Contrave and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 5)

• dre...
• May 3, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have started Contrave off and on for over 8 months now. When I was taking it both morning and evening, I did notice the weight loss. My body seemed to just release whatever I ate via bowel movements. I was losing weight. It is hard in the beginning letting the meds get into your system, the dizziness, headaches, moodiness, and nauseous feelings did occur with me. I just started back again yesterday. Although it is effective, getting past the side effects is why I keep stopping."

• 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."

• Fat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Contrave for a month and a half. Started off taking 1 pill, and I felt fine. So, 5 days into it, I bumped up to 2 pills. Still felt fine. My appetite got less, and my cravings for sweets did too. Once I started taking 4 pills is when this headache started. And it has not gone away. Every single day, I have the most pounding headache. I've tried taking Advil/Tylenol to get rid of it, but nothing works. I go to bed with it and wake up with it. I have done no exercise but still lost 15 lbs since starting Contrave, but it is getting to the point where is this headache worth it? My doctor seems to think it will subside. I have started my second bottle and have just begun to space my pills out. I hope things start to change."

• Tru...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 29, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Have been taking this medication for 8 months and have lost 30 lbs. It was prescribed as a weight-loss drug. Initial mild headache (no longer) and some occasional mild nausea. Started with 1 per day for a week, then 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening on week 2, then 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening for week 3. I backed off a bit and settled on 2 in the a.m. and only 1 pill at night. Dosage is 8 mg/90 mg. I am satisfied and will continue taking it. One more huge benefit is the lack of joint pain."

• JMS...
• February 10, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've had a pretty positive experience with this medication. I am a 32-year-old female. I started at 235 and am now 194. It took about 6ish months to lose the 41 pounds, and I'm continuing to lose. I did have headaches at first, but they subsided after a few weeks, and they were not that bad. I try to stick to 1,200-1,350 calories a day (strict), and then I have a 'cheat' meal on Fridays. The Contrave makes it a lot easier to stick to that diet 6 days out of 7. I do have to make a conscious effort to diet, though the Contrave didn't take away my desire to eat, and it didn't take away cravings. It just makes it easier to resist overeating and giving in to cravings."

• PhD...
• July 25, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I asked my doctor to place me on Contrave because I had hit a wall with my own dieting and exercise. I was also looking for assistance to reduce/eliminate my alcohol intake. (I'm a weekend warrior in my socializing.) I have been on Contrave for a week now. I lost 7 lbs in the first 5 days. I work out with a personal trainer 4x per week. I cut caffeine and alcohol from my diet due to the headaches. I don't even crave a drink! I'm starting week 2 with the pills. As of 7/21/17, I weigh 164 lbs at 5'9. My goal weight is 140 lbs. I gave Contrave 9/10 only because of the headaches, which are minor. I'm very happy with my results thus far, and my trainer is blown away! I'm getting weighed in this Thursday again. I'll check back in after."

• Ste...
• October 20, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Contrave for weight loss on 10/6/15, and the first week I noticed I wasn't hungry at all, had to force myself to eat. I didn't have any side effects except insomnia. I'm on week 3 now, and I have to say I'm nauseous, my head hurts, I feel extremely dehydrated, and I'm very, very irritable. I'm going to stick with it for the rest of the bottle and use the scale I just received. I hope the side effects will fade out, and I'll see good results. I've lost 2.9 pounds so far. My goal is to lose 70."

• ben...
• October 4, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am starting my fourth month on Contrave. I have lost a total of 35 lbs. I feel better now than I can remember. When I first started taking it, I didn't listen to clear instructions about working up to 4 a day. I thought I was going to die for about a week from nausea and headaches, but stuck with it. Now I'm proud I did. I have had to cut back on exercise because of pushing it too much and messed my Achilles tendon up, now it is tendonitis. I am on a fixed income. Wish I could get help buying it if someone knows how."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 24, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave on 3/15 and have lost 30 lbs as of last week (5/15). I am attributing the weight loss mainly to decreased intake due to following the Weight Watchers program, but the Contrave seems to make it easier to stick with WW, something I really struggled with in the past. I had horrible side effects in the beginning (fatigue, nausea, headaches) which lasted during the taper, so about a month. I still have issues with certain smells which make me nauseous. It feels a lot like when I have been pregnant. It happens much less frequently now that I am at goal dose. Not being able to drink alcohol has also really helped me to both feel better and lose weight."

• LJa...
• August 7, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Contrave for 20 weeks and lost 40 lb. The first month was hard. I had nausea and occasional vomiting. I had headaches, and some dizziness. After a month and starting the full dose, I began to notice a difference. The nausea became less, along with the headaches and dizziness. This medication helps curb my appetite and cravings. I eat half as much because I feel fuller faster. I haven't exercised, and I don't follow a certain diet. I hate exercise, and I hate counting calories, LOL. I don't have sugar cravings. I also take Prozac for depression. The Contrave, along with the Prozac, has helped my depression tremendously. I feel great. I feel a motivation that I have not felt in a very long time. I love the fact that this is a medication that you can take longer than most other diet meds. If you can make it through the first month, the medication truly helps."

• Tay...
• September 28, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on the medication for 6 weeks and have lost a total of 30 lbs. I had no side effects until now, which is my 6th week, and I have queasiness, headaches, and a warm, flushed feeling. I'm fighting through the discomfort because the medication is working for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 20, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started using this product for weight loss. I am 5'5" and the day before I started, I weighed in at 238. I am now 7 weeks in, and I am down to 220. The last few weeks, I have not seen much of a change. I am going back and forth a pound each day. I have not been keeping a food log, but feel that I need to start so that I see more weight loss. I have no interest in food. The drug really does stop the cravings. I do get headaches if I go too long without eating. I have nausea if I eat too much or have a high-fat meal. Not complaining about that, as it forces me to make better choices. Only major downfall is constipation. So, I take a stool softener. No big deal."

• Fro...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 25, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am having big success so far! Have been on it 3 weeks and have lost 12 pounds. My cravings and food obsessions are gone. I feel 'normal' again. Have had a few slight headaches, but overall very pleased."

• tci...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 15, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am on day 11. Age 50, female, 5'3", 175 lb. I have done nothing but push around the same 3 lb. I run a minimum of 3 miles per day on the elliptical at least 5-7 days a week, plus work out. I am not a crazy eater, I eat healthy, no soda, no fast food, no sweets, minimal dairy and carbs. I think my entire issue is menopausal. I struggle with drinking water, I know I do not drink the recommended amount. I also have a desk job and sit 8-10 hours a day, which is the reason I work out almost every day, trying to keep everything working! I was hoping that Contrave would help with the weight. My doctor has only prescribed it as take 1 pill every morning. No instructions for increase. My body feels so tired and muscles are sore, some headaches, some issues with insomnia, trouble concentrating at work. No energy. Does this get better? Has it even kicked in yet in less than 2 weeks? Feeling frustrated. Any tips?"

• Jac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 6, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "So I have been taking these for 1 and a half months, 4 pills a day. The Good: I have to force myself to eat or I can go all day without eating. I have lost 20 lbs. Contrave has helped curb my alcohol addiction, which is helping with the weight loss. I have no trouble sleeping. The Bad: I've had to throw up a couple of times. I've had a few tummy aches, a little constipation, I have had a few headaches, but nothing too bad. Once I went up to 4 pills a day, I've noticed that I am a little jittery, more depressed, anxious, and for the last few days my chest has been hurting and I got a couple of sharp pains in my heart. So I'm dropping down to 3 pills a day. I don't want to stop taking the pills because they do work. If I don't feel any better, I will drop to 2 pills a day. I feel like I'm dehydrated all day! But this has made me have to drink a lot more water, which is also helping with the weight loss. I am really happy that I'm sleeping well during the night, I do get tired still during the day and have been taking naps."

• Lim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave 8/22/18. Two weeks, I am taking 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening and have lost 5 lbs. I have tried everything, CrossFit with a meal planning, weight training, and cardio... nothing would stay off. If I went on vacation for a week, it all came back. With Contrave, I don't eat that extra slice of pizza and drink another beer. Yet everything still tastes enjoyable, I am just full and satisfied. If you have an addictive personality, this will help you! You will not crave that addiction, you will be in control. I experienced a slight headache and mild dizziness for the first week. What I am experiencing now is fatigue, I hope this levels out when I begin 2 in the morning, 1 at night in two days."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 6, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "37 male, 6'6" tall. The first, I had a few instances of nausea, never vomited or experienced any severe side effects. The worst side effect I experienced were headaches for the first few days. After one month of taking this medication, two tablets in the morning, two at night, I had lost 18 pounds. This was without exercise and a low-carb diet, constipation is an ongoing issue. Nothing that can’t be dealt with by some MiraLAX. Now three months in, I have not lost any more weight. My appetite has increased. Slowly, my doctor feels my body has somehow become immune to this medication. I am now going to be trying Wegovy. I hope to have better long-term results with Wegovy without any of the side effects. Bottom line, Contrave worked for me, and I would recommend giving it a try. I have kept 15 of the 18 pounds off after the 3 months."

• Mam...
• November 14, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Day 31 - I am down 12 lbs. and feeling great! My first 3 weeks were tough with headaches; however, I know now it was caffeine/nicotine withdrawal. I quit coffee, cigarettes, snacks, and sugar. I feel great! I am up to 4 pills a day and will refill this medication."

• the...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 25, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Unless you REALLY need this drug, I do not recommend it. That being said, if you are 80-100+ lbs overweight, it is worth a try. It has cut my appetite/cravings for any food, not just junk. Female, 30, 5'9", starting wt 260 (ish). Started Contrave approx 6 weeks ago; have had nearly every side effect: nausea, constipation, headache, dizziness, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, bad taste in mouth, and tremors. I also got two of the less common ones: tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and menstrual irregularities. Most of the side effects DO go away. I still get migraines a couple times a week/a few times a week before this. The constipation, trouble sleeping, and tinnitus remain. I am down 16 lbs in 6 wks tho. Would 2-3 lbs be more if I was less constipated."

• Hol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 23, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Let me start off by saying this pill does work. I actually start week 3 tomorrow, but these side effects are crazy. I was only constipated once, so I started taking a stool softener. I go from having a headache to feeling lightheaded to feeling like a zombie, all in the same day. My mouth is always dry, so drinking water is a must, and trying to sleep is horrible. I'm going to try to make it 3 months, and that's it. I have no appetite, and I am losing weight, but the way I feel is nothing I can get used to."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 28, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Contrave for about 6 weeks now and have lost 12 lbs with very little effort. I have never gone to 4 pills per day and have stayed at 3 pills and sometimes forget to take it in the evening. I feel great, no side effects, and am losing about 2 lbs per week, so I want to keep where I’m at. If I plateau, I’ll probably go up to 4 pills. It seems like this medication takes a while to build. In the beginning, I had a very slight change in appetite, but now it’s far more significant. I try to follow a 1500 calorie diet and often come in a few hundred calories below and just feel too full. Never thought that’d be something I’d say. I do find if I forget to drink water, headaches come on more easily. But I have always been terrible with hydration, and if I drink 6-8 glasses per day, I have no issue."

• Mar...
• October 22, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a 34-year-old female, 183 lbs and a BMI of 28. I wonder if my doc should have even prescribed this to me... I used this drug for 3 days and had a horrible experience. My side effects were stomach cramping, severe headache, and violent vomiting. The brain fog many speak of turned into severe headaches and nausea turned into violent bouts of vomiting. To the point that I thought I would have to be admitted to the hospital. Also, I was unaware this contains an opiate blocker, naltrexone, and the ingredient bupropion, used to treat depression, the neurological effects were also quite concerning. I had spasms in my muscles and joints, like small surges of electric shock. I had a really scary experience and do not recommend this to anyone unless they have done thorough research on how the ingredients can affect them. I have been off of this drug for 2 days and still feel unwell."

• Kyl...
• May 13, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "It's May 13, 2017. I'm in my second week of Contrave, so I now take 2 pills a day. I go to 3 pills for week 3. I am a 53-year-old male. I started with a weight of 276, after 2 full weeks, I'm at 266. The ScaleDown program is absolutely great. I weigh every morning. The scale sends a cellular signal through my phone to ScaleDown, they then send me a text to monitor my progress. They give me advice and encouragement. Really beneficial. I sure hope this continues to work for me, I'm really tired of hearing the words 'morbidly obese!' Only downside is occasionally feeling nauseated, dizzy, mild headaches, but nothing I can't tolerate. And of course the cost, since my insurance will not cover the medication, my cost is $90 for a month's supply."

• kay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 7, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave a week ago. Day one was okay, I felt slightly medicated but overall good - no side effects. Day 2, I had the worst headache of my life, took some Advil and a midday nap, and I was okay. Day 3, appetite was gone and so was the headache. I'm almost done with week one, and I'm down 2 lbs, no other side effects, and I've noticed my appetite decreasing. So far, so good, excited to move to the next week and increase my dosage."

• Pin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 1, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave in May, with the regular first-month dosage. I had some nausea, but found if I took it with lots of water and food, this would subside. I also had some headaches, but that too went away with water. I have been on the full-strength drug now for 2 months and have lost 18 pounds. I have learned to regulate the portions of my food and have to wait until my body tells me that I need to eat. This is not a miracle drug and works slow, but that is what I like, it is coming off and staying off. I have not had to starve. I feel like I am making good life choice changes and will continue. Will report back later with more results!"