Contrave Headache

I have been taking contrave for 2 months. My side effects are tiredness in the afternoon and neasua in the morning. They are not enough for me to quit. This morning I vomited from the neasua and with the force of the dry heave I got a sudden severe headache lasting about one minute. Then a dull headache ever since. Should I be concerned? ## Those can be normal side effects, according to NIH reports, but it is always best to have such a symptom checked out, because it could be a sign of other dangerous health issues. You may also experience headache, nervousness, and anorexia. Are you on any other medications? How often do you usually experience headaches?

1 REPLY

I have tried Contrave for two weeks now. While I did lose some weight I didn't feel very good. I started noticing that I was not able to think quickly like recalling names & somtimes when I would be talking my a random/ easy word would come out as if I was slurring my speech. So I stopped Contrave. Since stopping I have had pretty significant headache now for 6 straight days. Neither Advil or asprin seem to make it better. Was wondering if anyone else has stopped Contrave & experienced bad headaches? ## Hello, Meryl! How are you? I'm sorry about what you've experienced. I was just reading over the detailed side effects of Contrave, as listed by the FDA and it has been known to cause those, along with nausea, headache, mood swings, dry mouth and insomnia. As to the he...

5 REPLIES

Started today with first pill, wow, never been real sensitive to meds but this one, Contrave ,I was dizzy and VERY nauseous! Hope it's better tomorrow! ## Hello, Suzy! How are you feeling? Has there been any improvement? Those can be typical side effects of this medication, as reported by the FDA. You may also experience headache, nervousness and insomnia. Has anyone else that's taken Contrave experienced these side effects? ## Yes, as long as I eat a REAL meal, not a snack, then there is no nausea! I'm on 2 pills twice a day now and no side effects except some sleepiness!

2 REPLIES

I've taken hydrocodone for years due to chronic pain, I'm needing to lose weight but have to keep taking my pain meds. Will the contrave block the pain out like the hydrocodone does or just block the hydrocodone from working ## Hello, Rayne! How are you? No, Contrave will not do anything to alleviate pain. The FDA lists it as containing Naloxone and Bupropion, so yes, it will also block most opiates from having any effect. Its typical side effects may possibly include nausea, dizziness, insomnia, nervousness, headache and dry mouth. What has your doctor advised?

1 REPLY

I'm on 2nd week of Contrave 1 pill Am 1 pill pm. I have had a minor procedure which requires Norco 325/7.5. Is it's ok to take. (ER prescribed) yes I told them what medicine I was taking. I also was on Vyvanse 40mg and Kolopin(as needed), when my Dr perscribed Contrave ? ## I stopped the Vyvanse due to me seeing it had a major side effect risk. The started the contrave 3 days later to be safe. ## The Naltrexone in the Contrave will most likely prevent the Hydrocodone in the Norco in working, so it isn't likely that it will help with pain, if you are still taking Contrave. The FDA warns that Hydrocodone carries the risk of being habit forming and may cause side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, constipation, dry mouth, and headache. Have you taken any, yet? If so, what has ...

2 REPLIES

So I officially started Contrave on May 24, 2017, I took my first dose a little before lunch because I had to wait for the RX to be filled. That day was pretty unremarkable, as far as potential side effects and appetite. The second day was my first day at work on Contrave, and I was fairly optimistic because the day prior went so well. I definitely felt “medicated”, I felt slower mentally, but my appetite was gone, the constant cravings, planning of my next meal, and all food thoughts were basically non-existent. Every morning I get a Venti Coffee from Starbucks, and on days 2 and 3 I found that I really didn’t enjoy it, also, I noticed that almost immediately after my coffee I felt hunger for the first time in days, and I also had a dull headache, but both the hunger ...

6 REPLIES

I'm on Contrave almost 3 mos and lost 29 lbs...that's the great part, but lately I am getting the worst headaches, usually over one eye . Lately I've been getting 3 headaches a week and all I could do is lay in bed. Sometimes ice on my head feels better or even the pressure from the pillow being on my head to block out the light helps. I went to my prescribing doctor and she said headaches are a side effect. Other than a headaches my only other side effect is dry mouth. My doctor said the headache should go away as this does happen to a few patients on this meds. Advil migraine doesn't seem to help so I really don't know what else I could take with contrave. If I wasn't on contrave this kind of headache would definitely be gone with a Vicodin! But I know I cannot...

3 REPLIES

I have been on Contrave for over four months and I have lost 35 lbs., so far. Occasionally I get very bad headaches which Advil or Tylenol just won't help. Can I take 1/2 of a vicodin to see if that might help, or is that dangerous? ## Hello, Pat! How are you? One of the active ingredients in Contrave, as listed by the FDA, is Naltrexone and it's other use is as an opiate blocker, so the Vicodin will have no effect. It would be best to consult your doctor about what you can take for the headaches that will work. The FDA lists the other side effects of Contrave as possibly including nausea, insomnia, nervousness and anorexia. Is there anything else I can help with? ## Don't take any Vicodin with it!! I hadn't been told about the huge contraindication between the two meds ...

2 REPLIES

I started Contrave on August 1st and was up to full dosage by September 1st. I've been battling side effects, headaches, nausea, motion sickness, insominia and now I've noticed a lot of hair loss. So much that I can see my scalp and have a dime sized bald spot forming. I started weaning last week because of the terrible headaches but now with this hair loss I'm determined to wean off all of the way. I'm searching for ways to restore my hair. I'm feeling very depressed. Will my hsir come back does anyone konw? Has this happened to anyone else? ## That can be a side effect of this medication, according to FDA reports, though it isn't a common on. However, yes it should improve, when you stop taking this medication, but it may take a few months for your hair and its...

1 REPLY

Second night I got a really bad headache, it could have been from sugar withdrawal. Headache lasted through day three. I did not take contravene on day three, scared of another headache. My question is will headaches get better/worse? Should I give it another go? ## It seems like my headaches got less severe and less frequent after a few weeks. I recently stopped taking it bc I didn't think it was really helping that much but it was lol. I figured that out after I stopped it. So I'm on day 2 again now and I'm having really bad headaches again too. I feel your pain! ## According to NIH.gov, you should talk with your doctor if you experience headaches while taking naltrexone or bupropion (the two active ingredients in Contrave). REF: 1. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT001132...

2 REPLIES

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 ...

5 REPLIES

I've been taking contrave for 4 weeks now (2 pills in morning and 2 in evening) for the first 3 weeks I felt nauseous, anxiety, and heart rate was amped up but all that disappeared at week 4. I did notice a decrease in appetite week 3-4 and I'm also not munching or eating late at night but I still haven't lost any weight! Should I wait it out and see how it works? Is it too soon to tell? I was really counting on this and I feel like my hopes are shut down ## Has there been any change? It can take awhile for the medication to reach its full level of efficacy in the body, before you really know how well it will work for you. The FDA lists the typical side effects as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache, nervousness, and insomnia. Are you also watching your diet and m...

1 REPLY

This is the end of my first week with one pill per day. I just took the first evening pill. I don't understand. If one pill in the morning is working, why do I have to increase the medicine. I have RA, Sjogrens, Graves disease, fibromyalgia and am hypothyroid. I take plaquenil, nexium and synthroid. I would rather not add any more medicine to my system than necessary. ## Hello, Annie! How are you? The dosage is generally raised, because based on testing, that is the dosing regimen that was found to be safe and effective for most people. Whether or not you take more is entirely up to you, but for the best results, it's usually a good idea to follow your doctor's instructions. The FDA lists the typical side effects of Contrave as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache,...

3 REPLIES

I just filled my prescription and will be starting tomorrow. I'm excited but nervous as I'm on Celexa and I've read that there is a possibility of major side effects. Has anyone else experienced anything? ## The Bupropion in the Contrave can increase the effect of Celexa, so you do need to be careful of that and your doctor may need to adjust your dosage of it. The FDA lists the typical side effects as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache, insomnia, nervousness and anorexia. Is there anything else I can help with? ## I'm taking contrave and Celexa. I have been on for 2 months. My last period was very very light and this month not at all. I took a pregnancy test and it was negative. I use Nuva ring and usually start as soon as I take it out. Could this combo of ...

5 REPLIES

I spent some time researching this before starting. I was a bit worried about the first 3 days as everyone said they were the worst. I started contrave 3 days ago. Day 1 I felt like I had more energy. My head felt "medicated". Not really foggy or unable to concentrate but a dull numb feeling. Nothing like I had read and prepared mentally for. I also made sure I ate pretty healthy - oatmeal for breakfast, egg salad sandwich for lunch, and dinner I wasn't really all that hungry so I had a few deviled eggs and corn on the cob. Didn't have any issues falling asleep at night. Day 2 - decided to try out a theory I've had that if you eat bad you feel bad/get side effects. So I had an egg and cheese biscuit with a soda for breakfast and had a dull headache started most of th...

2 REPLIES

Hello I've been on high does opiates for injuries due to a terrible auto accident for 16 yrs to date. My doctor at my request prescribed my contrave. How long do I need to be off opiates before starting the contrave? I know people can take suboxone almost immediately. With the bupropion in contrave does it help stop pain from withdrawal effects of the opiates? ## You need to be in full withdrawal from the opiates, before you can take this, unless your doctor has instructed otherwise. Taking it too soon could cause you to go into dangerous precipitated withdrawals. The same is true of Suboxone, it cannot be taken immediately. Bupropion is an antidepressant, not an analgesic, so no. The FDA lists the typical side effects of Contrave as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache, d...

3 REPLIES

I was part of the study and did extremely well, losing over 70 pounds. The last visit 2 weeks ago I was told the study was over and am no longer on the medication. Since stopping cold turkey I have had an almost constant headache, have trouble sleeping, have been irritable and have gained back 5 lbs. Now have a call in to my MD requesting a prescription so I can get back on the meds. I didn't have any of the issues that others have complained about while on the med, only after stopping! ## Hello, GrannyD! How are you? I'm very sorry about the withdrawal symptoms that you're having. They are most likely due to stopping the Bupropion cold turkey. The FDA does classify it as an antidepressant that is also used to aid in smoking cessation and these medication are well known to c...

2 REPLIES

I have been on it since February and I lost 37 lbs. in 2 months. Since then I haven't lost anything. Haven't gained anything either. Question is should I stay on it or stop taking it? Just wondering what others have done. ## Hello, John! How are you? Most people that take this medication reach a plateau phase, but in most cases, it does eventually start working, again. The FDA lists its typical side effects as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache, nervousness and insomnia. Have you consulted your doctor?

1 REPLY

I am now up to 4 pills a day. I take the first dose around 7:30 and then eat breakfast. What time should I take the pm dose? I don't desire sweets now, but it does not seem to curb my appetite for dinner. I am nauseous and anxious. The first 2 weeks it did curb my appetite. ## The dosing directions just say morning and evening, so approximately 12 hours apart seems to be a safe assumption. However, if the morning dose is not curbing your appetite for your evening meal, you may need to adjust when you take it. Can anyone else that's taking it chime in with their experience? Nausea, and anxiety can be normal side effects of this medication, according to FDA reports. You may also experience dizziness, headache, diarrhea, and insomnia. Has there been any change?

1 REPLY

I just started taking Contrave and on day three I started having a terrible headache. I am on day four and want to know if I can take my Fioricet with the Contrave? ## Hello, Alma! How are you? There is an increased risk of seizures if you combine these medications, so it is best not to do so, without your doctor's approval, according to FDA reports. There is also a risk of liver damage, or failure. Have you tried anything else to alleviate the headache? ## My first day taking Contrave , My eyes felt funny and I felt anxious, Then my head started busting, I’m currently taking Trintellix 10 mg for depression and I can’t help but think these 2 medicines may not be good to take together, Help I can’t take my Fiorcet or Maxalt for my headache

2 REPLIES