Contrave Forums

This is my 3rd day on Contrave (1 pill in the morning). First day i felt a little woozy, second day i felt great. Today, after having lunch, I felt a sudden wave of dizziness to the point that I felt I had difficulty walking in a straight line. A couple of hours later it somewhat subsided, however, after I ate a little packet of almonds, the dizziness started again. Anyone else has experienced this? Does it go away with time? Thanks! ## It is always best to check with your doctor to be sure nothing else is going on, but the FDA does warn that nausea, and dizziness are the most common side effects of Contrave, along with headache, and mood changes. Ref: Contrave Information How are you feeling, now? Has there been any change? Are you on any other medications?

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I tried Contrave approx. 3 months ago for one week. I experienced terrible side effects; extreme nausea, inability to eat anything other than saltine crackers, terrible dry mouth. I couldn't keep anything down for over a week after stopping. Now that I am off, it is like my taste buds have totally changed. I used to love chicken, fish, steak - now I eat only a few bites before I am completely turned off by it. I cannot even smell tuna without my stomach turning (something I used to eat before without issue.) Unfortunately, I still like bread and pasta as much as I always have - it would have been nice to hate those too. I feel like I am turning into a vegetarian. Has anyone else that has taken the drug noticed a change in their palate? I want to know if it will ever go away. ## I to...

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On Contrave six months and lost 44 lbs. I have also lost a tremendous amount of hair. I am female. Anyone else have this problem? ## Hello, Helen! How are you? The FDA does list that as being a possible side effect of this medication, though it is not considered a common one. Other side effects may include nervousness, dizziness, insomnia, and indigestion. Is there anything else I can help with? ## I have also lost a lot of hair taking contrave. Shocked how much. It is the Wellbutrin component of Contrave that is the cause. The dose of Wellbutrin in contrave is way at the upper limit of dosing for Wellbutrin if you were just taking Wellbutrin alone. I did not come across this side effect much when I read about Contrave prior to taking it but after the hair loss started I took a second l...

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I'm on my third day. Today I have a severe headache. But my question is this, has anyone had bad diarrhea? I get cramps, then bam. But I was feeling better by night. Today is the worst. Should I continue or stop? ## Hello, Shercon! How are you doing? I'm very sorry about the way you're feeling. Those can be normal side effects of Contrave and it may take about a month for them to wear off, as your body gets used to the medication. Other side effects, as listed by the FDA, may possibly include dry mouth, dizziness and nausea. Have you consulted your doctor? Unless they feel there is some reason to be concerned, you should most likely continue taking it. ## Verwon -- are you taking Contrave? ## I'm on Contrave and the stomach discomfort wore off, very mild headache left to...

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Hello, I am on week 4 of Contrave and have lost 11lbs. Ever since starting this medication my husband says my breath is bad. I drink a lot of water and have mints but this is like coming up from my stomach. Other than that I haven't had bad side effects. I do sweat more at the gym where as before I didn't. But anyone else experience this or have a solution? I'm very diligent about oral hygiene. ## Hello, Ginaye! How are you? I'm not seeing that listed among the side effects, but it can cause some gas and dry mouth, which may be contributing to the problem. Especially, since you said it seems to be coming up from your stomach. Other side effects may include nausea, dizziness, insomnia and anorexia. Has anyone else on Contrave experienced this? ## I am currently on week 5 ...

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I started Contrave 4 days ago, today being my 5th dose. Every day, I take the pill about 8am and by 9:30-10am I am so sleepy I can't stand it. Days 1 and 2 I managed to fight it off until about 12-12:30, day 3 until about 1-1:30, and day 4 I fought it off until 3pm. If I take a 1-2 hour nap, I wake up fine, with energy and then cannot get to sleep until about 2am, sometimes 3am. Today is day 5, I'm having that "drunk" feeling and sleepy, but no where near how it has been. It seems this effect is slowly wearing off, but I haven't seen anywhere where this is a common side effect. I know all medications effect everyone differently, so I'm wondering if this is something I should be concerned about, or just another side effect that I will get used to as the weeks go o...

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I have been having extremely vivid dreams on Contrave. Some cause me to wake up mid dream. Also noticed that I had to sleep about 20 hours on Sunday after drinking Saturday night. Anyone else seeing these side effects and should I be concerned? ## Those can be normal side effects, alcohol tends to intensify them, according to NIH reports, which is why you are usually told not to imbibe, while taking any prescription medications. It could also cause you to experience more nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea than normal. How are you feeling, now? Has there been any change? ## I seem to be adjusting. Still having vivid dreams, but not so scary that they wake me up. I've been limiting alcohol intake and I have a lot more energy. I actually feel great. No weight loss yet. Starting a new more...

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Can cold medicine be taken with Contrave like Sudafed or Contac? Are there any side effects by taking cold medicine with it? ## It really depends on the specific cold medication, they are many available over the counter in the U.S., so I couldn't possibly research them all for you. Which one is your normal preferred choice? Can you please post back and clarify? This information would enable me to research an answer to your question. Is Contac available in the U.S., again? I know it had been removed from the market here for a number of years. The FDA warns that Contrave may cause side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, headache, mood changes, and weight changes. ## Hello, Would Zzquil be okay to take with Contrave?

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I started today with my first dose of contrave, 1 pill in the AM. I also take suboxone 8mg (4 1 time a day). My doctor stated that the interaction of the two should be minimal..yeah NO! I got diarrhea, hot flashes, chills, body aches, and pretty much every withdrawal symptom known to man. I now dont want to take the contrave because I am not ready to stop the suboxone. Should I just stop the contrave and continue the sub? Or how should I go about this? ## Hello, Kiat! How are you? I'm very sorry about what happened. Yes, the Naltrexone in Contrave can cause you to go into withdrawal from any opiate, as listed by the FDA, and you were doubling it up with the Naloxone in the Suboxone that does that same thing. As to how to continue, it usually takes about 3 days, before you can safely...

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Has anyone suffered from ringing in ears from Contrave? I'm going insane :(. but losing weight :) ## Hello, Jojo! How are you? Yes, tinnitus is among the possible side effects that are listed by the FDA. Other symptoms you may experience could possibly include nausea, dizziness, constipation, headache, upper abdominal pain, irritability, rash and muscle strains. How long have you been taking it? Most side effects are transient and will taper off in severity as your body gets used to the medication and will go away entirely after about 4 to 6 weeks. ## yes - please beware this was one of the most horrible experiences of my life...I started contrave - was on it for about a month and started experiencing ringing in my ears...it became so loud that I couldn't even hear...I immediate...

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Has anyone switched off of Pristiq to Contrave? My Dr wants me to make the switch. I’m scared to death of the side effects that come with weaning off one and starting another. ## Has anyone recently started Contrave and had to wean off of Effexor or Pristique? I am currently taking Pristique 100 mg and will need to wean off of it and start the Contrave. I’ve had mild depression and anxiety and have taken Pristique for a number of years.

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I'm currently on week 3 of Contrave (2 pills in the AM/1 in the PM). When should I possibly be noticing a decrease in appetite/cravings? Evenings are the worst for me, and I'm finding absolutely NO decrease in my desire to eat. Am I being too impatient? I was on Phentermine for 4 months, and had lost 30 lbs. I had started to plateau, and that's why my Dr. switched me to Contrave. Since I started with this medication, I've gained 8-10 lbs. because my evening appetite is back. I'm currently on a diet/exercise program where I'm eating typically 1000-1200 calories per day. ## I am having the exact same problem. If anyone can help answer this question I'm willing to listen. ## Regarding when Contrave starts working, I think the answer is going to be quite differen...

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I have been on the 2 pills in morning and evening for a week and a half. All of a sudden I started getting so dizzy I couldn't stand and my right arm shakes like crazy once in a while. Is this normal? I have had to miss a couple days of work because I was so dizzy. I stopped taking it a few days ago but I still have the same problems. How long till it stops? ## It may take several days for your symptoms to subside, but you should consult your doctor to be sure whether they have been caused by the medication, or if something else is going on. The FDA lists the typical side effects of Contrave as possibly including nausea, headache, appetite loss, and nervousness. Ref: Contrave Information How are you doing, now? Has there been any change?

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I took Contrave and lost 52 pounds in 10 months, which has put me back to my ideal body weight. The problem is that it has not been working after that 10 months. I don’t have any side effects, but have a ridiculous appetite now. Almost to the point of wanting to binge eat. Anybody else been on it a while and have it stop working? I’ve gained almost 10 pounds back in the last few months. I’m not sure whether to ask my doctor about stopping it, but I’m afraid my appetite will be even worse. Anybody? ## Why is Contrave not working? According to the official manufacturer’s website, there are a number of possible reasons why you’re not losing weight: You’re Not Getting Enough SleepYou’re Not Drinking Enough WaterYour Exercise Routine Is Ineffec...

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OMGOSH... I can not believe I am asking this, but.... I am on month 4 of Contrave and my urine has an odor. I have looked at the side effects and I do not see that as one of them.... Does anyone else have this issue or is it just me? ## Almost any medication can cause such a side effect, according to NIH studies, since you are adding a new chemical to your body. However, if you start experiencing other symptoms, such as pain, burning when urinating, or blood in your urine, please see your doctor, as soon as possible. Are you on any other medications? ## I’m having the same issue. Going to see doctor to make sure it isn’t another problem, but I’m almost positive it’s the Contrave. Started about a month in as well. ## Yes, yes, yes. I am entering my third month on ...

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I need to know how to stop taking contrave. Can I just quit cold turkey or do I wean off? If I wean off how do I do it? ## Hello, Janice! How are you? How long have you been taking it? Why do you want to stop it? The FDA lists Contrave as being used to aid in weight loss and its typical side effects may possibly include nausea, dizziness, nervousness, insomnia and anorexia. Have you consulted your doctor? It does require slow tapering for some people. ## I was looking up how to wean myself off of Contrave and found this comment on here. I've been taking Confrave for about a month or so. I just started the 2 pills in the morning and 2 pills at night dose Sunday (today is Friday). I've felt horrible all week since increasing it. Hot flashes in my face, horrible nausea, glands some...

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I am just starting Contrave but have been on a keto diet for the last few months & feel good on it, but nothing for weight loss. Has anyone had any experience with Keto & Contrave? I know one of the warnings is not to take it with a fatty meal, but is it ok to have high fat in between doses? ## From what I've been reading it is best, overall, to stick with a low-fat diet while taking Contrave, the reason for this is due to the fact that a high fat content can actually cause your body to absorb more of the active ingredients than you should, which may lead to problems, such as more severe side effects, and possibly an overdose. Ref: Contrave Details Other common side effects may include nausea, dizziness, headache, and mood changes. Are you on any other medications?

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Has anyone else had problems with severe water retention after taking Contrave? Mine started day two. I already take a mild water pill but it hasn't touched the swelling. I do not have ankles any longer, they are now "cankles". ## Hello, Janie! How are you? Yes, though it is rare, the Bupropion in Contrave has been known to cause edema in some people that take it. Have you informed your doctor? You may need a stronger diuretic or a switch to a different medication. The FDA lists the typical side effects as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache, insomnia and nervousness. ## I am on my 2nd week of Contrave and noticed that my ankles and feet are swollen. Has this happened to anyone else? ## I am in my 2nd week and have the same problem. Did you continue to use it and ...

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I'm on my 4th week (2 pills each am & pm) of Contrave and I find my hands shaking when i'm holding something and my heart rate is way up. Anyone else go through this? Also, is it safe to stop Contrave all at once or should you gradually go down the same as it was started. ## Yes.. I have been on Contrave for about 5 months and I actually had a different symptom…I was having Phantosmia (Phantom Smells) like I smell smoke when there is none. It has been bothersome… but then I also started feeling shaky and even noticed a true tremor in my right ring finger. I started freaking out because I looked all over the Contrave sight and didn't see this as a side effect. If you look up those two symptoms its points to brain tumor or Parkinsons! I went to my Doc who presc...

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I have been taking Contrave for three weeks and have developed itching on the insides of my hands and the bottoms of my feet. Has anyone else experienced this? ## Hello, Arlie! How are you? Do you have a rash, or just the itching? Contrave has been known to cause a rash as a side effect, as listed by the FDA. You may also experience nausea, dizziness, headache and insomnia. Are you on any other medications? The itching could be due to a circulation problem. ## No rash. No other meds. Nothing new besides the Contrave. ## There's a chance that it's affecting your circulation, which can cause itching. Have you had it checked out by your doctor, yet? Has it improved, at all? ## I have cut the dosage in half (one pill in the morning and one in the evening) and no longer have the itch...

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