Bupropion / naltrexone and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Tyb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 25, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave in March and have lost 30 lbs. without exercise. My Dr. had me start taking it in the evening to bypass some side effects. Due to the cost, I decided to go off cold turkey. Then, after seeing my dr., I decided to keep taking it. I started back with taking 2 twice a day. I was so nauseous. That was no fault of the medicine. I was at fault. I should have started with taking 1 and built up to the full dose. I would highly recommend it and don’t let the negative reviews scare you. Most people only write reviews when they are unhappy. For that reason, I wanted to write a good one. I’ve justified the cost by reminding myself that I would have spent more on buying snacks and sodas. If you decide to start taking it, be sure to go to the Contrave website and print the savings card. It should only cost you $99 a month. Remember, not everyone has a bad experience with it, so give it a try and be patient. I didn’t lose right away. It takes time but is so worth it. Good luck."

• VFr...
• September 16, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started in March 2017 at 195 lbs. Side effects were rough for the first 4 months... nausea, vomiting, severe stomach pain right after eating. So, I kept Pepto in my purse to keep me going. It is Sept 14, 2017, and I have zero side effects. I've lost 40 lbs. I went from a size 16 to an 8. I have 20 lbs to go! I plan to stay on this as a maintenance drug. I absolutely love it, and pushing through the side effects was worth it."

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 13, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My insurance wouldn't cover Contrave, so my doctor put me on the two separate ingredients, naltrexone 50 mg and bupropion 150 mg, 2x a day. Which are the same in Contrave. The first few days the nausea was horrible, but I wasn't hungry. I took a few anti-nausea meds, and it worked. Now, a week in, I don't need the anti-nausea meds. I feel great. I've lost almost 8 pounds. But I'm also on a water pill along with my BP meds. I've noticed a big difference in my stomach. I was 239.8, size 16/17. My goal is a size 10/11."

• CAP...
• April 26, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Contrave for almost a year (40 y.o. female). I started out at 240 and now I'm 190. Granted it would have been more, but after my husband passed away, I didn't really watch what I've been eating, and I haven't been exercising the last several months. When I first started taking it, I had headaches and nausea, but it didn't last long. What I love about it is that it makes you not obsess over food, and it does keep you in a more cheery mood. Really great med."

• For...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 20, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking Contrave for a little over two months. I have lost 20 lbs. With a good diet and exercise, this medicine is golden! I usually only make it to the gym 2 - 3 times a week due to a busy schedule, but I still see great results. The scale down program that Contrave has, where they send you a free scale to weigh daily, really helps! They send you texts right after you weigh, telling you your progress or lack thereof. You can also log in online and see a graph of your progress, current weight, and goal weight. This keeps you on track and motivates me every day. I did have some side effects the first couple of weeks, headaches and nausea, but they went away. Very happy with this!"

• liv...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 28, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave in December. I had very mild nausea. I decided to stay on the two pills because I was losing weight. It took 6 weeks to move to the 4-pill plan. I have lost 23 lbs. to date. I have a lot of weight to lose and want to avoid getting put on more medications. I got the free scale and really like it. It helps so much to check my weight every day. My cravings are basically gone. This medication is working for me. I hope my weight loss continues. I would like/need to lose 30 lbs more to be a healthy weight."

• Wrk...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 28, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm a 40-year-old black female. I'm 5'6" and was 315 lbs. I started moving more and eating less and got down to about 265 lbs, but I got stuck there. My doctor prescribed Contrave for me about a year ago, and today I weigh 223 lbs. I wasn't able to increase the dosage as quickly as instructed, but I eventually got up to 2 pills twice a day. I'm still taking it, and the weight is still coming off. I've had no major side effects, but I did experience nausea during the first couple of months. As long as it continues to work for me, I'll continue to take it. The price is a bit high but totally worth it. My doctor was able to take me completely off of one of the 2 diabetes meds I was taking. Contrave definitely isn't for everyone, but I'd recommend it."

• Wei...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 28, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am on week 5 of taking Contrave, and as I have said in 2 previous [reviews], I will do my best to take you along on this journey. I am down 16 lbs as of today. The very first thing that has to happen before taking this medication is you must change your mindset. If you are unwilling to do this, I promise you everything else will be an epic failure. Allow yourself the chance to change, and when you stumble, just get back up. I have allowed myself the things I love, but just not in any measure of extreme. So instead of having 6 cookies, I may have 3. When I reached the stage of 2 and 2, I didn't like the side effects of nausea and headaches that lasted for hours, so rather than see this as a pitfall, I went back to 1 and 1, and I'm still getting the same results."

• DJG...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 20, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking this medicine for 2 weeks now, and I have lost 5 lbs. I really haven't completely changed my diet as of yet; I have just cut back. But I am happy to report that I have not experienced any side effects at this time. For those with nausea, I suggest eating a few salty crackers and plenty of water. Good luck on your new journey."

• Mam...
• April 27, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "First Post: I got Contrave from my NP a month ago with the scale-down program. It took me two weeks to even try it because I was so afraid of nausea. I am sensitive to nausea. Week one was fine, with no side effects to speak of. Week two I have felt a twinge of nausea when I take the second pill at night. No biggie. This is my first diet medication of any kind, and I am skeptical, but I admit I may feel fewer cravings. Maybe I feel fuller faster. Starting weight 321. Week 2 I am down to 309."

• Sus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 20, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am now on week 3 and started two morning doses today. Week 1 I did not lose any weight. Last week I lost 2 lb. Even though the weight isn't falling off, I swear I feel like this is a miracle drug. I have been a huge sugar addict and food addict in general since I was in 5th grade (I'm 43 now). This is the first time ever I am not constantly thinking about food. Even when I've gone on diets and forced myself to not eat certain foods, I was still thinking about food and craving sweets. Those impulses have almost gone altogether. That's always been the hardest part for me. As far as side effects, the only one I've had is being very tired. I am prone to headaches and nausea, so went in expecting that, but I've been pleasantly surprised. I am 43, 5'2" and started at 215. My first goal is 44 pounds down by my 44th birthday, Feb. 11. Good luck to all of you in your journeys. :)"

• Fin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 27, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking Contrave for 6 weeks. I have lost 18 pounds (186 to 168) and have been extremely pleased with the results! The initial side effects of nausea, constipation, and headaches have all gone away! If you are just starting, stick with it. Give it a week. I am taking the full dose now, and the sugar cravings are gone. I am using my Fitbit to log my intake and set up challenges with friends to encourage exercise. I hope to lose 20 more pounds using this medication. I have tried phentermine and had a terrible time with sleep. I have not found Contrave to affect my sleep. It relaxes me enough, and the exercise has helped. I have dry mouth, but I can live with that!"

• Rub...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 20, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave last Wednesday. I was 77 kg and today, Saturday, I am 75.5 kg, so I’ve lost 1.5 kg in 4 days. Wow, I have to lose some weight because I have a fatty liver. I do eat reasonably well, but menopause has not been too kind to me, putting on 10 kg in 6 months. I have a little nausea only taking the one tablet and a few headaches, but hopefully that will pass. I am walking on my treadmill about half an hour most days, which adds up to about a 2.5 km walk. My appetite is suppressed, and when I do eat, I can only eat very little. I am making myself eat to avoid dizziness and feeling sick. I am having a lot of fruit during the day and a small healthy main meal at night. I’m very happy but scared when I up the dose of the sick feeling I get. I’ve decided only to go as far as one tablet in the morning and one at night."

• Mot...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 20, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a 56-year-old woman, 405 lbs (not a typo), 5'9" tall. I find in this forum that most people don't have the amount of weight to lose as I do, yet I am hopeful. I started Contrave on June 8th, 2017, and have lost 11 lbs. Soon I'll be up to 3 tabs/day. I find that it is helping somewhat, yet I still am craving fast food. I am following a low-carb diet with no exercise yet. I hope that the higher dose will help with the cravings more. Side effects for me have been lethargy and some nausea. I plan on continuing this medication in hope that I finally can resolve my food addiction."

• 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."

• Mic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 22, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Contrave for a little over two weeks now and am very pleased with the results. At the two-week mark, I'd lost 18 lbs. but haven't weighed in the past few days. Noticing my clothes are starting to fit differently. I haven't had any issues with most of the side effects others have listed. No nausea, headaches, mood swings, or vivid dreams. The only thing I've experienced is having trouble sleeping at night, which was never an issue before. Some nights I wake up every hour. Really hoping that this subsides as my body gets used to it. Cravings are almost nonexistent, and I also find myself feeling full with half the portions. Excited to get up to full dosage over the next few weeks to see the results. Hope this helps."

• Ter...
• March 10, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave on December 16, weighing 274. I am 5'5'. I have done every diet out there, with varying degrees of success. As of this morning, I have lost 32 pounds. My only side effects were queasiness for the first day and dry mouth, which I don't mind because it reminds me to drink water. Within a day or two, I felt better than I had in years. I could actually move easier and without as much stiffness. I am not sure that the medicine is as effective now as in the beginning, but now I am in a routine of what to eat, how much, and how much to exercise. If I exercise 4 days a week (stationary bike for 45 minutes/11 miles) and eat right, I lose about 3 pounds per week. I still eat out occasionally, but just eat less. Very happy."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 3, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Contrave the 3rd week of January. At first, I did feel a little nauseous and lightheaded, but I drank lots of water and didn't take the pills on an empty stomach, and those side effects went away after 3 days. The only side effects I am still experiencing are trouble sleeping if I take the second dose too late in the day, and I can't stop clenching my jaw. However, I have lost 11 pounds! I also struggle with depression, and I have tried all kinds of meds for it, and NOTHING has made me feel as good as this medication does. I feel like I can enjoy my life. I rarely think about food unless my stomach growls, and I can resist comfort foods and make better choices. I hope it continues to work this well."

• Los...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 20, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave, recommended by my specialist, as I am 48 and have high blood pressure, and after all the tests, it is most likely from being overweight. My specialist is quite confident that my BP will lower if I lose weight. I have now been on Contrave for 6 weeks, and I have lost 23 lbs. I have changed my eating habits to more healthy choices and portions, and healthy snacks if I want one. I find that I do not need as much food, and I do not miss the junk food and have no cravings. I did have some nausea when I went up to the 4 pills a day for about a week and took a children's gravol to get me through. I also still have the constipation, which I am taking a stool softener for help. It is a little pricey even with the discount from Contrave, and wish it was more affordable, but it is working, and to me, it is worth it not only to feel better about myself but to help with my health as well."

• RRC...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 6, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been losing about up to 1/2 lb. per day. My doctor and pharmacist said to drink way more water and no fat, I believe this is why I don't feel nauseous. One day I cheated and had a candy bar and felt nauseous after it. I chewed Ginger Trips chewables and the nausea went away. I have cut back on portions of food. I eat apples, mangos, carrots, pears, and peanut butter with banana on rye crackers for snacks. I haven't had any oils or high-fat meats or cheese, although I sprinkled some low-fat cheese on chili the other night. I eat a veggie with each meal and don't eat over 4 oz of meat. I drink a bottle of water every 2 hours. It keeps headaches away. I got one light headache, took a Tylenol, gone. I walk twice daily, 40 minutes each. This is working."

• Emi...
• September 4, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm 20 and I'm on week 4 (2 pills in the morning and 2 at night). I am 16 pounds down already. I am experiencing mild nausea, but it's only when I eat certain things. Once I throw up, I feel much better. I am trying to include more fruit in my diet to compensate for the food I have been throwing up. I have heard these symptoms don't last but 2 weeks max. If they last longer than that, I'm going to go back to the 2 pills in the morning and 1 at night since I did good during that. This pill has been great at eliminating my cravings. No constipation or headaches so far."

• Bur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 9, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Contrave has been a godsend for me! My starting weight was 235 lb on 9/4/18. It is 12/9/18, and I have lost 28 lbs! I have experienced ZERO side effects. In addition to using Contrave, I have been exercising 3-4 times per week, eating an Atkins bar once a day as a meal replacement, and eating smaller meals in general. I did roll the dice last night and had my first glass of wine (okay, 2 glasses). I love wine and have stopped since taking Contrave. I awoke at midnight feeling nauseated and vomited several times. Needless to say, no more wine while on Contrave. I am so happy with the results and the lifestyle changes I have made."

• Owa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Contrave 7 days ago for weight loss and have lost 6 pounds. First day, no desire to eat or drink. Fourth day, ate a quesadilla for lunch. Felt nauseous from overeating! Fifth day, had intense abdominal pain that forced me to stay home from work. Skipped taking a pill on the sixth day since recuperating. Seventh day, increased dosage to two pills. Felt energetic all day. This week, I plan to start walking again. Concerned that the heart trial has not been completed yet, but optimistic my health will improve."

• cfi...
• January 8, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My doctor prescribed Contrave for weight loss. I started taking it yesterday with only one tablet around lunchtime. About an hour later, I was bowing down to the toilet and extremely dizzy. It's been 24 hours now and I'm still feeling nauseous, and I feel 'out of it.' I'm glad I only took one pill!"

• reg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 29, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am about to be on week 2 of Contrave. I have cut out all caffeinated beverages and am sticking to a low-fat/low-cal diet, and I am down 6 pounds! The first day was complete torture due to the nausea, headache, and vertigo, but I am determined to not quit and be successful at this! I want to be able to feel as though I can do anything, go anywhere, and not have my weight dictate my path in life. I am 5 ft 9 and weighed 262, and again on day 7, I am at 257! Just waiting on my scale now! Good luck everyone and don't get discouraged!!"