Contrave and Tiredness: What Users Say

• Meg...
• January 14, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I cannot say enough positive about this medication. I started the end of March 2016, now 42 weeks in I am at 112 lbs down. I work closely with my physician with monitoring my weight and diet. I followed all the precautions with the medication. Eliminating fat from my diet completely. Working out, etc. I knew it would not be a quick fix and with this med you get what you put into it. No serious side effects in the beginning, some tiredness and nausea. But that is going to happen ANYTIME you start a new medication and your system gets used to it. I also quit smoking after 20 yrs day 1 on this medication. This med it not for people looking for a quick fix, if you do not have the determination and commitment it will not work for you."

• Sta...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 21, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Just started Contrave today and holy moly, I am very sick to my stomach. Like just laying here not wanting to move so I don't vomit. I'm tired, like extremely tired. I'll take another one when I wake up in the morning, hopefully this subsides because I'm 42 and have gained 30 pounds since November and I'm miserable, and have a terrible dislike for myself so I need this to work for me. I'm gonna power through hopefully! I'll update again to let you know if it gets better."

• 1mo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 9, 2014

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am midway into my 2nd week and wanted to report preliminary results. I am a comfort/stress eater who gained 70 pounds in 2 years. No side effects, other than being tired at the end of the day (which is not a reported side effect, so maybe from a change in diet). I am still hungry, but it is easier to turn away from nighttime snacks. I was able to turn away from my children's Halloween candy, which was a first. I didn't want a cafe con leche this morning (sweet/milk) - which is my constant craving. I've had modest weight loss, which I started about 2 weeks before Contrave, for a total of 15 pounds in just under 4 weeks. Starting weight 201, 5'5' female, mid 40s. Time will tell, so far so good."

• 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."

• Mar...
• February 14, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I hate to say that I would not recommend this med, Contrave. I started taking it 3 weeks ago and am now stopping. The side effects headaches, nausea, cramping, sweating, and lethargy are not worth it. True, I am losing weight, but I am also on W.W. I will admit, I don't crave anything, but mostly because I am focusing on the nausea and cramping. I am happy it works for some. As for me, I think I'll pass."

• Sus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 20, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am now on week 3 and started two morning doses today. Week 1 I did not lose any weight. Last week I lost 2 lb. Even though the weight isn't falling off, I swear I feel like this is a miracle drug. I have been a huge sugar addict and food addict in general since I was in 5th grade (I'm 43 now). This is the first time ever I am not constantly thinking about food. Even when I've gone on diets and forced myself to not eat certain foods, I was still thinking about food and craving sweets. Those impulses have almost gone altogether. That's always been the hardest part for me. As far as side effects, the only one I've had is being very tired. I am prone to headaches and nausea, so went in expecting that, but I've been pleasantly surprised. I am 43, 5'2" and started at 215. My first goal is 44 pounds down by my 44th birthday, Feb. 11. Good luck to all of you in your journeys. :)"

• Mot...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 20, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a 56-year-old woman, 405 lbs (not a typo), 5'9" tall. I find in this forum that most people don't have the amount of weight to lose as I do, yet I am hopeful. I started Contrave on June 8th, 2017, and have lost 11 lbs. Soon I'll be up to 3 tabs/day. I find that it is helping somewhat, yet I still am craving fast food. I am following a low-carb diet with no exercise yet. I hope that the higher dose will help with the cravings more. Side effects for me have been lethargy and some nausea. I plan on continuing this medication in hope that I finally can resolve my food addiction."

• Upd...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 1, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This is my 4-month check-in! I started this medication at 198 lbs and 5 ft 5 in. As of today, I have lost 30 lbs! The first month was kind of hard for me because this medication made me feel really foggy-headed and tired, but that all went away in my second month. I now feel normal, which is great to me. The first 3 months, I did not exercise at all, just worked on my diet, but I found my monthly weight loss came to a stop. So I recently started to walk 5 miles a day, and that has helped me lose 6 lbs in 2 weeks. This medication does work, but you have to put forth the effort. I have been really focusing on portion control, and with that, the first 20 lbs just melted off!"

• Mel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 10, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I try my best not to take Contrave at work. I get very dizzy and feel almost like I'm out of my body. Like now, I forgot to take it early this morning, so I took it later. I have 4 hours left of work, and after taking my medication, I feel like I can't walk 10 meters. I went on a walk to get fresh air, but Contrave makes you have a headache, out-of-body feeling, ears ringing, head feeling very heavy, and then I become very tired and feel almost not there."

• Ast...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 8, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started taking Contrave 7 days ago. Took the 1st dose at 11 am. Felt dizzy and tired. Now I take it at bedtime, and I have no side effects. I have been on Wellbutrin before and tolerated it well, so I guess I had a head start. It seems to be curbing my appetite and my wine urges! Lol So far, so good."

• Tjm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 8, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Been on Contrave for one month exactly as of yesterday. I've already lost 14 pounds. Not sure really how that's working due to the fact it has not one time curbed my appetite. I am however extremely tired. At times, it's so intense that I can't stop yawning for an hour straight. I will continue this product because the reward seems outstanding at this point."

• Tjm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 8, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Been on Contrave for one month exactly as of yesterday. I've already lost 14 pounds. Not sure really how that's working due to the fact it has not one time curbed my appetite. I am however extremely tired. At times, it's so intense that I can't stop yawning for an hour straight. I will continue this product because the reward seems outstanding at this point."

• Blu...
• April 14, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Day 1 was full of side effects. Day 2 they subsided. I became very lethargic. A slight headache. Dizziness and overall, wasn't feeling well. I take something for the nausea and go to sleep. I take my pill with 16 oz of water DURING my meal to help alleviate stomach upset. I have so much more energy. I weigh in soon. Mentally, I have clarity and feel positive. Because of the depression, it was hard for me to get up or complete tasks. After 5 days, I am working out every day. My body doesn't ache. I don't 'feel depressed.' The side effects are worth my sanity and beat suffering from obesity. I see this as the tool I've needed to help me get my life back. Depression/obesity is a disease, and this is helping with my treatment."

• Wif...
• May 4, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Contrave almost one week ago. Weight loss has been about four pounds, but the thing I'm most thankful for is the reduction in the desire to eat. I had several parties to attend this past weekend and previously would have spent a lot of time in my head debating the wine and junk food before ultimately caving in. This time, it wasn't a hard decision. I didn't even want any of it. I can't tell you how relieved I feel not to have every potential meal or snack be a mental battle anymore. That alone is worth it, no matter the weight loss! Side effects have been decreased appetite and some lethargy."

• Gek...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 29, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Contrave for 3 weeks now. The first week, I was so sleepy on the drive home, exhausted feeling. It's not as bad now, but I wake up not feeling completely rested. I haven't lost much, and I do find the weigh-ins every day slightly discouraging. I haven't exercised much because I just haven't had the energy. Next week, I'll try to incorporate that and try to be even more strict on my diet. Going to keep going... but as of right now, I'm not sure if it's helping or not."

• Gir...
• February 5, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been taking Contrave since the middle of August 2017. I'm 22 years old, 5'3" and my starting weight was 204.1 lb. Today, February 5, 2018, I am down to 169 lb. That's a 35 lb (in a little under 6 months)! I'm so excited! I absolutely love Contrave and have had NO side effects whatsoever from the beginning, other than being a little tired when I first started it. Although Contrave has done wonders for me, it is NOT a magic pill! It takes a lot of self-discipline and you MUST cut calories and work out (but Contrave definitely changes your brain chemicals and helps you say 'no' more easily to cravings, eating out, etc.). I'm typically eating around 1000 calories per day and run for 30 minutes, 4 times per week. My goal weight is 123 lbs, so I'm hoping to make it there! Will update at a year :) Hope this helps!"

• GHE...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 28, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Today is my first day taking Contrave. I can't believe how easy it was to make an appointment and get the prescription. It was about $90 at Wal-Mart, but I had to get it no matter what. I weigh 212 lbs and plan to lose a lot while I am on this medication and exercising. So far, I feel fine, I felt a bit tired and sleepy after a few hours of taking it, but it went away. I was getting ready to eat, and all of a sudden, I just stopped eating as if I didn't know why I was eating so much and so fast. I just stopped eating and said I am not hungry anymore. I know it is the medication. I want this to work for me and not control me to where I don't eat at all."

• ern...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 28, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "The first 2 weeks were rough. I was sick to my stomach, dizzy, and tired. My doctor switched me to separate prescriptions of Wellbutrin and Naltrexone (the same drugs in Contrave), and I took one in the morning and one at bedtime. It got rid of the side effects. I've lost 20 lbs in the last 2 months. The medication doesn't suppress my appetite, but now I can feel when I'm full, and I'm able to walk away with food still on the plate. It doesn't miraculously take away the cravings, but now I feel okay saying no or having a couple of bites and being done. Before starting the medication, I could eat a meal and an entire dessert by myself, but now I eat maybe half as much. If Contrave made you sick, it's worth asking your doc about separating it."

• Bri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 13, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "It is only the 3rd day, but I thought I would share. Although it makes me very tired, I actually already eat less. My doctor didn't want to prescribe Adepex because of the side effects. I am a 6'2" woman, the looks I get for being super blonde and large are a little uncomfortable. I'm beautiful, but I am too big. I am writing because I have faith in this medicine already for some odd reason. I would be happy with losing 3 pounds a week until the 100 extra is gone. Just letting the women out there know, you are beautiful now, but you deserve to be a size you want to be!"

• Ali...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 4, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I lost 10 pounds prior to starting Contrave. I only needed to lose between 15-20. However, after starting the medication, I gained back 5 pounds. It actually made my appetite worse. Now that I am off it, my appetite feels back to normal. Also, it made me incredibly sleepy and tired at my most productive time of day. Also, like most everyone else here, nauseous as well."

• KB3...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 20, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I began Contrave in early 2015, and as of July, I have lost 25 pounds. This is significant because I was not very big to begin with, and I stopped taking the medicine for a few months in the middle. I began as recommended, and the side effects hit me immediately. I was nauseous, constantly tired, had abdominal pain, lack of focus, and I became sick any time I put any food in my mouth. I guess it was a great way to lose weight, but not the way I wanted to do it. I was miserable. So I quit for a while, but decided to give it a second chance. I did not increase my dosage as quickly, and I only went up to 2 pills a day. I still have occasional loss of concentration and fatigue, but it is nowhere near as bad, and I'm losing weight."

• bel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Contrave for almost a month. My starting weight was 270, and I am now at 259. So, approx 10 lbs lost in a month is pretty good. My insurance did not cover the medicine, but I had the discount card. It cost about $90. With your discount card and filled Rx, you gain free access to the Scale Down program in which they send you a very nice digital scale. You have to weigh in EVERY day (first thing in the morning, right after you get up and go to the bathroom). This program has helped me more than the Contrave, to be honest. Contrave makes me feel horrible. I am exhausted all day and moody. I'm sure it works a little, and I'm trying to push through the side effects. I want this to work so bad."

• 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?"

• Jen...
• March 12, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Contrave for about 6 weeks and have lost 12 lbs. I started losing weight week 3. I was a little worried about trying Contrave after reading the reviews here. The side effects were/are mild for me. Mild nausea for the first 4-5 days each week with the change in dosage. I take the doses with a meal, which helps prevent nausea. I also found eating a banana would help with nausea. It did make me tired, which has mostly gone away. By week 5, I was feeling really good and started exercising. I've had some pretty disturbing dreams that I wake up from occasionally. It does cause some constipation, but there are plenty of ways to deal with that. The only side effect that I have a hard time with is I get hot/sweaty with any type of moderate activity. I still have to make the right decision with food, but it's not a crazy struggle anymore. It has not eliminated my hunger, but it has reduced it. I have no problem walking away from sweets or fatty foods, which were my weakness before."

• Jea...
• September 12, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking this medication for approximately 1 month and have lost 23 pounds. Have not had to take the tablet at night because I am not hungry. I do have a little more energy but am having trouble with sleep. It did cause me to have severe constipation. My doctor told me to take Pericolace. It is very expensive, so I bought the cheaper equivalent. I take one in the AM and one in the PM. I take a bundle of medications which also cause constipation, tiredness, sleepiness, drowsiness. So, I don't think the Contrave is the problem, but it did add to it. I do forget to eat and am worried about getting enough protein. So, I bought ENSURE. I seem to have more energy and forget to eat because I am not hungry."