I've been taking Contrave for about a week. So far no side effects, but not much change in my appetite either. I was hoping for instant hunger disappearance!! Does it take a while for the effectiveness to kick in? Thanks!
Contrave - How long did it take for your appetite to diminish?
Question posted by WriterMom on 6 Jan 2015
Last updated on 19 November 2023
81 Answers Page 5
Teri B
15 May 2016
Just finished week two. My sweet tooth is gone. Slight decrease in hunger. Slight weight loss.
Wish I had taken Bonine before day one. I got really sick. Body has since adjusted. Sleeping pretty well, too.
Terry101
4 May 2016
I experienced an odd reaction after the third dose but it diminished. I felt like fleas or something were crawling on me. That first night after the third pill, I didn't sleep at all. I was scratching and slapping at what I thought must have been my house infested with fleas but once it had stopped in the morning, I knew it had to be the pills. So I stopped taking it til I talked with my doctor. He had me try again and I still have a slight experience but not bad. Other than that, I haven't had any other side effects.
I don't want to be skeptical but I'm up to 4 pills a day and haven't noticed any difference at all. Most of what I'm seeing is people saying their appetite decreased. What I have trouble with is sweets. I crave sweets all the time. I was optimal weight and exercised regularly until about 4 years back when I got ill. I've fought for relief from chronic pain and chronic fatigue. All this causes depression. I take medicine to help the fatigue and depression but I still have no energy so I crave sweets and carbs. I find it difficult to even cook due to the pain so I opt for microwave foods. I just can't seem to kick the sweet habit and I've gained 75 lbs. I keep trying to get back to a healthy diet but it's short lived. I crave donuts, ice cream, chocolate.
Does Contrave only control appetite or does it help with cravings?
dkw1973
17 March 2016
I'm on week 3, havnt lost a lb and still just as hungry as the day I started. My doctor talks a mile a minute, while she was still talkin up this medicine, my attention was still focused on the 8 lbs I'd gained on phentermine. I'm trying to figure out how this medicine is supposed to work exactly.
blueyesnblond
2 May 2016
I am like you, I haven't lost any and I am in my 2nd week. I stay hungry all the time. I have taken Phentermine and I could stare at cakes, cookies, chips, etc and NOT want them when taking it. I had ALOT of energy too on that. This drug I can't tell anything. I hope it changes or I am going to have to ask to go back to Phentermine. Discouraged!!!
TruD
29 May 2016
I did not start dropping weight till the fourth week. Don't get discouraged... I see & feel such a difference. I eat between 800-1000 calories a day & do my 10,000 steps. I eat lots of kale, chicken, salads& Greek yogurt. I went from 230 to 208 since beginning of April. The biggest change is no more food binges (emotional/stress eater) or cravings...
Annaryder
27 Aug 2017
I'm on week 3 and nothing. Can't wait to start week 4 to see what happens
Twoshocks
6 Nov 2015
I just started my 3rd month on Contave. I am currently down 26lbs. I did not notice a change in appetite until week 4-6. I did figure out if I take before dinner (not after) I eat less. I can not even eat 1/2 of what I used to eat. My only problem is terrible cotton mouth, jolly ranchers have become my best friend.
ashleyW0390
25 Oct 2015
my 1st week i was always hungry i didn't get any side effects yet, on my 2nd week i started to loss my appetite but the ending of the week i would just eat 2 meals a day. i have lose some weight and still no side effect, I'm starting my 3rd week hoping for no side effects. i do fell more energized now. my starting weight was 189 and now I'm down to 175. the medicine is going to work different on everyone so don't give up and don't compare your self to anyone. good luck.
Klph2
24 Feb 2017
I agree I think it works different for everyone. I have a 50 pound weight gain so I started 6 weeks ago and have lost 18 pounds! I'm eating much healthier 3 meals a day but watching my portion amount. I take it first thing in the morning and late afternoon as I'm a night time snacker.
Didn't get any results until I was on full dosage, I went from 2 to 4 pills after talking to my doctor. I did get side effects headache and nausea at first but now they have all gone.
I still have a long way to go so I focus on what I've lost not what I still have to lose.
Good luck everyone!
astbear
20 Sep 2015
I'm in the middle of week 4. I noticed diminished hunger at the start of week 3. The weight is dropping steadily. To be fair I should explain that I lost about 120 pounds on my own this year and nearly at my goal. I am using Contrave for the final 10 and maintenance to keep it off. I still get a craving for emotional food every now and then like milk chocolate candy but self-talk keeps me on track. Another benefit of Contrave is it seems to help me quit smoking cigars. I'm saving a lot of money on that and groceries as well due to portion control. I only eat when I'm hungry and I don't get very hungry any longer. Other helpful strategies: Live Strong MyPlate app - meticulously track everything including weight - even if it is not good. It keeps me honest facing the truth. When it's good news it is a powerful reinforcer. Keep a journal.
Make a list of ALL the deeply personal reasons not to be fat - a quality of life theme. Consult with a registered dietician and not a nutritionist on how to live your new normal. Be tough on yourself - no self deal cutting. Cut off outside saboteurs.
Bigbetty
11 Sep 2015
It's funny- seems like there is a wide range of experiences with this stuff. I noticed the "eat to live, not live to eat" feeling the first week! However, my nausea was awful. Someone recommended Bonine, (OTC Meclizine) which did help.
However, I've been on 4 pills/day for one week now, and feel like I am "back up to my old tricks", ie eating only 400 cal between brkfast/lunch, then getting carried away with portion size at dinner. I don't even remember eating potato chips, and have never drunk soda with sugar, always sugar-free, so weight loss is incredibly hard for me. I do like cookies and cake, but haven't had those in several months, as I tried cutting cal, exercising more without success.
The constipation is "curable" with 2-4 jigsaw magnesium pills/ day (can buy on amazon). Still have nausea, but not as bad. Unfortunately, for me, the "eat to live" feeling was kind of brief (but really wonderful!) I'm hoping it comes back. I'm going to continue to try. Sigh. Kind of discouraged. Good luck- hang in there- should get better- give it your best shot! Bigbetty
SCRAPULICIOUS
16 March 2017
Curious how you ended up doing with tgis issue... did your appetite eventually level off? I'm experiencing the same thing after having amazing success the first 3 weeks on less meds?
lose4life
31 Aug 2015
I have been taking Contrave now for about 6 months and have lost about 15 lbs. My weight has been see-sawing a pound or two, but I certainly have managed not to gain any more weight, like I normally do. If I gain a lb or 2 from day to day, it comes right off when I focus. I must admit I am not fully compliant with the Rx plan, however, I can attest to the fact there is a great difference in my appetite and the way I see food. Most times I am very conscious of my food choices, primarily because I have done a lot of research on the way different foods affect metabolism and I am never really hungry. When I eat, it's only because I realize I haven't done so. I would imagine, if I would just buckle down, follow the plan as prescribed, I would have even greater success. I have not lost as much as I would like, but I can truly say, I have not gained any weight and I really haven't made any drastic changes to my lifestyle.
I am going to challenge myself to follow the plan exactly for one month, then repost. I hope to have some great results to share. I definitely recommend this med for the disciplined ones. I think great results can be achieved. Also, it is almost time for my follow-up MD appt, so I want to be impressive. Chat with you all in one month, Sept 30, 2015.
DuDD
8 Aug 2015
I have been on Contrave for 6 weeks... Lost 11 pounds... I still like to eat... But I am satisfied with a few bites... I could go through a family size bag of chips in one night... Now it takes me two... Just kidding.. Actually I'll have a FEW chips and be satisfied... I rarely eat chips anymore... As for sweets... I am / was the original cookie monster... I could eat a dozen cookies in record time... Now... I still like cookies... But they are now safe from annihilation... My wife has noticed the big difference in my food consumption... When I sat down for a meal... I SAT DOWN FOR A MEAL... Now my serving are smaller and I don't always finish (by licking the plate clean) my meal of one serving... She hates taking me to restaurants... Anyways so far so good... I didn't notice Contrave working until around the end of the 3rd week... I recommend giving it a try... Good Luck!!!
terryobx
28 June 2015
I recently started my 5th month on Contrave. The first couple weeks were tough with nausea. I started at 188 and as this morning I am 165.6. I follow the scale down program which helps keep me accountable. I am/was a stress eater. After a bad day at work I would reward myself by stopping at the store and buying cake, cookies, pie, chips/dip etc. Now if I want a cookie, its because I want one not to reward myself for making it through a stressfull day. I still eat sweets but not very often. Not really interested.
I can't pinpoint when I no longer bought a 'reward' on the way home from work. Somewhere in the 2nd month I realized I was not buying or eating sweets very often. About the same time I realized I was not eating between meals and I was eating less.
I am more conscience of what I eat. Stop when I am full. Think twice before I put something in my mouth. Love the fact I've lost 23 lbs.
Biggest negative is dealing with the constipation. But..it's a side affect that can be dealt with.
j9smalley
7 Aug 2015
I am very glad to see this post. I started on July 29th. I am taking 3 pills a day. At first, I noticed that I was not hungry at all. I was eating about 1/2 of what I would normally eat. When I weighed in at the doctors, I was 268 pounds. When I stepped on the scale today I was 266. I feel like I have lost some "water weight" One thing that I have noticed is that I am feeling much more energized. I have been going kayaking every day after work when I would typically come home and take a nap. I used to wake up in the middle of the night and munch as well. I have noticed that I am not doing that any more either. I actually considered gastric bypass as an option when Belviq and Qsymia didn't do anything. My doctor wanted to give this one a try. I hope to see results soon. I just got my scale in the mail today so, I will start the weigh ins in the morning.
I wish you the best of luck!
Ryzr
3 Jan 2016
For constipation take magnesium. It works really well!!
terryobx
15 May 2016
I've now been on Contrave since February 2015 and I've lost a total of 35 pounds and have kept it off. I believe the scale down program has played a big part in keeping from gaining the weight back.
Debi Sample
22 Feb 2017
good job losing 23 lbs
heathery1213
5 March 2017
terryobx- if you are still in this chat let me know- we are so similar in every way based on what I read in your post above- almost the same stats and same reasons to eat!!!
terryobx
5 March 2017
I've now been on Contrave for 2 years. I am still doing the scale down program which I say has been a lifesaver. I've not lost anymore weight and its hard to keep off the weight I've lost. Stress in my life has amplified in the last 3 months with my husband being hospitalized for 2 1/2 months and stress eating is back in my world and I fight it every day. I believe daily weighing has helped keep the weight gain to 3 or 4 lbs that go up and down.
scrubnurse2017
18 April 2017
for constipation have you tried benefiber? there is no taste and does not cause gas.
scrubnurse2017
18 April 2017
What is the scale down program?
sedlin
12 May 2017
I've also just started taking Contrave and have big hopes for success. I've always been an emotional eater..I do ok during the day, but night time is terrible, especially after my husband goes to bed, it's on then. My reason for wanting to take Contrave is I'm hoping that it will cause me to stop thinking about the fact that there are cookies and/or cake or anything else sweet in the house. I think I can control my appetite, but I know I can't control my addiction to food. Is there anyone else out there like this that can tell me if it this drug helped with that type of problem? Thank you.
bigd5291
21 May 2015
I just started my 3rd week this past Tuesday and I am still hungry ALL THE TIME. Can anyone give me advice? Will it eventually start working for me? Anyone else have this problem? Being hungry all the time is really starting to aggrevate me.
hdrusso
1 July 2015
I am on my third week as well and I am extremely hungry in the evening. I am not experiencing any side effect and actually gained 3 pounds. I am hoping that my appetite decreases real soon. If after taking four pills a day next week I do not start losing weight, I am going to stop taking Contrave.
colin4953
28 July 2015
you are a human being and a mammal. its supposed to help you choose grilled chicken instead of 10 cookies. its not supposed to end hunger. if you where never hungry you would eventually starve. just ask someone on adderall
dphill07
18 Nov 2015
I'm posting to confirm what one of the other replies said. I've been taking this for about 4 months now. I expected my appetite to diminish, so I kept eating how I always did and didn't get results. Then I started trying to eat healthier and realized that was what it was really doing for me. Previously I would have a compulsion that I basically couldn't stop for unhealthy food. I would basically have to go to a fast food restaurant or something. With this I am still hungry but I am able to make better choices. So far I am down about 40 pounds pretty much solely from this giving me the ability to eat vegetables and healthier food instead of junk.
teacups
9 Feb 2016
I think of eatting ALL the time I hope this pill works. Did you start out at one at a time. Or did your doctor have you start out with two in the morning?
Rikki1971
26 Jan 2017
I'm on 40 mg of adderall daily... n I'm not starving... I eat all the time... I'm 45 yrs old n have been on some sort of ADHD/ADD meds as far back as I can remember... n now trying this contrave... not my first choice
Aprilfool2006
1 Feb 2017
I'm having same problem, especially at night which is always my worst time. I eat great all day, till about 5 pm. Then I'm ravenous... HELP
Annaryder
27 Aug 2017
I am also on my 3rd week and nothing at all has happened. I'm hoping week 4 will be the week
handymandy78
11 May 2015
I am now 5 days in. No real change in appetite yet. Like someone else said, phentermine is so different. It kills your appetite right away. Hoping that happens soon. First few days on Contrave, however, I felt very nauseous, like a big drop in blood sugar sick feeling and nothing sounded good. Just trying to get a few carbs in the morning to curb that. Hoping for some big changes soon!
carben
11 May 2015
I recommend eating protein if your stomach can handle it. Carbs turn into sugar so lean protein is your best choice. Idea: put some peanut butter on whole wheat toast.
LovingLdn
22 Feb 2016
Whole wheat? =carbs
ssoto1975
19 May 2017
English muffing and peanut butter in the morning saves my life and you drink tons of water because of the peanut butter = Full and then water all day. Im second week lost 4 pounds I feel like a lot of you ladies do but I have to remind myself that the Doc did say it is a process. I love my Doc she is the greatest. So hang in there!!!
nina49
9 May 2015
I started week three on Tuesday. As of today I'm down 10lbs 4ozs. I experienced what was like a sugar drop on Tuesday late afternoon because I didn't eat enough for lunch. Other than that I have had no other side effects! And I was more hungry the first two weeks as well especially in the later evenings!! Hoping for great results with what I've already accomplished! I have not starved myself or altered my diet hugely nor have I worked out like a maniac =0)
Arlene912
25 Nov 2017
Your comment was encouraging. I’ve just started week 2 n definetly notice a change in my appetite. Good luck n please keep posting your progress.
LMSinMS
24 April 2015
I've been on Contave for 10 days now and I can't tell any difference in my appetite. I have headaches and some dizziness but I nothing too bothersome. I'm willing to give this drug a few months unless the side effects start to become extreme.
Kimyja
20 Aug 2015
Im on day 6 and ive had two really bad headaches and constipation i find my appetite is somewhat the same but noticing a few changes... how long did it take to see results in weight loss
stephgram95
14 April 2015
I am in my 4th week. The first two steps up in dose I had major issues with low blood sugar (which cause extreme nausea). But once I realized that's what it was, I paid more attention to what I ate on the days I increased dose. I also felt ravenous at times in my first few weeks. Now I'm at full dose and I've definitely noticed a difference. I'm switching to this med from a combo of phentermine and trokendi xr. I took those two for 6 months and ate 1000 calories a day, lost 40 lbs. But I hit a plateau after 4 1/2 months. I am being monitored by my endocrinologist - he says I have a "negative" metabolism from long-time sleep deprivation (my son has insomnia). Anyway, I'm finally seeing a difference with the Contrave! It's so different than the phentermine b/c I DO feel hungry. But I feel full, or satisfied, much quicker. I can't eat a lot anyway b/c my stomach has shrunk over the last 6 months.
But this is different. The last two mornings I can't even eat a full yogurt. ABSOLUTELY I'm eating to live and not living to eat. Well said! This is the first time I've ever felt this way in my life!!
divya_vaswani
22 July 2016
how much weight did you lose on contrave? did you stop taking it?
Related topics
side effect, appetite, contrave
Further information
- Contrave uses and safety info
- Contrave prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Contrave (detailed)
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