Contrave and Constipation: What Users Say

• Smi...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 14, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Love love love!!! I started at 223 lb. I am now 150 lb! Thanks to Contrave and the hard work I put in. This is not a magic pill, you do need to help yourself as well. I do recommend that you take a stool softener while taking Contrave, one of the side effects is constipation. I took Contrave for almost a year, and 2 years later, still keeping the weight off!"

• Cou...
• November 4, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave about 3 months ago. I am 22 years old and am 5ft 11. When I started, I was 275lb and was just not happy with where I was with my body and health. I decided to start taking the medication and got up to taking 2 pills a day. I only really experienced constipation and headaches as bad side effects of this medication. They were not that bad but were worse on some days. As of now (3 months in), I am 45 pounds down, weighing in at 230. It is such a simple medication and works so quickly when paired with a good diet."

• Cla...
• July 29, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've had great success on this medication. I experienced mild side effects (headache, constipation, dry mouth, occasional ear ringing) the first 4 weeks while increasing. I have lost a total of 35 pounds so far in 3 months! Binging has stopped, the cravings have significantly subsided, and I get full faster when I eat. This is with minimal diet and exercise. I'm sure when I introduce those 2 things it will take off even more. I have food addiction and no matter what, my brain always told my body to eat even if I was full - I couldn't turn that off no matter how hard I tried. All that has stopped. Contrave has worked great for me and I hope others have the same experience."

• Eri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 13, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My experience with Contrave has been amazing! I have lost 24 lbs in 2 and a half months, and I have almost completely stopped binge eating. I think I have had maybe one slight binge since I started taking this medicine. This medicine has changed my life quite literally. I don't even think about food the way I used to, I feel free from the obsession. The only negative is that it does cause constipation, but I just take stool softeners to help with that. I never experienced the nausea or sickness in the beginning, but I have heard that some have and then it goes away. I had to come and leave a review because I want other people to experience this freedom from food."

• Jim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 1, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I had the Gastric bypass in December of 01. I was a KFC biscuit short of 400 lbs. The lowest I became was around 240, and my weight fluctuated between that and 260. I was asked by my VA dietitian if I would like to try something to take off some additional weight. I was placed on the Contrave Medication. When I started (Sep 2020), I was 255. I weighed in this morning (NO JOKE) 225. I am actually the same weight I was at when I was playing college ball in the Midwest. To be honest, if we did not have the stupid restrictions about going to a gym (CA), I feel I can get down to my army wrestling weight of 220. Normally, a person will consume food when the body says 'Oh, That Looks good.' Contrave allows me to keep on a steady eating regiment. I noticed that I can eat the things I like to eat, yet not have that binge button go off in my head. So!!! It worked for me, if you are disciplined enough, it will work for you! One side effect! It will plug you up, so drink lots of water!"

• Joa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 26, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’ve been taking Contrave for 8 months and have dropped 38 lbs. I definitely have some side effects. The worst is perpetual constipation. I also have tremors in both hands. I’ve had episodes of light-headedness. No nausea. BUT… My craving for food (especially unhealthy foods) disappeared. I eat half of what I used to eat. Full disclosure: I have exercised very little since starting Contrave. I’m sure that I would have lost 50 lbs by now if I was doing a little something every day. My bad, for sure. I also feel that the drug isn’t as effective as it was in the first 6 months. I asked my MD if a higher dose would help, and she explained that the benefits of Contrave do not increase with a higher dosage. All that said, I am very grateful that I dropped quite a few pounds! I was struggling for so long and was always discouraged. This was a huge boost for me."

• Tor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 10, 2024

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Love it! Totally took away obsessive food thoughts, I no longer feel excited about all foods I used to pig out on and can easily pass by them in the store without a compulsion to buy or eat them. The pleasure centers are calm and do not respond to food as if it were a hard drug - food addiction is under control now. I also feel full much sooner and by smaller volumes of food, albeit it is not a formal indication. I am a fan, what can I say? The only side effects that I am experiencing are constipation and, if I happen to take it after 5 PM, I end up not being able to fall asleep until midnight, which is a bummer for me because I am an early riser. Watching that I take it before 5 PM solves the latter issue. I am still figuring out how to manage constipation without drugs. Despite these, I absolutely love how Contrave manages my compulsive eating and oversized portions."

• A I...
• January 4, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have PCOS and hypothyroidism, so losing weight is difficult for me. My doctor prescribed Contrave 3 months ago. At first, the side effects were very difficult. I was nauseated, and I felt really dizzy. At first, I didn't lose that much weight with it either; however, after about 2 weeks, I started losing weight and am currently down 25 pounds. I was very lucky as my prescription drug insurance changed at the beginning of this year, and the new plan covers it with only a copay of $80 for a 3-month supply. I am thrilled with that. I have had constipation, but nothing that I cannot handle. I would suggest this drug if you have metabolic diseases. For me, the cravings disappeared, but I feel my body is burning more calories in the process."

• Mrs...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 13, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am very happy with this Contrave pill; I take it right before bed and at lunchtime. I have never experienced nausea or headaches, but I have experienced constipation (which I remedied with extra water and vegetables) and some restless nights around week three. I didn't have much to lose, so it's not falling off, but it allows me to not crave food, binge eat, and I really could care less about a drink at night or on the weekends. My water consumption is at 100 oz, which is a huge improvement!"

• 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."

• STA...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 31, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Like most of you, I was wary of starting Contrave due to bad reviews. Well, I started Contrave on Feb. 12th, 2018, at 250 lbs. Now I've come back to shed a little light in the dark! July 30th, 2018, I'm 155 lbs and so happy. Contrave does do its job, but you have to let it. Don't give up because of headaches and etc. Contrave does come with a lot of side effects, but you have to let your body get used to it. Adapt to the change. It took me a while, but I did do it. Any spare chance I got, I was working out. Even for a few minutes in my bedroom every night. Eating right also helped, fruits, vegetables. I did have the bad constipation and headaches, but I found ways to look past it, and what helped was vitamins, fibers, natural medicines! Anything to keep me pushing forth!! I hope this helped reassure a few people that you can do it - because I did."

• JLa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 14, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Six weeks into my Contrave journey and I am loving it. I have lost 10.2 kg (22.4 lbs) so far and I feel amazing. I had mild side effects for the first four weeks - some dizziness and headaches (usually worse the day after increasing the dose) and constipation. All side effects ceased after week four, but I do continue to take a stool softener every few days as a precaution. Food cravings disappeared within a few hours of the first tablet, and I am able to stick to a 1000-calorie diet, eating three meals and a small snack each day. I have been exercising every day (cardio four times a week, yoga three to four times a week, and walking 8000 to 10000 steps a day). I haven't drunk coffee since week two and barely drink alcohol as I don't feel like it and was worried about seizures. I think Contrave is amazing, I feel for the first time ever that losing 28 kg will actually be achievable, and what's more, I am already 10 kg down... only 18 kg more to go to put me from obese to a healthy weight range for my height."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 8, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Five years ago, I was 200 lbs, 5'4'', size 12/14. I started on Contrave, and 1 year later, I was 50 lbs less & a size 6. Today, I fluctuate between 140-145 lbs & remain size 6. I did go off it for a few months at a time, & when starting to gain, would start back. I had accumulated many bottles, so I do take 1/2 my dose daily. Hopefully, when I run out, I can maintain on my own. I plan to wean down with my last two bottles, as I will not be eligible for refills. Worst side effects: constipation, feeling forgetful/spacy & heartburn (the early days only)."

• Tha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 24, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Contrave December 8, 2017. I have a very stressful job and sit pretty much all day. My weight is a problem and I need to lose around 120 lbs total. Today, 2 and 1/2 months after starting Contrave, I am down 28 pounds!!! I no longer crave chocolate and I don't eat unless I'm hungry. I haven't started a set exercise plan yet, have just been modifying my eating/sugar intake. First month or so, I did not experience any negative side effects. Have recently had some issues with constipation but I added back my morning cup of coffee and that has helped :) Also have experienced a little bit of dry mouth but that helps me drink more water, which is a plus. Overall I am very happy with these results!"

• Mam...
• June 24, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm down 17 pounds in 23 days. I have NEVER had this kind of positive result from anything I've tried. I have PCOS so my hormones made losing weight almost impossible. I have found that I've had to play with the dosage a bit... when I got to week 3 where I'm supposed to take 2 pills in the morning and 1 at night, the nausea was intolerable and I wasn't able to sleep at night. I found that taking one in the morning and 1 around 2-3 in the afternoon seems to be my 'sweet spot'. The only side effects are occasional nausea, constipation (easily managed with senna), and extreme dry mouth, which helps with my water intake! I cannot wait to see what results are down the road for me!"

• Cit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 18, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am exactly 2 months in. I have lost 10 pounds. No, that's not a huge amount like some of the other people you see on here, but I guarantee you that I would have lost ZERO pounds if I hadn't taken this drug. At first, I had some daytime drowsiness and some vivid dreams, but that has gone away. It also causes some constipation, but I have IBS-D, so this actually balanced things out for me, lol. I think this works depending on what your food issue is. I have a bit of an addictive personality, and this has really helped me. I don't obsess over food anymore. I feel like a 'normal' person when it's mealtime. I only eat when I'm actually HUNGRY and not when I'm bored, sad, happy, celebrating, or whatever. I don't mindlessly eat when I'm watching my shows. I don't even think about food at all unless I'm physically hungry. It has really helped me, and I'm excited that I'm finally going down in weight instead of up."

• Rok...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 28, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "For me, Contrave was my last chance before surgery. I started out at 300 lbs, and yesterday I weighed in at 249! The first month, the nausea was awful. I was almost ready to give up when I found someone that suggested Dramamine. I take one Dramamine every morning and the full 4-pill dosage of Contrave with no more nausea. Other side effects for me have been almost constant constipation and very light sleep. One thing I want to make very clear is that Contrave doesn't make you lose weight by itself. It gets your mind in a place where you can do it yourself. It puts you in control, instead of the cravings. I have lost 50 lbs, and I thank Contrave, but I still worked my ass off to get here!"

• Dre...
• May 12, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm 5'9'' and weighed 340 pounds on March 29, 2016! And I'm happy to say that as of this morning, 5/12/16, I weigh 296 pounds! I won't lie to you all and say it's been easy and there are side effects-constipation, some nausea, etc... Because with any man-made medicine, there will be side effects. But I would deal with the side effects any day. If I've gone down 2 suit sizes in a matter of a month and some change! I will also not say that it doesn't take hard work - I go to the gym 6 days a week, I eat about 1400 healthy calories a day (sometimes less), I drink about 14 cups of water a day. If you want to lose weight, take the pill and work with it, not against it! Be positive, not negative, and you'll have great results! Thanks."

• Moj...
• August 24, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I absolutely love this medication! The only reason I’m giving it a 9 instead of a 10 is that some of the side effects are pretty hard the first few weeks. I was slightly terrified to start this medication after reading the comments. I waited a few months to write a review because I wanted to know a lot about the medication before I reviewed it. I’m happy with it! I think the first two weeks are the worst, then the side effects eased up. I’ve been on it now for 2 1/2 months, and I don’t feel any side effects. It helps a ton with any cravings. It makes it really easy to eat healthy. I’m down 18-20 pounds. I’m 5’8 and my starting weight was 173. I would recommend this medication! Try your best to get through the first month. I’ve been taking probiotics with it because I know constipation was a major issue, and I already suffered from that, so I’ve made sure to take a decent amount of probiotics and drink water, and I’ve been fine."

• 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."

• Gra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 3, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Dr. suggested Contrave for 2 yrs. Declined thinking I'd do it on my own. Wasn't liking the potential side effects. CNP clarified - given family history, current obesity, eating habits & activity level headed for a place much worse than potential side effects. Moved forward with it & Scaledown. 1st month down 21 lbs. 4 1/2 months down 63 lbs.! Significantly curbs desire to eat & feel full much faster. Side effects seem to be mild: constipation & has impacted sleep cycle to the extent I am awake more frequently through the night than previously. Would have preferred to not have these things but well worth it considering weight loss & improved well-being/quality of life. Establishing much better eating habits for post-Contrave."

• See...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking Contrave for a month and a half. In this time, I have lost 15 lbs. Since day one, my appetite has decreased. I did extend my ramp up to 4 pills but only because I was having success with fewer. I have very few side effects--the exception is constipation due to the calorie restriction, and I am just conscious of my fiber to remedy this issue. As I've lost weight, I've tried to eat very mindfully and take pleasure in the taste of food, and I've found myself eating much healthier and smaller portions. I know that some people experience bad side effects, but believe me, that is not always the case. It has been a wonderful experience."

• suc...
• March 13, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've had an excellent experience on this medication. I have been on the medication and it is now close to the time where I need to wean off. I have had side effects from this medication, though they were short-lived and tolerable. During the first 6 weeks (+/- a week), I experienced nausea, headaches, borborygmus (or a loud active sounding intestinal tract). I did not have any vomiting or diarrhea ever. I did occasionally experience constipation which was alleviated by taking Colace (1-2 pills 1-2 times daily as needed). I began this journey almost a year ago to the date. I started out at 166 lbs (5'4) and moderately overweight. I am now healthier and happier. I currently weigh 138 lbs and have a target weight of 135 lbs. Very successful."

• Anonymous
• September 2, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Contrave for 8 months now and have lost 65 lbs. The first month was rough, with constipation and dizzy feelings, but I noticed right away I wasn't eating as much as I was. I lost 8 lbs the first month, literally changing nothing about my routine. The next month, I started watching what I ate and started walking and lost 12 more lbs. Then the weight loss slows down! You will not lose all your weight on this pill by sitting on the couch only eating half the bag of chips! I have hit several plateaus. Then I changed the workout I was doing or the amount of food I was eating. You do get used to being on this pill, but it won't give you a free pass to eat more or eat badly. The only way to do this is to make a lifestyle change!"