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Bupropion / naltrexone for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) User Reviews (Page 4)

Brand names: Contrave

Reviews for Bupropion / naltrexone

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Tru...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 14, 2019

"I am an emotional eater and in the past three years, I had gained over 60 pounds. My doctor put me on Adipex first, and it really didn't do anything except give me the jitters. She then put me on Contrave, and I have not looked back! Contrave has depleted the urge to constantly eat. I have been on it for about a month, and the urge for fast food, alcohol, and other unhealthy addictions disappeared. I eat healthy and mainly drink bubbly water. My skin has cleared up, my terrible acid reflux is gone, the stress in my face is gone, I am losing weight, and it is starting to be noticeable to everyone! The only side effect I have is a slight headache every once in a while and hot flashes. Unfortunately, my insurance doesn't cover it, but the $100 is less than what I would pay for antacids and fast food every month, so it is a win-win!"

10 / 10
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  • SMT...
  • September 11, 2017

"I started Contrave twice. First time was April 2016. I had a lot going on in my life at that time with deaths and job losses, so had some horrible effects, which I thought was from the drug so I stopped. The next March I met with my endocrinologist again, who put me on the drug. I told him what happened, and he said it wasn't the Contrave and encouraged me to start again. So in March 2017, I started. I weighed 258 lbs. I won't lie, the first week was rough. Nausea, feeling out of sorts, but after reading reviews on this site I took others' advice. I started taking Dramamine with the pills. Also took my time with the pill increase. I took 1 pill for a month, then added on 2 pills for a month, then 3. I weaned off the Dramamine and am feeling fine. I met with my endocrinologist in June, down 31 lbs. He was ecstatic! It was the best Dr. visit of my life. He said to keep doing what I have been. As of today - Sept 11, 2017, I have been on the drug 6 months, I am down 40 lbs. I still only take 3 pills a day as that seems to be working. If I hit a plateau I will add the 4th. I want to encourage you - the first week is tough - but hang in there. It gets better!"

10 / 10
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  • Mic...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 29, 2024

"Absolutely love this medication. I've had zero side effects during my first week, taking 1 pill. My evening cravings have totally disappeared. I typically had no control with late-night eating and was out of control, and taking this medication is like flipping a switch off in my brain — I have no urge to eat late anymore. Exactly what I was hoping for! I waited till 3 pm to take in week 1, so it wasn't the first thing in the morning. I also drink a ton of water before taking and after. Again, zero side effects. I feel bad for all the reviewers that had unpleasant results, and frankly, I was afraid to try, but so glad I did. Also, gives you a ton of energy. I feel great. Hoping week 2 and adding another pill to the routine has the same positive effects."

10 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Val...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 26, 2017

"I've been on Contrave for 6 weeks and am 20 pounds down (Starting weight 308lb now 288lb)!! At first the side effects were pretty bad. Highly recommend to increase doses when starting this medication as the website suggests. I experienced a bit of dizziness, sweating, and dry mouth are the main side effects for me. I made myself continue on the medication and the side effects lessened as my body got used to it. Now the side effects are minimal and worth dealing with for the results I am seeing. Hang in there if you're trying it out! I rarely actually feel hungry. I eat small meals just to keep my body going. The best thing and most important for me is that I DO NOT crave anything like I did before, so I can control my eating choices. What a Godsend!!"

10 / 10
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  • Kat...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 16, 2017

"I am on day 5 of taking Contrave. I usually think about food all day, and everything in between is a major inconvenience. Day 5 of this medication, I almost am forgetting to eat. I have more energy, my mind is quieter, I feel overall more peaceful than normal. I've lost 3 pounds already! I get full about halfway through a small meal, which is a big deal for me because usually my appetite is insatiable. I haven't had any of the side effects people have mentioned, except that my eyes feel a little weird, which makes me feel a little dizzy, but it's barely noticeable. I have had some mild headaches, but I think that's because I usually drink a lot of coffee and I haven't craved it as much, so I haven't had as much."

9 / 10
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  • tmt...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 3, 2016

"I have lost 88 pounds in 10 months. I had some drowsiness and increased sweating at first but improved within a few weeks. A small price to pay for the overall improvement in my quality of life. I believe the effectiveness depends upon the underlying reason for obesity. Naltrexone lowers cravings and improves addictive behavior. My problem was the compulsion to binge eat high-calorie foods. I don't know how effective it would be on obesity for other underlying reasons, which may explain why it works for some and not for others. My life has improved and I can do things I have been unable to do in years. Very pleased!"

10 / 10
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  • Mom...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 25, 2019

"So the entire first month I took this, I felt totally gypped. It didn’t seem to make a darn bit of difference! I was pretty upset, considering how much it cost. But something told me to at least try one more month, and lo and behold, after about the five-week mark, I started noticing a marked difference in my cravings and hunger pangs. It’s not like some other prescription weight loss aids - it’s not going to suddenly make you feel like you’re full from sun up to sundown without eating anything. All it does is quiet down your cravings, so that you can make smarter choices when you ARE hungry. You have to be willing to work with it."

7 / 10
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  • Joa...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • February 26, 2025

"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."

8 / 10
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  • Ang...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • December 28, 2016

"I was on this medication for 1 year at 201 lbs, 5'3'', age 23. I was down to 158 lbs without going to the gym ever. The first three months were awful. Dizziness, blurry vision, but the first month had constant headaches. After that, I ate very little and got full fast. I even quit drinking. It also helped with my depression and energy. I've been off of it for 6 months and have gained 10 lbs. Food cravings and depression are back. Have to wait 6 months for an appointment to get a refill. I am dependent on it."

8 / 10
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  • Fut...
  • February 1, 2015

"I don't know if I would have made it through the side effects if I didn't have a closer friend starting Contrave at the same time. Headache, dizziness, nausea, sleepy but they have all almost gone away. If you can make it through the first 1-2 weeks it gets better. The 20lbs I've lost makes it worthwhile."

8 / 10
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  • A I...
  • January 4, 2017

"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."

8 / 10
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  • Tor...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 10, 2024

"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."

10 / 10
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  • Arc...
  • February 4, 2015

"I weighed 163 lbs when I started this medicine. I dropped 10 lbs during the first month. I also started medication for thyroid issues, so that might be part of it. However, my cravings are completely gone! The medicine also helps a bit with my depression, and I feel more determined to work out. I'm pretty happy with it."

8 / 10
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  • EDi...
  • January 1, 2017

"I'm on the 4th week of taking Contrave, with 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening. So far the only side effects I've experienced were in the second week. I started getting dry mouth and motion sickness when in the car. The motion sickness stopped after a week. I still get dry mouth, but I can deal with that. The first 3 weeks, it didn't seem to suppress my appetite, but I successfully stopped a lifelong habit of drinking soda with no cravings. Since I started taking the full dose, it's now controlling my appetite. The past 4 days, I have no desire to snack, and I feel very full after eating half of a meal, and I continue to have that full feeling long after eating. So far, 5 lbs down with no exercise. I'm optimistic, time will tell."

10 / 10
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  • Res...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • May 31, 2019

"Been on Contrave since Nov of 2018. Beginning weight 323 lb and I’m 5’8. I’m down 40 lbs now. Had a couple ups and downs because I am not as committed with exercise as I should be. Definitely curbs cravings and can only eat small portions. The one side effect I struggle with is gagging. I can be enjoying my meal and all of a sudden my body tells my brain that I’m done. It’s almost a feeling of disgust with my food that makes me gag and many times have to spit food out in a napkin. Even if it’s my most favorite thing to eat in the world... it’s so weird!!! Mild diarrhea for me as well, but I also have a very sensitive digestive system. Overall I think this medication has done wonders to improve my life. Weight, confidence, depression... many positive perks and recommend for anyone with weight struggles to give it a go. Insurance didn’t cover the cost but you can get a coupon from the Contrave website to help with saving some money."

9 / 10
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  • Mrs...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 13, 2019

"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!"

9 / 10
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  • Cin...
  • January 20, 2017

"I have just completed my first month on Contrave. I have lost 9 pounds. I didn't experience any significant side effects. I was nervous at first because I didn't want something influencing my mind, but the only thing it influenced was my appetite. I am less hungry all the time. I often have to force myself to eat. I am working on making better eating choices and exercising. So far, so good! I just purchased my second-month supply and am eager to keep losing the weight. I will post again after this supply is finished."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 9, 2018

"Well, this is my 2nd update. I have now been on Contrave for 8 weeks and have lost 36 lbs. I haven't eliminated much food from my diet, just eat probably less than half of what I used to. I feel so comfortable on this weight management program and don't ever think I am on a diet. Over the 8 weeks, I have gone out for meals many times, I order what I like but just make smarter choices and usually take a doggy bag home and eat it the next day. The only side effect is most of my clothes are too big, but I will gladly buy new ones."

10 / 10
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  • She...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 5, 2015

"I've finished week 2 on Contrave. I'm down 4 pounds. My doctor is pleased. He doesn't want me losing any faster than that. For me, no side effects. My doctor also said it can take 4 weeks for the full effect, which makes sense because it takes that long to get to the full dose. Stick with it."

8 / 10
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  • liv...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 16, 2015

"I am currently in week 2 (about halfway through) and have lost 6.6 pounds already. I am quite pleased with that. This has helped greatly to curb my cravings completely and decrease my appetite overall. I haven't had any negative side effects, no nausea, etc."

10 / 10
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  • Vio...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • March 5, 2019

"I've tried many products to lose weight over the years. Well, Contrave is awesome. It took a few months before the weight started really dropping, BUT I'M HERE TO TELL YOU IT WORKS! I'm amazed at the weight I'm losing all of a sudden. It just started dropping off. Of course, I'm watching what I eat. Please, if you try it, don't give up. Trust me, it works. Thank you."

10 / 10
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  • Sun...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 19, 2019

"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."

9 / 10
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  • Bas...
  • August 27, 2016

"I went to my doctor and heard the words 'obese'. It was a huge wake-up call for me. I tried a weight loss program, the Atkins diet, Weight Watchers and when all of those failed, I consulted with a bariatric surgeon. On my first physical for the surgery, he said 'let's try Contrave and if this doesn't help, we will proceed with preparing for the surgery.' That was on June 28th at 5'2, 205 lbs. Today, August 27th, I weigh 164 lbs. My personal goal is 150 lbs. After that, my doctors, nutritionist, and I will evaluate where to go from there. Contrave has changed my life. I've had no side effects and my appetite has reduced drastically. I love to exercise now and love fresh fruit. I will never be able to thank my prescribing doctor enough."

10 / 10
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109 Report
  • Yoo...
  • February 20, 2016

"I have been on Contrave for almost 11 months now. I just hit the 100 lb weight loss mark a few days ago and am now at 103 lbs lost. As I've said before in these reviews, it's been amazing for me. Low side effects and so much relief from my food addiction. I didn't really know that until this med let me take a step back from it and I could see exactly how all-consuming and crushing an addiction it was. I never had the nausea or headaches."

9 / 10
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  • SKI...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 25, 2017

"OK - today is day 1. (9/25/17) I started at 2 pm (because it arrived then) & it's 4:30 pm. So far, I became very sleepy, which is ok, but I'm at work. No Nausea yet - so YAY! I'm about 200 lb - 5'2, so I'm hoping to lose a lot, at least 50 lb - 60 lbs. My knees hurt, & I avoid looking at myself naked anymore. I just wanna fit in my pants from 5 years ago. I think I've gained a lot of weight just from stress & getting older - I'm 47 years old. I used to lose weight so easily, but not anymore. I'm hungry all the time, and I think I can eat about 5 to 6 slices of anything in one sitting. I'm just being honest - So I'll check in next week in 7 days. I used the name SKINNY101 in case anyone wants to keep up with me. I also enjoy reading everyone's progress here."

7 / 10
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101 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.