit smoking (and it actually worked for me). It did make me nauseous about 30 min after I took it and dry heaved. I also remember having crazy, vivid dreams. If that’s the extent of my side effects, I can handle it. I go back to my doc for a follow-up appointment to recheck all my blood work and make sure my blood pressure doesn’t go up. I’m hoping to lose 13 lbs and lower those bad numbers. I’m also going to change my diet, try to reduce sugar, saturated fat, and cholesterol. I’ll update in 6 weeks."

• Unh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 22, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Had to stop after one day and one pill. The nausea, headaches, and dry mouth were extreme. Within hours of taking the first pill, I felt high and disoriented. I felt shaky and sweaty. After vomiting several times that day, I guess the pill was out of my system. I had to lie in bed the rest of the day because I felt so horrible. I wish I had listened to the bad reviews. Don’t waste your money!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Contrave for just over two months now. I have already lost just over 15 lbs and couldn't be more excited. I've definitely noticed a massive change in what I eat and drink and how much I can and can't consume. I eat very little now and am constantly drinking water. I've definitely run into some of the side effects like dry mouth, nausea, and when I first started it, I did vomit a few times. But so far, it's been worth it to take it and worth the money I've been spending every month so far and in the future."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 25, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm 57 and 218 lbs. I started Contrave on Saturday, only 1 tablet in the AM. The good part is that my craving for sweets and carbs has ebbed. The bad is that I have had some bad side effects. The first two days were dizzy, nauseous, extreme fatigue, and a sense of not being able to focus my eyes correctly. Day three, the fatigue lessened, focus not so good. Day four I woke up with dry heaves and nauseous throughout the day, but I felt much more like myself. I'm utilizing the MyFitnessPal app and concentrating on eating healthy, nutritious meals. I don't have a scale and won't be monitoring my weight loss. I only want to lose about a pound a week. My biggest concern is that the side effects continue, in which case I will be forced to discontinue use."

• new...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 14, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I just started 2 days ago, and on that day, I thought I had to go to the emergency room. I got so nauseous and vomited like the Exorcist and slept for more than 12 hours. I didn't keep anything down for 2 days, not even a sip of water, it was horrible. I really want to lose weight, but I'm afraid to take it again. That day, I felt so horrible. Not sure what I'm going to do."

• 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."

• Fai...
• December 15, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Contrave Friday, Dec. 11, 2015. Today is the 15th. I took 4 pills a day, 2 in the am and 2 in the pm. Yesterday, I took 2 pills at 4 am, from there it was downhill. I was nauseous all day, restless, and had body sweats. I tried ginger ale, crackers, broth, and water to ease the pain. Around 8 pm, I vomited. Cool. I ate broth, drank water, and had a glass of red wine. At 9 pm, I vomited until 9:45 pm to the point tears came streaming down my face. Finally, around 12 am, I fell asleep. It's 4 am, and I'm up writing this. After reading other comments like mine, I have similar side effects. After this, I will pray for strength to control my own mind without medication to lose weight!"

• ALa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 18, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave 4 days ago. Day 1 was okay, I felt slightly dizzy. On Day 2, I had the worst stomachache in my life, and I vomited 7 times. Day 3, I had the same pain and vomited at least 12 times. Today, I feel no side effects because I did not take it. The doctor asked me to stop the medicine and suggested trying Belviq."