Contrave and Anxiety: What Users Say

• Cas...
• June 18, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am 5'3 at 167 lbs. I started on June 2, 2021. I kept stepping on the scale. Now on my 2nd week taking 2 pills a day. Just stepped on the scale and I am 2 lbs down. I have been feeling full on just eating smaller portions or snacks. Still want a few cookies though, lol. Now I haven’t changed my diet either, I’ve slowed down on junk but no major changes. I will finish a full 6 weeks, consistency is key, right? Hopefully I can drop another 18 lbs. Update 6/17/21. I am now on 3 pills and my first day was super harsh. I did great in the morning but the evening pill came with side effects. I felt super weak, hot, jittery, and I threw up. I have had chest pains a few times, which didn’t last long. This evening wasn’t as bad, just a little nausea. Anyways, I am now 161 lbs at the beginning of the 3rd week, 6 lbs lost. I started working out and am on my 3rd week as of yesterday. At-home workouts, nothing major. Will update again."

• OBd...
• February 4, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "First of all, I am an MD and very familiar with the meds in Contrave. I was actually prescribing it before I decided to try it myself. I have been 20-30 lbs overweight for as long as I can remember (at least 20 years). I had developed mild type 2 diabetes, elevated cholesterol, and hypertension. I was taking a handful of pills every day at age 45. So I started the medication 24 days ago. My weight was 184. On some of the early days, I had some nausea, but it always went away. I was irritable at times, and some days when I literally forgot to eat, I would get jittery and feel bad (but not hungry) because I'm sure my blood sugar was low. So my results so far: today I am 165.8. I am down 18 lbs in 24 days. BMI down 3 points. This is no gimmick!"

• Sun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 19, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking Contrave for 6 weeks and have lost 16 pounds. For reference, I am 5’4” and weighed 165 lbs. This morning I weighed 149 lbs. Dry mouth and constipation are the only side effects I have now. I will get a headache if I miss a dose (I take 2 pills in AM and 2 in PM). I have to say this medication really works. It doesn’t kill my appetite, but no more binges or overeating. I have total control over my appetite now. Fast food was a big problem for me, but now I don’t really want it. Same with my favorite foods like carbs and pizza — one slice and I’m satisfied. This has really helped me lose weight without suffering through a strict dieting. I found tapering up my dosage over 4 weeks as recommended by the manufacturer really helped with the side effects. For me, the immediate side effects (foggy brain, headache, tiredness, anxiety) went away within a few days of increasing my dosage."

• Dol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave 5 days ago and have lost 5 lbs already! I’m excited to see how much weight I will lose on this! Side effects: I felt a little jittery; however, I think this could be from not eating very much. I notice once I eat something, this goes away. Feel slightly ‘out of it’, for instance I can ask someone something and they tell me, and I won’t remember a second later what they said. Very difficult getting to sleep and staying asleep the first couple of days, but it has been getting better by the day. I am nervous about increasing the dose and not being able to sleep again. Increased energy, mild constipation, mild dry mouth. Zero cravings for anything. It makes it really easy to eat clean, avoid carbs, and sugar. I’m not hungry at all. For the first time in my life, I don’t feel like I’m obsessing over food like an addict. I don’t even think about it. When I do eat, I get full really fast."

• Mar...
• August 28, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Just wanted to give you my experience so far. I started Contrave on 08/08/2019. I am up to 3 pills a day, and I have a few more days left before I go up to the max. I have noticed a huge difference in my cravings for sweets. I haven’t really had any side effects other than feeling a little jittery and having more energy, along with a suppressed appetite. I haven’t gotten on the scale yet, but I can tell my clothes are looser. I will update when I weigh in after the 30 days. Good luck to all."

• Sas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am in week 5 and have lost 10 pounds, and people are noticing. I started at 245 and am now 235 lb. I have always been overweight but have led a healthy lifestyle and am quite fit and muscular, but my weight kept creeping up, and I could not lose no matter what. I have consistently lost 2 pounds a week so far, which is record-breaking for me. I seem unable to overeat even on vacation! I cannot drink more than one glass of wine, and it doesn't even taste good. I have no cravings for sweets, and when I taste them, I think, meh, not worth the calories. Obviously, it has rewired my reward system and satiety signals. As far as side effects, yes, at first, I was jittery with a strange lightheaded headache, but it was pretty mild. I often have a dry mouth, so I'm drinking more water. I think it does cause constipation, but I've always been on the loose side, so my bowel movements have normalized. So far so good - I'm curious to see how it works now that I'm on the full dose."

• Hap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 8, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This is my second week on Contrave. I just upped my dosage yesterday to 2 pills daily. So far, so good. I have noticed that I don't focus on food as much. I'm not constantly thinking, what can I eat, when can I eat, what do I want ALL the time anymore. It has really curbed my appetite, and in fact, I remembered today at 3:00 pm that I haven't eaten lunch, and I was just starting to actually get a little hungry! It's been a long time since I let my stomach decide it was time to eat instead of my mind. I'm hoping to lose 50-60 lbs. with healthy eating, exercise, and Contrave. I finally feel like I'm not in this battle alone. I've also noticed an increase in energy, but it doesn't make me jittery, and I am very sensitive to most all meds."

• Fei...
• March 25, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was skeptical. Read some reviews, and they were so strong for or against. At first, I did feel side effects. The first 3 weeks, I thought there is no way I can take 4 a day. I listened to my body and waited an extra week to go up to full dose. The side effects of headache and jittery had gone away by this point. I'm 8 weeks in, and I'd say by week 5, I was feeling great! I'm down 20 lbs and less depressed. Food really doesn't matter."

• Jax...
• April 14, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I began Contrave on March 23, 2017, so three weeks now. I have just started the 2-dose in the am and 2-dose in pm. I have to admit I was very excited to try this. However, the first week I had a lot of anxiety. I had read this might be a side effect, so I continued to tell myself, 'It's just the medicine.' I have lost 11 pounds in 3 weeks with no exercise. As the dose got stronger, my anxiety grew, but my appetite decreased. After a week on the increased dosage, the anxiety started to fade. I hope it will be the same this time. The product works. If you can keep a level head and realize the side effects will diminish, this might work for you as well. I am excited to see where I will be after a month on the full dose."

• Kic...
• June 21, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have only been on it ten days and have not reached full dosages, but I do not notice any decrease in wanting to eat my binge foods. I am committed to trying this for a month or two. I have now been on Contrave two weeks. I did not notice a difference in cravings or appetite until I began taking two pills in the a.m. and one at night three days ago. The only side effect is I get a bit anxious and worry it might turn into a panic attack. This doesn't last long, but I am considering stopping because of it... But I am finally neutral to food, just eating to live and healthy food choices and smaller portions. I don't want those sugar and flour cravings to come back, as I am the heaviest I've ever been. I am 58 next month."

• Chu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 18, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been taking Contrave for 18 days. I've lost 8 pounds, and I feel fantastic! The side effects were minimal: headache the first day, just a weird groggy feeling and a little anxiety for a couple of days. Small things to deal with for the positive effects. Not just weight loss, but physically feeling good. I don't snack, and I eat smaller portions. Things I used to look forward to eating don't even sound tempting. I'm excited to see what happens when I incorporate a little more exercise into my daily routine."

• 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."

• EMS...
• August 20, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been taking this medication for three weeks. I have had some nausea (when my body is telling me it's time to eat). I could go all day without eating, but my stomach will start to rumble, telling me to eat. Yesterday, I started the two in the morning and one at night, but I became very anxious and jittery later in the day, so today I went back to one in the morning and one at night because that is working well for me right now. I'm 5'4" and I started at 206 pounds. Today I'm 194 pounds. This medication will not take weight off, you have to eat healthy and exercise. I have totally made a lifestyle change, taking carbs and sugar out of my diet. My body does not even crave sweets anymore."

• EMS...
• August 20, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been taking this medication for three weeks. I have had some nausea (when my body is telling me it's time to eat). I could go all day without eating, but my stomach will start to rumble, telling me to eat. Yesterday, I started the two in the morning and one at night, but I became very anxious and jittery later in the day, so today I went back to one in the morning and one at night because that is working well for me right now. I'm 5'4" and I started at 206 pounds. Today I'm 194 pounds. This medication will not take weight off, you have to eat healthy and exercise. I have totally made a lifestyle change, taking carbs and sugar out of my diet. My body does not even crave sweets anymore."

• Chi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 11, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am 58 years old and have been on Contrave for 6 weeks. I started at 280 lbs and have lost 30 lbs. Contrave has completely stopped my food obsession. I feel like it gave me my life back. But I may have to stop taking it due to the side effects. The first side effect was dry eye. I have been using artificial tears 6-8 times a day. I've also had occasional headaches. I also have extreme head sweating. My hair is soaking wet almost all the time. It is an embarrassing side effect. I feel like I have more energy, but I am also very anxious and not sleeping well at night. I feel more aggravated, and I have less patience. Most importantly, and the reason I may have to stop Contrave, is severe and uncontrolled hypertension. Side effects +++ :("

• Yan...
• September 17, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Fantastic, I couldn't tolerate 2 pills am and 2 pills pm (some insomnia caused by anxiety). So, doc kept me at 2 pills am and 1 pill pm, and that works fine. Cravings are gone, not turning to food for comfort, and satisfied with normal food portions. This drug is incredible, wish it was around years ago. Word of advice, if it causes insomnia, take the pm dose about 7-8 pm rather than right before bed. I do have some minor side effects such as anxiety, headache, and stuff, but worth putting up with for a drug as effective as this. If you're very overweight and nothing else has helped, run, don't walk to your doctor and ask him about starting Contrave, you'll be glad you did."

• rel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 10, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Contrave Jan. 16th, 2018. I had gone to the doctor for my yearly physical, and my blood pressure was sky-high. I'm a 28-year-old female, 5'2", and my starting weight was 277 lbs. The first couple of days taking it, I was nauseous and had a headache, but that went away. I'm at the full dose now, 4 and 4. I'm down to 260 lbs, so I've lost 17 lbs in 3 weeks. I have to remind myself to eat. The problem is, at this full dose, I am so anxious, I'm having hot flashes, I'm dizzy, and my head is fogged. I really hope this passes because, although the weight loss is great, the side effects really, really suck."

• Sio...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 24, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I just began week 5 of Contrave to help me lose weight. The first 3 or 4 weeks seemed OK, but suddenly in the last few days, I feel extremely worried, anxious, and a bit dark- not suicidal, but not right. I have also noticed that my knees are extremely shaky when I'm walking down steps- not up them, just down. I don't know if it's related to the Contrave or just coincidental. I'm in good physical shape, so it seems strange. Even though I am down 12 lbs, I took my last dose this morning. I am quitting immediately. I typically tolerate medications very well, and this is just not right. It was worth a try!"

• Sio...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 24, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I just began week 5 of Contrave to help me lose weight. The first 3 or 4 weeks seemed OK, but suddenly in the last few days, I feel extremely worried, anxious, and a bit dark- not suicidal, but not right. I have also noticed that my knees are extremely shaky when I'm walking down steps- not up them, just down. I don't know if it's related to the Contrave or just coincidental. I'm in good physical shape, so it seems strange. Even though I am down 12 lbs, I took my last dose this morning. I am quitting immediately. I typically tolerate medications very well, and this is just not right. It was worth a try!"

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 9, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been a heavy drinker and an overeater for 20 years. I've started at 102 kg, 187 cm, Type 2 diabetes and am on my 1st week of pills. One per day. A little bit anxious, and some weird dreams, but nothing bad. A small amount of nausea. Will post every couple of weeks and let you know what's happening. Cost in Australia is $340 prescription, which should last a month. A high cost, but if I eat and drink less, probably worth it."

• 4bo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 21, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave at the end of November at 234 lbs (5'4" F). This morning I was at 206 lbs, so 28 lbs in 6 months. It is slow, but very consistent. Every month I'm down 4-5 lbs. I have always eaten healthy about 70% of the time, and that hasn't changed, I just eat significantly less now. I exercise about the same amount as before, so I didn't up that much. I have hypothyroid, was gaining weight even with fairly healthy eating and exercise, so while Contrave is slow, seeing the scale go down 4-5 lbs a month as opposed to the 2-3 it was going up a month is awesome. I feel way better, and I like the weigh-in texts in the AM. Wine tastes gross now, so I drink way less. I was a zombie the first month and had anxiety, but it was worth it."

• Mef...
• August 11, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I began taking this in March of 2015. I am currently down almost 100 pounds today on 8/11/16. This medication has helped a lot with my anxiety issues and my food addiction and eating for comfort. She paired it with phentermine, and the weight began to really drop. I find that I am losing around 2-4 pounds a week or so. There are times that I plateau for a week or two... but then I go get a massage, and bam, it starts falling off again. I still have a lot more weight to lose, so I am hoping my doctor lets me continue with this process until I hit final goal weight."

• Sho...
• June 6, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My physician prescribed this medication for me because of my challenges with weight loss. I have been in graduate school and working full-time for the last two years and have become very lazy and not motivated to work out. My first day taking the medication was June 1, 2017, I had no side effects. I had so much energy that I cleaned my entire house. I'm on day 5 and have anxiety out of this world, my heart was racing so fast I couldn't sleep, and I had a burning sensation in my left arm. I paid $260 for this medication and am trying to hang in there since I've heard that the side effects decrease the second week. I'm 5'0" and weigh 175 and would really like to lose at least 30 lbs, since this is the heaviest I've been in about 10 years."

• Kay...
• March 14, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This medicine definitely works! Lost 5 pounds in the first 5 days, even with cheat meals! No constipation like most had, but I don't eat gluten. The only reason for a 9 is because it caused some anxiety and mood swings, but I have bipolar disorder and depression anyways."

• Dan...
• March 23, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave on Dec 1st at 213 lbs. It is now March 22nd, and I have lost a total of 38 pounds! I can't say enough about this medicine. I did have some side effects at first: dry mouth, anxiety, slight headache, but nothing to keep me from taking it. Actually, the first 2 weeks I felt amazing! I will continue to take Contrave and hope to reach my goal of another 30 pounds. Also, I have noticed that I can't take any other meds while on this medicine, not even Tylenol, it makes me sick. But other than that, I love it."