Contrave Forums (Page 6)

Into my second month on contrave. I have experienced every side effect. Irritable, ringing ears, vomiting, lack of libido ect..ect. I have lost weight but at a high price. I hope hope hope my body will adjust to this torture. ## You should try Belviq, it has a much friendlier side effect profile ## @Jojo, I'm not sure how long it's supposed to take for your body to adjust to the effects of Contrave, but after two months of it not working as expected I'd be hard pressed to expect anything different out of it. That's just me though. I realize some medications such as birth control can also take a long time to become fully effective as well; and if that is the case with Contrave this may just be an extended waiting game. However, on the other hand - if the side effects aren...

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I have been taking contrave for about 2 years on and off and have lost around 50-60 lb. I was diagnosed this year with menears disease I began suffering from horrible vertigo attacks and ringing in my ears. I believe I am noticing a change in my behavior from Irritability to aggression. I am also noticing stiffness and joint pain epecially in my knees. I have been able to maintain my weight with the help of contrave and exercise. I feel now it may be critical that I stop taking it asap, These are all listed as potential side effects, why now ? ## Unfortunately, there is no real way to say how any medication may affect any given person that tries it. It can vary from person to person. According to FDA reports, there is also no way to know how we may react to any given medication, as time...

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Hi - I am switching from Wellbutrin XL 300 mg/day (brand) to Contrave. I do not have the Rx yet but wanted to ask in advance - will I still need to do the taper up to the full dosage of Contrave since I have already been on Wellbutrin XL 300 mg for a long time? Or could I start at the full dosage of Contrave since the amounts in a full days dosage (4 pills) is comparable to a days worth of Wellbutrin. As I understand it the main side effects are a result of the bupropion and not the second part of the combination and this is why they start you out slowly and then increase dosage gradually. Please let me know if you have any ideas! I try to be as informed as I can when I go to my PCP. ## Hi Leann, My theory is that because Contrave and Wellbutrin both contain bupropion, you should be abl...

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I have been taking one 5-325 mg Percocet at night for some oral surgery I had last week. I am OK to stop using the Percocet as most the pain is gone and I was taking it at night as I grind my teeth which can cause additional pain but I can deal with the iburofen taking care of it now. I want to start my Contrave but took one Percocet last night. Can I take the Contrave? This will be my first try with Contrave. ## Taking the Contrave too close to the Percocet could cause an increased risk of seizures, according to FDA reports, it could also throw you into precipitated withdrawals. Thus, it is usually best not to take Contrave, until you are in withdrawal from the Percocet, or have been off of it about 3 days, or so, unless your doctor instructs otherwise. How are you doing, now? Did you ...

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I took my first contrave pill this afternoon and within the first half hour I began to feel light headed and very sleepy. I did go to bed and slept 3 hours. I woke up feeling good but once I ate I am again feeling light headed, stiffness in my neck and very anxious. The stiffness in the back of my neck is overwhelming. How long can I expect to feel this way? ## That is a bit odd, since this medication is known to usually cause insomnia, and nervousness, more than drowsiness, according to FDA reports. You may also experience weight loss, and nervousness. How are you feeling, now? Has there been any change? Are you on any other medications? ## After researching the ingredients I found that it contains Wellbutrin. I have had difficulty with that medication in the past. I will no longer be ...

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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 ...

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How long do I need to be off Contrave prior to having a significant orthopedic procedure which I know I will need opioid pain meds for after? ## Hi Cherlyn, The half life of Contrave's active ingredient 'Naltrexone' and its metabolite (naltrexol) are reported to be about 4 hours and 13 min. However for the simplicity of keeping track of time, I'd probably just average it at 4 hours. And you'd probably want to double check with your doctor/surgeon on this - but I've heard from some medical professionals that it can take up to 3-5 half lives for a medication to leave your system. IF this really is the case (and I know everyone is different), 5 half-lives for Naltrexone would add up to 20 hours (or pretty much a full a day). 4 hours is a relatively quick half-life c...

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I been taking Contrave since September. I did the one pill the first week...at first I felt loopy, light-headed a little off, but I got used to it and inplus was tired. Started my second pill the next week and I stopped at the second dose...I could not sleep. So I stopped and just continued with the one pill for about 3 weeks with no problems with my sleep, so then I got the courage to start the second dose which is the one pill in the evening...did fine after maybe three days into the evening pill. I would go to sleep but when I wake up couldn't go back to sleep. I was feeling light headed like the feeling of low blood sugar. But I sucked it up and continued with the evening pill. Now I would like to start with the third pill but I'm not sure. The job that I do and with me work...

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I have been on Contrave for 4 weeks now. The previous weeks I had no side effects. Now all of a sudden I have severe nausea, headache, heart racing, dizziness and insomnia. I do not want to continue taking it and I am afraid to stop cold turkey but hate to continue to feel like I do. I had to leave work yesterday because I got so sick. What do you suggest? ## Hello, Tricia! How are you doing? Did you stop taking it? Those are all listed by the FDA as possible side effects of Contrave, along with irritability, nervousness and anorexia. Have you consulted your doctor? Most side effects go away after a month, or so, once your body gets used to the medication, but this might not be the right one for you to take. ## How do I stop taking Contrave? I have been taking it for 4 weeks and have lo...

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Hello I have started Contrave and I am on my third week. My eyes do not hurt, but I feel a weird pressure in my face. Sinus and eye area. Is there a way to check if it is causing issues with my eyes. I feel a benefit from the medication and would like to continue but do not want to have serious complications? ## Your doctor should be able to check and see if there is some issue going on with your sinuses, which directly connects to other facial areas, such as your eyes. The FDA warns that many medications can cause such issues as a side effect. Is this the only medication you take regularly? How are you feeling, now? Has there been any change?

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What can you take for migraines when u are taking Contrave? Can I take Fiorinal / Codeine? ## No, these medications should not be taken together, since the Naltrexone in the Contrave will neutralize the Codeine and the Caffeine could increase the toxicity of the Bupropion, according to NIH warnings. Have you consulted your doctor for any recommendations to treat or prevent your migraines? Are you on any other medications?

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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...

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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...

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Hi again . Can I do a high protein /sometimes high fat / low carb diet while taking this med ?? ## Hi Lina - I'd be very careful - a drug label from the NIH states "Do not take CONTRAVE with high-fat meals. It may increase your risk of seizures." [1] If you are thinking of taking on a special diet with Contrave I would highly recommend working with your doctor on that since they can advise you of the risks and possible interactions based on your medical history. I hope this helps! Ref: [1] ## Can I take Contrave while on Keto or low carb diet? Thanks

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My doctor put me on Effexor for hot flashes and other symptoms associated with menopause. Can this be taken with Contrave? ## No, it is generally not recommend that they be taken together, due to the risk of seizures, and serotonin syndrome, according to FDA warnings. Is your doctor aware that you have been prescribed both of these medications?

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Hello. I am just on day 2 of Contrave and was wondering, as I only really need to lose 20 pounds, is this the right drug for me? I don't mind if it takes a few months. I just need to stop sugar and carb cravings that I have had which added these 20 to my 5'2" small frame. At my height, that's a whole new wardrobe that I don't want to buy. ## There is no set schedule anyone can give you, since we are all different, plus it depends on your diet and activity levels. The FDA warns that it may cause side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, headache, nervousness, insomnia, and anorexia. How are you doing on it? Can anyone else that's taken this medication chime in? I'm currently converting most of wardrobe to Lularoe clothing, not because I need to, just because I ...

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I've been on contrave for about 5 or 6 months. I went from 205 to 188 in first 3 months. I'm back up to 195 now. It seems the medication has lost its effectiveness. Please help. I love this medication. No side effects for me. I don't want to regain my weight. Should my doctor increase the dose. I'm taking 2 in the morning and then 2 before I go to sleep at night. So 2 about 10-12 hours apart. ## The same thing has happened to me at the exact same point in my usage. I lost about 13 pounds and now flat and feel like my eating is increased some. Four a day is the maximum. I tried to change up the times but nothing working yet. ## 4 pills a day is the maximum dosage that the FDA allows. They list the typical side effects as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache, ner...

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Okay so i have been taking contrave for about a week, but my question is, how many hours after taking contrave can i take advil or tylenol? ## There is a risk of liver problems, such as liver damage and liver failure, according to FDA reports, so you should not take contrave with either one of these medications. Have you informed your doctor? They should be able to advise you on something that will not put you in danger.

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I've been on Contrave for a year and now I'm starting to notice my appetite returning. I lost 70 lbs and don't want to go backwards but I'm literally starving all the time. Can I take 3 at one time instead of two and then two at night? Is that too much? I haven't had any side effects. ## No, you should not adjust your dosage, without your doctor's approval. The FDA lists the typical side effects as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache, nervousness, insomnia, and anorexia. Has anything else changed in your normal daily routine? Are you on any other medications? ## Did you increase your dosage? I am in my 4th month and haven't lost any weight this month. I would like to increase and take a pill mid day.

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Is it ok to take 600 mg ibuprofen for back pain with contrave? I'm worried about a possible drug interaction. ## There is an increased risk of liver problems, such as damage, decreased function, or liver failure from combining these medications, according to FDA reports. Have the both been prescribed for you? Are you on any other medications?

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