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Bupropion / naltrexone and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 4)

Brand names: Contrave

Reviews for Bupropion / naltrexone

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Drp...
  • January 15, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "1st month of taking the full dose of Contrave. I had taken phentermine in the past and lost weight. I haven’t lost anything on Contrave. In fact, I’ve gained weight (7 lbs). I visited my endocrinologist today, and she wants me to take it for 3 months. Originally prescribed Saxenda, but insurance would not approve it. On day 1, I stopped taking all other vitamins and other medication (besides cabergoline for a pituitary tumor). Cooked all meals at home (mainly salads and protein), increased exercise, and drank more water, because I really wanted this to work. I have PCOS, so losing weight is incredibly difficult. Did anyone else have this issue? I am hoping it will start working in month 2 or 3. Also, as far as side effects from Contrave: I also had tremors in hands and arms, along with headache, nausea, bad taste in my mouth, fatigue, and brain fog. It did not help with cravings or appetite, probably because I didn’t have an issue with these before. In fact, I had to work on eating more calories and more often."

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 26, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Contrave about a month and a half ago, and I am down about 7 lbs. I did not notice much weight loss in the first month because I was actually taking the medication as prescribed. I am 5'6" and about 154 lbs. I only want to drop about 20 lbs for my wedding, and I was told this is not habit forming. I exercise, and I am on a low-cal diet. This medication does not curb my appetite, but it does curb my intake, which I LOVE. I don't want to stop eating altogether and gain all the weight back as soon as I stop taking it. This medication still lets me eat but not as much. I am in the second month, and I notice I am losing about 3 lbs a week, which is a healthy way to lose weight. Every now and then, I will get a headache, but overall... GREAT!!"

10 / 10
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  • NOL...
  • May 9, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been struggling with my weight for some time now and decided to speak with my internist to see if she would give me a script for something that would curb my appetite for sweets and fast food. She prescribed Contrave, honestly, I've never heard of this drug before. Did some research and read everyone's comments, and honestly, I was frightened by the many side effects. I'm so desperate to lose the weight, I started my first dose today. I took the pill around 7:30 this morning and didn't begin to feel nauseated until around noon. Since most of the suggestions said to drink water to help with the nausea, I found when I ate a few saltine crackers, the nausea went away. Then came a slight headache. Other than that, I'm fine. Good luck everyone."

9 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Lov...
  • September 14, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I initially started Contrave the last week in August, but I got a terrible summer cold, and that mixed with the horrible nausea from Contrave was not going to cut it. Tuesday, 9/8/15, I decided to start again, only this time, I took my morning dose with breakfast, and voila, no nausea whatsoever. I do however experience extreme thirst, and sometimes I forget to eat, so I have a headache in the evening. Other than that, I'm pretty great. I've had no cravings whatsoever, even when I am hungry, it’s difficult to decide what to eat because I don't want anything."

10 / 10
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  • Kat...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 14, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Suffering through the side effects in the first week (headaches, nausea, dizziness), but have lost 4 pounds already. Hoping the side effects will taper off, as this medication definitely controls my hunger and cravings."

7 / 10
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  • roc...
  • February 25, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave on 2/17/2017. I'm now beginning my 2nd week (one pill in the morning and one at night), and I've already lost 3-4 pounds. My cravings are now under control, and I don't get up in the middle of the night to eat anymore. I honestly feel amazing and full of hope for the first time in a long time. The only thing noticed side effect-wise was having a headache and fatigue the first day or so, but nothing since. I'll update in a couple of months, but I give this medication 5 stars, besides the fact that it's super freaking expensive. Lol"

10 / 10
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  • Ram...
  • February 21, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This med does work, and yes, the first few weeks may suck, but it's worth it. I literally got down to 229 from 336, but I had all these holidays in between, so it was tough. I do want to give another try, but at the beginning, you will get headaches, hot flashes, and you will feel very irritable. This med literally helped me kick out smoking and coffee all at the same time."

10 / 10
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  • MLW...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 12, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I wish the Contrave worked for me. I’ve been on it almost 3 months, and it has definitely stopped working. I lost 10 lbs in the first 2 weeks and haven’t lost even an ounce since. I had the full feeling for about 3 weeks, but then it went right back to normal. The ringing in both of my ears is so loud, and it never stops. The headaches are daily and at times are worse than migraines. This drug is too expensive not to work! I was told by many that you don’t get the full effect of the drug until you've been on it for 16 weeks. Sorry, I don’t believe it. I wouldn’t recommend it at all. WAY too expensive for a 50/50 chance of it working, and the side effects are awful."

1 / 10
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  • Mis...
  • January 22, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave on 1/2/16. I am 5 ft 7 inches, and my starting weight was 241.4. I am 33 years old and have always struggled with weight. Immediately, I noticed that my mood was improved. I also have almost no desire to drink alcoholic beverages or smoke (which I was doing fairly regularly). I have had minimal side effects up to this point, besides the occasional constipation or headache. As of today, I weighed in at 229.8. Not sure if this is the progress that is expected, but so far, I am happy. That puts me at a loss of approximately 0.55 lbs per day for the past 21 days."

8 / 10
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  • Sus...
  • January 18, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Update! I started Contrave on 12/6/15 at 5'2" and 166 lbs. As of 1/17/16, I'm down 15 lbs. I'm on 1400 calories or less a day and exercise for about 20-30 minutes 2-3 times per week (if I'm lucky!). I'm a nurse, so I regularly get at least 8-10K steps per shift, so that may be a plus for me. The nausea and constipation have gone away, but when I tried to go up to 4 pills, the nausea and headaches came back with a vengeance, so I've been taking 3 pills and steadily losing weight, so I'm not concerned about titrating up to 4 pills. Don't give up -- your body needs time to adjust. It is not a miracle pill - you have to make an effort and lifestyle change if you want this medication to help with your weight loss."

10 / 10
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  • 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."

9 / 10
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  • lov...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 8, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Contrave for 2 1/2 months. My main side effects are slight periodic nausea, headaches, and moderate constipation. I will continue to take Contrave. The drug has been so beneficial to changing my mindset and eliminating cravings! I cannot believe how well it works. I also eat 'clean' and work out 3-4 times a week. I have done that for two years. I lost 75 pounds before the Contrave, but over the holidays 2017, I gained about 35 back. I now have lost about 16. I think this medication is a great tool!!!"

8 / 10
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  • 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?"

8 / 10
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  • Mom...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 24, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Been on Contrave 29 days! Only side effect was the first week with a little headache here and there, and my brain felt a little scrambled. By week 2, no side effects. On week 3, no side effects, and feeling full faster and not going back for seconds. On week 4, feel great, no side effects checked weight, started at 184 lbs and now 177 lbs. Can't believe 7 lbs down. Walking twice a week and cycling once or twice for 12 miles. Feeling great!!!"

9 / 10
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  • Mel...
  • August 21, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "In Feb, I was 343 lbs & on 600 units of insulin a day. Once on Contrave, my cravings & appetite decreased immediately. At 2 weeks, I was lowering my insulin dose. I had headaches & mild dizziness the 1st month. I lost 5 lbs the first 3 months & continued to lower my insulin. At 6 months, I’ve lost 24 lbs, and my insulin dose is 205 units. It’s still curbing my appetite & cravings. This drug has been a lifesaver for me. I was having weakness in my arms and legs, numbness in my hands. I couldn’t take a shower without feeling faint. I have a condition where my heart beats too fast & was on the verge of upping my meds for it. My resting heart rate was on average 98 & now it’s in the low 70s. The numbness & weakness in my arms/legs is gone. I still get out of breath, but not excessively. My ankles aren’t swelling anymore. My indigestion has improved. No more bloating. I was headed for some major health complications. I am so thankful I asked my doctor for help."

10 / 10
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  • PWi...
  • June 4, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking this for less than a week, started 5/30/15. So far, I have lost 9 pounds! I have experienced a few of the side effects: slight nausea in the evenings, mild headaches, and constipation. I have high blood pressure; however, it is controlled. This hasn't seemed to affect it at all. I'm only on one pill a day right now and experience some hunger in the mornings. Other than that, I'm not hungry all day, but when I do eat, I'm trying to lean toward fruits, veggies, and lean meats. I have been on the elliptical daily."

8 / 10
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  • New...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • September 28, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Contrave since January 2016, starting weight of 253 lbs. I'm down to, and holding at 185 lbs! I've had a few minor side effects such as headaches and minor nausea, but it lessened to the point of being almost unnoticeable. One positive side effect is my libido has increased tremendously. I feel like I'm 18 years old again, and my wife simply can't believe it. Not sure if she is happy about it or not. My physician told me it's likely a placebo effect, but if I'm happy, then no worries. Oh, yeah, I'm happy."

7 / 10
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  • Kim...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 3, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Was scared to try because of side effects, but I'm more scared of dying and leaving my family because of my obesity. I'm 41, 5'5 and starting weight at 210.9 lb. Currently, I do no activity, eat garbage, depressed. I've been on Contrave 7 days today. Lost 5 pounds. Have a little headache, constipated today. But for the first time in a long time, I have a little hope. I can see a little light in the dark now."

9 / 10
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  • YOU...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 16, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am updating my previous review from 1/19/2017. I have now upped to the full dose of Contrave (2 in the morning, 2 at night). I have never experienced ANY stomach upset, ANY headache, or any other listed side effect, except I noticed on the first day when I upped my dose I was extremely fatigued but was fine within 24 hours. I've quit craving an evening cocktail, sugar, and fast food, and I stop eating when I'm full rather than stuffed. The 4-pill regimen has only been for about a week, but I can certainly tell a difference. I will post an update when I notice any changes."

8 / 10
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  • Kia...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 4, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Contrave is the best medicine for weight loss! It is not a magic pill by far, but if you put in the work (exercising and portion control), you will see the maximum results. I started in April 2016 at 295 pounds. As of August 2016, I am down 35 pounds and going. This is the first medication I have had that works for me, and I absolutely love the scale-down program. You really have to weigh every day in order to WIN! I recommend this medication to anyone struggling with weight and needing some assistance to get rolling. The first week was just a few headaches adjusting to the medicine, but the only side effect I continue to have is constipation, for which my doctor provided me with senna to relieve. TRY, TRY, TRY and pass it on to anyone that it may help."

10 / 10
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  • Blo...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 29, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave on March 16th, and today is March 29th, and I have lost 10 pounds so far. I have been on the Weight Watchers program and have already lost 88 pounds using that program in the past year and a half. From October 2016 to mid-March 2017, I have been in a constant losing and gaining of the same 5 pounds. Frustrated because I have obviously learned how to eat healthy and control my portions, I went to my doctor to ask how to break this plateau. She prescribed me Contrave. The first week, no side effects, and I felt great! Good energy, and it stopped the nighttime cravings that I think were derailing my weight loss efforts. The second week, I have had terrible headaches and constantly feel nauseous! I am hoping this goes away soon."

6 / 10
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  • Cat...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 2, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Contrave at the beginning of October 2017, so up to four pills a day, and I have lost almost 20 lbs. I didn't really have any weird side effects, never got nauseous, and no headaches. Really thirsty, so I am drinking much more water now. So, other than the weight loss, here are the GOOD things that happened to me: I went from only sleeping 4 or 5 hours per night to a full 8 hours every single night since I started these. I haven't slept like this in years. Also, I don't crave alcohol like I did. It's a big help for me, as I loved my wine. I do get hungry, but my willpower is much stronger now. It's not like Phen-Fen that took away all food cravings for me, but I like how I am making better choices."

9 / 10
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  • Mis...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 1, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking Contrave for almost two months. I am a 50-year-old 5'2" woman that started out at 155 lbs. Since starting, I have lost 11 lbs. I had, I think, all the side effects: a week of severe nauseousness. No throwing up, just wouldn't eat anything without a stomach ache. Before I started Contrave, I drank up to six cans of pop a day and now do not even crave it. I had headaches for about a week and constipation. Now, almost two months in, I feel better. I really feel this is a great diet pill. I only have 9 lbs to go to my goal weight."

10 / 10
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  • Mar...
  • March 13, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Contrave for about 5 weeks now. I have lost, gained, and lost 4 lbs. I intend to stay on it another month and try to be more physically active. One thing I have noticed is that my jeans are not as tight. I have actually gone in 1 to 2 notches on my belt, which is more impressive to me than the 4 lbs. I had a few headaches off and on for the first 2 weeks, but nothing major. For me, the side effects haven't been that bad. I have noticed that it has helped me a lot with cravings and portions. With Contrave, I haven't snacked all day at work or in the evening after supper. It has reduced the amount of food I am able to eat. If I overeat, I feel miserable. I was hoping to lose at least 10 lbs, but that hasn't happened yet."

6 / 10
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  • Nit...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 21, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "2/21/17 I started 2/14/17 and I have experienced headaches, nausea, nothing that I can't handle. My weight is affecting my health, whereas I have terrible back pains and asthma, so the side effects don't worry me. I have lost 6 lbs taking these pills and a card diet. I am very pleased with the results. My cravings are controlled, and I am not at full dose yet, just taking 1 in the morning, and I cannot wait to see more results for y'all that left your reviews. Where is the info on your weight loss?"

10 / 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.