Bupropion / naltrexone and Dry Mouth: What Users Say (Page 2)

• t0m...
• July 7, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This is a miracle drug. I am on week 3, I have lost 12 pounds. The side effects I am experiencing are dry mouth and a little fatigue. Let me just say that I was a depressed drunk. I drank every day. The medicine contains bupropion, which treats depression and aids in smoking cessation. It also contains an opiate antagonist, which blocks the effects of downers like alcohol. I have tried drinking, but I either don't want it or get no effect. I used to zoom through three tall stiff screwdrivers. Additionally, I have had the same pack of cigarettes for 4 days now. I have my life back. I look great, and my family is so pleased. Started working from day 1. I love it."

• Wor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 17, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Contrave for right at one month. The first week and a half, I experienced extreme dry mouth, but easily fixed by drinking lots of water. After the first week, I also started with constipation. Colace rectified the problem, but working with the doctor for a better solution. Around the third week, I started experiencing mild headaches. Mild as in I knew it was there, but it didn't interfere with my day. I'm feeling great! My appetite has decreased significantly, and the joy I get from eating (which is what caused the problem in the first place) has diminished. I have the energy to get up and move throughout the day. I've lost 10 pounds, most of which came off the last week. Hoping that means it will start coming off quickly."

• pin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 16, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am now on week 7... As of this morning, I have lost 22 pounds. As I stated before, I am doing Weight Watchers in conjunction with Contrave. Sometimes I actually forget to eat! How does this happen!? Haha... I still have dry mouth, and that's about all the side effects I am having now. I can make 4 to 5 meals with what I used to make 2 meals out of! It is sometimes hard to remember that I don't have to cook more than a serving! My favorite cereal is Lucky Charms (yes, I am an adult), and I bought some the other day, and it didn't taste the same!!! This has been the most successful in any weight loss so far! My insurance pays for all but 80.00, and I use the Contrave savings card, and that saves an extra 50.00!!!"

• 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."

• Ovr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 16, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I just started my third week and now up to 2 pills 2x a day. I'm 5'7 and weighed 205. I now weigh 195 with a weight loss of 10 lbs and feel great. I am amazed that my cravings are gone and reach for more healthy options. I do have the occasional headache, dry mouth, and constipation, but it is tolerable. I am motivated that this may finally be my key to substantial weight loss. I'm feeling optimistic. Hoping for another 10 in 3 weeks. Will check in."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Contrave in December 2018. I went from 170 lb to 150 lb as of April 18th. I never feel hungry. The only time I know I need to eat is when my stomach is cramping. The only side effect was dry mouth, and that has gone away after the 3rd month. I walked some during this time, but if I had followed the recommendation to walk more, I'm sure I would have lost more."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am about 65 pounds overweight and decided to ask my doctor for a diet supplement to assist with weight loss. Because of the medications that I was already taking, Contrave seemed like the best weight loss supplement for me. The first week of taking this medication, I lost 4 pounds and was very excited. However, my excitement was short-lived. I did not lose any more weight during the entire two and a half months that I was taking this drug. I exercised, modified my diet, ate smaller portions, and nothing seemed to help. The only thing I did get from taking Contrave was a bad case of dry mouth."

• Hop...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 18, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was hesitant to start Contrave after reading the reviews' side effects. Took my first pill a week ago. Started out at 277, one week later, am at 271. I wasn't expecting certain cravings to be eliminated so quickly, but am super pleased they were. After the second day on Contrave, my 30+ year addiction to coffee and cream just vanished. What? I literally have not gone one day in my adult life without coffee and cream. I am now having tea in the morning. Also, very quickly, other things I really like have gone off the list of things that now gross me out completely: sweets with high fat content and creamy foods: chocolate mousse, ice cream, coconut milk, etc. Will continue to update. Am having weird, vivid dreams, dry mouth, and slight nausea."

• Glo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started at 243 lb, I am down to 226 lb. Started about 5 weeks ago. So I was finally on 4 pills a day until the 5th week, but I had two days of extreme stomach ache. I came down to 3 pills, 2 in the morning and 1 at night. The weight has steadily declined about 2 to 3 pounds a week. Truly glad I started the medication. I have had some of the side effects. The nausea, I use peppermint or gum to overcome. Constipation and dry mouth, I drink more water. I do get a jittery feeling, but it does go away. No issues with sleep. Take B12 pills for energy. So far, so good. But I am glad it is working. It was $227 under insurance, but the coupon dropped it down to $99."

• kek...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Contrave April 18, 2017. The only side effects I experience were nausea and a headache, nothing major. I am down 4 lbs, which I am very excited about. For the nausea, I take motion sickness medication. That helps out, I chew gum to offset it. I eat less. I work out three times a day. One thing I notice is this medicine changes the way things taste. As for drinking fluids, it makes drinks taste flat, which is fine with me. I start my 2 pills a day tomorrow. I will keep everybody updated on my progress. After reading all the reviews, I was very discouraged about starting Contrave. I am so glad I am giving it a try. I keep Jolly Ranchers in my purse, my mouth gets really dry. I pray this medicine works out for everybody."

• two...
• April 19, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "LOVE Contrave! I have been on Contrave for some time now. 37 yrs old, 5' 4'. To date, I am down 63 pounds :) I did not lose my weight overnight, so do not get discouraged. I still get to have the foods I like, just MUCH smaller portions. I get so full and stay satisfied until my next meal. I drink lots of water throughout the day. The only side effect I have had is cotton mouth, Jolly Ranchers help a lot. I do like that they offer a coupon to help cover the cost, my insurance does not cover it. When I first started taking Contrave, my out-of-pocket with the coupon was $60.00, now I pay $90.00. I have no clue why the cost went up :( I have had several friends get on Contrave because of my results. My own doctor was very pleased as well."

• 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."

• Jer...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 10, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Works really well for me. Slow, steady weight loss totaling 30 lbs so far, from 225 last July to about 195 today in April. I do exercise moderately, but more importantly, the food cravings at all hours of the day are gone. Less food and calorie input means weight loss for me. Also, very acceptable to me is the side effect of a very dry mouth much of the day, so I now drink lots of water."

• 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."

• SBe...
• February 28, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I read many reviews before starting Contrave at the end of Nov. 2015. I have now been on the full dose of the medication for two full months and have lost about 16 pounds. I highlight full dose because I truly don't think there is much benefit until you hit four pills a day. Many reviewers were disappointed in the first month because they hadn't seen a difference. Once I was on the full dose, the results were immediate! My appetite has been substantially curbed, I don't have cravings, and I feel fuller faster! It's up to you to put your fork down though! Side effects: a bit of the shakes with each dose increase, which went away after a few days, slight dry mouth, and constipation. All very minimal. Use the program www.scaledown.me with it!!"

• nur...
• March 24, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave 6 days ago. I was concerned at first, reading all of the reviews. I wasn't expecting much. The first few days, I didn't change my diet. I increased my water. What I have noticed is that I am less hungry. I am not eating the full meal because I get full. I'm down 7 lbs in 6 days. Yes, I have had some side effects, mostly dry mouth! That just helps me drink more water. So far, I am happy with 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."

• Yes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 9, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Contrave for 5 days. I told my doctor that I could not take anything that would make me tired during the day or give me insomnia. Score! I do have chronic headaches and currently take no meds. My doctor gave me the first starter bottle free because she wanted to make sure I could tolerate it before investing. I am currently taking one pill per day. Two hours after I take it, it's like a 'one glass of wine' feeling. I'm less stressed and have absolutely no appetite. Some foods that I generally like don't even taste good. I'm hoping the meds will continue to be successful. My mouth is a bit dry, but nothing significant. I also have headaches, but that's typical. I've already lost weight and no fatigue!"

• hel...
• April 18, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "So I have been on this medication for almost 2 months. While I'm not losing as quickly as I anticipated, I am losing nonetheless. The only complaint I have is the side effects: extreme dry mouth at times and horrible nausea. I am at 4 pills a day now, that's when the nausea kicked in. Though it is a deterrent from eating. Overall, this medication is effective, just be prepared for the side effects."

• Kei...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 1, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I lost weight, 16 lbs, for 2 months. The first three weeks, nothing happened, on the contrary, I had an increased appetite. I tolerated the medicine well, except for some pimples in the beginning that are gone now. The only thing left is dry mouth. I eat a lot less and make healthier choices, as well as walking some."

• 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."

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 26, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am 21 years old, have struggled with my weight my entire life, and have never been able to lose weight until now. For context, I have PCOS and virtually no metabolism, so even when I was an athlete, eating well and working out up to 4 hours a day, I was still heavy. When I started Contrave, I weighed 210 lbs, it has been around 4 months, and I am down to 184 lbs. For the first time, it feels like I am getting results with the same things I'd been doing for years. I didn't change the way I eat, I just ate slightly less and kept a relatively moderate exercise schedule, and the weight practically melted off. The only side effect I had was cotton mouth, but hey, good way to drink more water, and even that went away once I was up to 4 pills a day."

• Eig...
• June 22, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Contrave 4/22, have lost 22 lbs. Had bad side effects at first, nausea, stomach pain. Bad dry mouth and weird dreams. Continued on and have been on 2 tabs in the am and 2 in the pm. No real side effects other than horrible dry mouth. Still no real cravings. Am on a high-protein diet. Low carb, low fat. Haven't really lost much in 14 days. I'm depressed. Eating very healthy. Any advice, fellow Contravers? I'm still going to take it. Has anyone else leveled off and then begun to lose weight again? Would appreciate any feedback. I'm down a pant size and happy! Thank you!!"

• dry...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 25, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This is truly a mind-altering drug. Takes the lust for food out of your mind. I had difficulty the first two days I went from 3/day to 4, so I backed off to 3 again for another week and then did fine when I increased. I do have headaches, but I have never had the nausea people talk about except for the day I increased to 4. I have asthma and hypertension. Both are doing well on this drug. I have lost 11.9 lbs in 5 weeks. I do not feel deprived. I still enjoy an occasional sweet treat and have still lost weight on those days. The main thing that I have eliminated is snacking. I really don't have any desire to do that. I drink a lot more water now too. This drug does seem to give a dry mouth. Very happy with this drug."

• kar...
• October 14, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have lost weight in the past with diet and walking a lot. But after having a heart attack, I am not permitted to walk in extreme heat or cold. I was desperate to lose weight, and the doctor prescribed Contrave. I was only on day two of the pills, and, as my luck would have it, I tore my meniscus the second day of taking the pills, and I have not been able to take my walks for a month. Despite that, I have faithfully taken the pills as prescribed, but they have done NOTHING for me. I still have very strong cravings for sweets and carbs, and since I am not able to walk, I have been giving in to those cravings. I need diet and exercise to go hand in hand for a successful weight loss program. The drug did not alter my taste for the foods I love or help control portions. The only thing this pill did is make my mouth go dry shortly after taking it. I have not lost any weight in almost one month. I paid $114 for these pills, and it was a total waste of money."