Contrave and Dry Mouth: What Users Say (Page 4)
Reviews for Contrave
- Con...
- September 23, 2017
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have started taking Contrave about 5 months ago and have lost a total of 40 pounds. The most recent loss is about 3 lbs per month. I have not started the exercise portion my doctor has recommended but plan to incorporate that next. I have stayed on the dose of 2 pills in the AM and 1 at dinner because I did not want to affect my sleep. The dry mouth symptom is the only major side effect I am experiencing besides crazy dreams if I take my PM pill too late. The major benefit from this pill is to keep me thinking sensibly about portion size. I believe if I now incorporate a better diet and exercise my results should start improving again."
- j9s...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- September 2, 2015
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am 6' tall and began taking this medication on July 29th. At the time that I started taking this medication, I was 270 pounds. Today, I am 253. I feel excellent and have had the energy and motivation to get outside and exercise. The only adverse effects that I have noticed are a dry mouth (constantly), which can be relieved by sugar-free lemon candy. Also, I have noticed blurry vision. I have gone to 2 eye doctors to figure out the problem, and both have stated that it is dry eyes. The doctor recommended a lubricating eye drop. I have been using them for about a week and have noticed improvement. I have tried Belviq and Qsymia and had 0 results. Contrave is the best that I have found! And the scaledown program... Amazing!"
Frequently asked questions
- What foods should I avoid while taking Contrave?
- What options are there for weight loss medications?
- Does naltrexone cause weight gain?
- Jui...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 11, 2016
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Contrave a little over a week. I'm taking one in the am and one in the evening. My starting weight was 220. I weigh in this morning at 217.3. The side effects I'm having are fatigue, dry mouth, and headaches. This medication is suppressing my appetite. I'm having to force myself to eat and stay hydrated. At this point, I'm not sure if I should continue to titrate up since taking one pill twice a day is working. I seem to be going in the right direction with my weight! Check in with you all next week :)"
- GWB...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- August 13, 2018
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Contrave on April 19, 2018. I am a 5'6" male with high blood pressure and a family history that includes heart disease. On that date, I weighed 204 lbs. Today, August 13, 2023, I weigh 171 lbs. The medicine is an excellent appetite suppressant, and if you really have the desire to diet and lose the weight, it seems to work very well. I exercise 2-3 times a week (walking 3-4 miles or golfing). I experienced some dry mouth and constipation when I first started the medicine, but I found that if I eat clean, the constipation isn't an issue. But if I go a few days without at least a salad a day included in my diet, I will tend to have that symptom. I tend to have an addictive personality by nature, and it has seemed to help with other areas as well. I feel like I am more balanced and not nearly as obsessive as I once was. I hope to continue this medicine for the long haul."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Mim...
- February 17, 2017
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have just started week 4 on Contrave. The only side effect I have experienced is dry mouth, which is easily resolved by drinking water. The medicine definitely has curbed my cravings, and I get full much quicker. I have lost 6 pounds and am very pleased. My insurance covers this medication as a preventive medication."
- Mej...
- May 20, 2015
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Contrave for 2 weeks now, and I love it. I have more energy, and I feel great. For me, this medicine does what it says, I have lost 5.8 lbs in 2 weeks, which is incredible! The only thing I have experienced is being thirsty with a dry mouth the first 3 days. But I have noticed I would eat very little and be full. The most amazing thing is I don't want sweets anymore or soda, which both have always been my weakness. I personally love it so far!"
- Nur...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- August 7, 2017
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Unfortunately, I saw zero results. No change/help with appetite. No decreased cravings. Basically, no change with anything. Dry mouth and horrible insomnia were my side effects. I already suffer with sleep disturbances, and I literally would only sleep a few hours a night while taking Contrave. I tried it for two months, and the cost is outrageous-$250 a month with a coupon. Hope it does help some folks-just didn't work at all for me."
- Lov...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- May 5, 2017
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Contrave since March 10th. Lots of side effects in the beginning, but they mostly have subsided. I am only dealing with extreme dry mouth. I absolutely love this med. Not only does it control cravings, I eat less; make better choices; and my impulses and anxiety are under control. I've lost 20 lbs so far. It's pricey, but worth it."
- Lex...
- February 12, 2017
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Second day taking Contrave. First day I had some nausea, my mouth started to get watery, which for me indicates that I'm about to throw up, mild cramps in my stomach, but the stomach cramps soon went away after 20 minutes. Sleepiness and tired. My head felt like it was heavy, and my jaws felt tight after a while. I felt calmer than normal and somewhat high, as if I took one puff of marijuana. My mouth was dry, so I drank a lot of water to relieve the dry mouth symptoms. Cravings were minimal. Today, I took the pill about the same time as I did yesterday and had the same results, along with diarrhea. I had a panic attack thinking about the side effects and thought about going to the hospital, but luckily my mom calmed me down some, so I'm now writing this."
- pcc...
- November 6, 2015
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I wrote a review my first week, and at the time, I had gained 2 lbs. Today is 1 month, and I have lost between 9-11 lbs. I was skeptical in the beginning due to weight gain, and because I was not experiencing the serious side effects, I didn't think it was going to work. I still have minimal side effects, however, I am no longer sleepy during the day. Sometimes dry mouth and constipation, which I eat prunes and drink water, that does the trick. Follow the schedule to take meds. I still have 74 lbs to go, and I am still excited!"
- Ore...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- November 24, 2017
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started this medication on 11/3, and I’m down 21 lbs. My problem is definitely psychological/mental, and Contrave appealed to me because it helps with the chemical levels in your brain. Started seeing a change on the second day. Not wanting the junk food and not as much. Was automatically choosing healthier food, not even thinking about it. Was satisfied with having healthy foods and not feeling deprived. Also gave me the want to exercise and not feel like I had to drag myself to the gym. Did see the “effectiveness” of it wear off as I got closer to upping the dose, which concerns me that after hitting the 4 pills a day I’m gonna stall out. Side effects: queasy after taking it and dry mouth like crazy, but makes me drink more water, so + & -."
- Kar...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 24, 2016
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "On week 8. I've been fighting obesity since 12 years old. I'm 67 now. Finally, a drug that actually helps and is effective. I've gone from 192 to 178. Two years ago, I lost 40 pounds and it was creeping back up. Contrave curbs my cravings and decreases my appetite. I eat under 1,400 a day and exercise 4-5 times a week. Not only am I losing, I'm losing in the right places. Side effects are some nausea, but that just tells me to eat a little protein, and the dry mouth and shakes. I do take other prescriptions that cause that too. I pay $205 per month because I'm on Medicare, which makes no sense to me. So I buy fewer groceries and set aside savings for Contrave. Love it."
- bay...
- November 4, 2015
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Almost 6 weeks on Contrave and still going strong. I'm down 13 lbs; 168 at 5'1" to 155. Side effects I've noticed this far: still bouts of nausea and only threw up once. I recommend taking with food and lots of water. Dry mouth seems to have subsided, still have a slight hum in my ears, and my right hand twitches mildly intermittently. I have energy, an overall feeling of well-being, and 90% control over my eating. Sticking to a 1400-calorie or less diet with no trouble. The scale-down program is very encouraging. I feel like I eat breakfast, a small lunch, and then am just not hungry the rest of the day; amazing how it turns off the desire to eat mindlessly. Some taste changes; I love eggs, but can't eat them now. Please try for yourself, or you'll never know."
- egr...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- April 7, 2017
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a 29-year-old female, 5'2" with a starting weight of 202 lbs. My doctor prescribed Contrave about a month ago, and I have lost 13 lbs within that time frame. This medication has greatly reduced my appetite, and I feel like a lot of my cravings have been suppressed, especially for sweets. I am also taking this medication to help with BED and am happy to report I have had no binges since I started this medication. The need to binge has completely disappeared. I have experienced some side effects, such as dry mouth and light-headedness, but these effects have been pretty mild. I felt very nauseated for the first time today, and I'm honestly not sure if the nausea was related to Contrave or something else (since it has not happened before)."
- Sus...
- May 9, 2017
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have taken Contrave for two months and have lost 10 pounds. It has reduced my cravings, and I do not overeat or binge as I did prior to taking Contrave. My willpower is very strong now, and I feel satisfied after a meal. In addition, I feel so much better. I am off the couch and doing chores and activities again! The drawbacks are I do seem to have an increase in dry mouth, and it is $90/month after insurance coverage. However, I was spending more than $3/day on poor food choices. I would recommend Contrave."
- Las...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- April 3, 2019
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on for 8 months - the first 6 months were good - headache, dry mouth, and ringing in my ears that never EVER goes away. As far as weight, I’m down to 169 lb from 185 lb, so my weight is much lower, I still eat stuff I know I shouldn’t. Then I suffer stomach pain - it's like teaching you a lesson on what not to eat. You will lose weight on it, you don’t have to exercise to lose weight, it’s what goes in your mouth. Calories in, calories out, makes sense you would lose if you're eating less. Doubt anyone would be in it over a year with results like when you started."
- Jen...
- November 29, 2015
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Taking Contrave for 3 months. Lost 20 pounds. Side effects: cotton mouth, jitters, irritability, twitching, stomach cramps. All went away after 3 weeks except the cotton mouth. If you pay full price, they have a program where you pay $70 for the first 3 refills, then $60 after that."
- My ...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- February 20, 2019
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "It has been almost 5 months. At first, I was sick with a headache and cotton mouth. I did not have a stomach ache unless I ate too much. Started at 184 lb, now 171 lb. I still eat and crave sugar, which has been my downfall, but meals are down for sure. Still have the headaches that can be brutal and memory fog, this I know is meds and one of the side effects listed. I found the 2 pills in the am and 2 pills PM was too much, so to alleviate side effects, I take one at around 7 am, another around 10 am, and one in the evening about 6. Helps a lot. I get weird dreams, but doesn’t bother me, actually curious about what it will be next. I don’t think this is a good long-term drug. If you go off it, I think the weight will creep back, and my insurance has paid for the first 6 months, then must be approved again - so expensive! Good luck, everyone."
- Cat...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- September 1, 2016
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Have"
- 53...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 7, 2015
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Contrave since Nov 30th. My first week was without the scale, but I still lost 5 lbs! I didn't exercise just yet, a little afraid to. I got dry mouth and a funny taste on my tongue like some kind of film. No depression, no headache, just anxious in the evening, like restlessness while sleeping. I'm a runner, and I compete in my local area. I've gained 40 lbs in a year due to post-menopause issues. This pill is helping curb my appetite and cravings, love it. I feel full, and I'm excited to see more results in the upcoming weeks. I took my second pill last night, I was very restless in my sleep. I'm hoping to start running this week and to take my second dose earlier so I will be able to sleep."
- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 8, 2015
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've only been taking this med for 3 days, so I cannot rate it adequately, nor do I know if I have lost weight with this prescription since it has been so recent that I've started using. I don't feel much different from taking it, however, I have noticed quite constant dry mouth and a feeling in my throat/back of mouth almost as though I was eating and only partially swallowed something. I have had some fatigue, though I'm not sure if this is related. The most important thing to know about this medication is that it is not a stimulant for your thyroid or metabolism and will not 'burn' your fat. The purpose of this med is to reduce cravings and the desire to snack. It will not help you lose weight by speeding any body process up."
- Nur...
- December 31, 2015
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started this med on 12/22/15 and have lost 4.8 lbs, without exercise, over Christmas. I am very happy with the results and expect even more when I get to the gym. (I work 12-16 hour night shifts 3 days a week and teach 2 days at a local university, so this can be an issue.) The side effects that I have experienced are constipation, slight dry mouth, slight lightheadedness occasionally, and some stomach issues with pain and cramping that are resolving. I was a carboholic previously and have cut down drastically. I would have a glass of wine with dinner on my nights off and really don't even want that. I was not interested in the desserts that were available over the holidays. I get full quickly and am not hungry at all."
- Cas...
- June 25, 2017
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This med is horrible! First of all, I do not see how the FDA approved this. The side effects are unbearable. It caused me extreme nausea, dry mouth, and a zombie-like feeling. In the beginning, I felt wired and had insomnia. Then I was really sleepy. I had to take naps. I felt very irritable and just out of it. I had constipation and an itchy, burning rash appeared on my skin. I lost a few pounds the first week, but that was only because I was too sick to eat. I would not recommend this even if it was free!"
- msc...
- February 6, 2018
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Contrave since June 1, 2017. I have a couple of side effects (dry mouth, constipation (took care of that with Miralax), and slight tremors on the left hand only). I'm very satisfied. I have no cravings and limit my caloric intake with no problems. I had blood work done 2 weeks before starting and then after 5 and 1/2 months of being on it. There was a big improvement in my numbers....oh, and so far I am down 40 pounds...I would like to stay on it for another 6 months or so."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.More about Contrave (bupropion / naltrexone)
- Contrave consumer information
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (1,988)
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Support group
- FDA approval history
- Drug class: anorexiants
- En español
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "So I’m now at one week since I started Contrave. I stopped taking Dramamine and had absolutely no issues with nausea - thank goodness. The dry mouth is quite bad, but that means you just need to drink more. Day 3, I had such a terrible headache I could barely function. Thank goodness it was around 6 pm, so I was able to take Tylenol, get the kids fed, and made it an early night for everyone. When I look back on that day, I don’t think I drank as much water, and that could have been the cause of my headache. Dehydration. Love how full I feel, and I don’t crave nor want junk food."