Looking for people who are trying out Contrave? Thoughts? Is it working?

shenan32

bradstone68 wrote: »

If anyone is using Scaledown do you know how to change your goal weight?

I know you set your text preferences in "Account Settings" Maybe goal weight is there too?

krenlw

I have been taking Contrave for a couple of months now and had very little success. I've lost roughly 7 lbs. My problem is that I haven't taken it regularly. More often than not I only take 2 pills per day. My complaint is that it makes me sweat like crazy, it's 68° in here I'm sweating! I am going to try taking the 4 a day every day this week and see what happens.

amberly006

krenlw wrote: »

I have been taking Contrave for a couple of months now and had very little success. I've lost roughly 7 lbs. My problem is that I haven't taken it regularly. More often than not I only take 2 pills per day. My complaint is that it makes me sweat like crazy, it's 68° in here I'm sweating! I am going to try taking the 4 a day every day this week and see what happens.

LMAO, Giiiiirl I am so happy to hear this! I have been sweating like im sitting in a sweatbox! LOLOL

amberly006

Just an update, Im 2.5 months in and 27lbs down! Woot! How is everyone doing?!?

shenan32

amberly006 wrote: »

Just an update, Im 2.5 months in and 27lbs down! Woot! How is everyone doing?!?

Certainly not as good as you! Ha! I started taking it on June 7th and I'm just down a couple of pounds. I haven't gained, but I'm certainly not loosing. I'm counting calories and everything. I even do Jiu Jitsu twice a week. What the heck?!

jindolove

Hi, I"m new here, and loving reading all your posts. Today is 1 week of the two drugs in contrave, taken separately, and in different doses than contrave. (Cheaper w/ insurance to do it this way.) So far I am very pleased. Down some, the scale is flipfloping a bit--it actually broke-- but think I'm down between 5-7 lbs. My energy has increased, and the SEs are minimal. I take a homeopathic called nux vomica the second my stomach feels funny, and I've not really experienced and feelings of nausea because of it. Dreams are interesting and pleasant. Overall, I am extremely happy with my results so far. Three questions: Anybody else taking the drugs separately? Any girls out there still feel PMS cravings? Any reports from long term users? Does the effect begin to wear off, or stay constant with long term use? Thanks, and good luck, everybody! Edit... i think I posted this in the wrong place. Oops!

GSanc2

Very interesting that you are not taking Contrave, but the 2 pills that make up Contrave. I'm on day 2 of Contrave. The only side effect I've experienced last night was insomnia. It wasn't too bad, but I had it. Good luck to you!!

GSanc2

yopeeps025 wrote: »

amyniceneasy wrote: »

Thank you for your response, however I'm only actually looking for people who can answer the question. You've not taken this prescription. I'm looking for people who have.

Look I understand that weight management is hard for a lot. MFP use at 100% can get you to your goal without wasting money on magic pills. Placebo effect I call them. You do not need that crap OP. Use your money on something of better value. A medical issue makes things a little diffcult but not enough to buy magic pills.

Some people, like me, have tried doing it with diet & exercise alone. It gets frustrating. No one wants to be on medication to lose weight, but often times that's the only alternative. Other than my weight, I am very healthy. If I don't lose weight now in my 40's, then I'll be susceptible to all sorts of things, diabetes, high cholesterol, High blood pressure. I'm trying to avoid those things. They may still come, but if they do, it'll be later in life.

margybuono

amyniceneasy wrote: »

Hello,
Yes...Its a new FDA approved diet pill. Yes..I know its not a magic pill. Have you tried it? Is it taking the "edge" off the hunger and cravings like its supposed to?

Yes, I am currently on Contrave. I haven't had any side effects, and it is not a stimulant based drug. It works on the pleasure center of your brain where dopamine is released. It's geared towards helping people whose relationship with food is more addictive rather than speeding up the metabolism. You need to meet the criteria of BMI, it's not for people who need to lose 10, 15 lbs, it is for people who have a BMI of over 30. I have not been taking it long, but it my craving for sugar is greatly diminished, and I find sweets to be overpowering. Since it isn't like phentermine it won't work if diet and exercise are not being worked on. It is a cocktail of two well established as safe drugs that have been around and have been found that in combination work to reduce feelings of hunger and cravings. There are potentially a lot of side effects, I haven't had any but that doesn't mean you won't. You can't drink alcohol, or take pain meds, because one of the two meds in it is used for treatment of addictions. If you have any questions about my experience on and you don't want to post publicly since asking apparently gets your skewered for not doing exactly what the some other fitnesspal member tells you must do, feel free to privately message me. Good luck to you.

susandawson6510

I started Contrave a week ago, after Wellbutrin on it's own didn't work and trying Qsymia (which made me terribly depressed) and I love it! My only question for everyone who is on it is: who out there is taking it solely at night? I woke up three times last night but went right back to sleep and slept until my alarm actually went off this morning -which was kind of a miracle- last week it was sleep at 11pm and waking up at 5 am with no good rest at all. I have switched my one pill and (and now, two pills starting next week) to nighttime and I think it helps w/ my insomnia that I had when I started and definitely helps with the grogginess that I had during the day. Does anyone else take it at night only now and how has it affected their sleep? I woke up three times last night but went right back to sleep and slept until my alarm actually went off this morning -which was kind of a miracle! Thoughts from anyone out there please? I can't get much info from the doc!

mothertucker78

Hi I'm on my 3rd week of contrave and so far no side effects but also no weight loss. My question though is this. Has contrave messed up anyone's menstrual cycle? I'm currently 5 days late and I'm pretty regular. There is no possibility of pregnancy so I'm thinking it has to be from the medicine. Anyone else experience this?

Jane_smith1920

Today is my first day on Contrave. I've experienced an upset stomach so far today and I'm tired, but that is about it. I've heard and read great things about it, so I'm going to try and stick with it and also update on here to see and discuss the experience.

idgaboy

My first posting...April 30th I weighed 283 pounds in my physician's office (not my personal "best" but close). Today I weigh 232.6 pounds. I have lost some 50 pounds in roughly 13 weeks using Contrave. I have no idea why this particular mix of chemicals has worked so well for me (and not as well for others). I think one clue is that I also stopped biting my nails - a behavior I have exhibited since I was a small child. Maybe my overeating (and nail-biting) was part of some sort of compulsive behavior that this combination of drugs has resolved.

idgaboy

GSanc2 wrote: »

Very interesting that you are not taking Contrave, but the 2 pills that make up Contrave. I'm on day 2 of Contrave. The only side effect I've experienced last night was insomnia. It wasn't too bad, but I had it. Good luck to you!!

I started off with the generic bupropion and naltrexone (my physician figured out the dosing) because I believed the availability of a generic alternative would act to keep the prescription Contrave price down. I started off with the two drug cocktail, used it for a month (it worked!) and then switched to Contrave (the cocktail price was about $10 more then the coupon provided by Takeda Pharmaceuticals). And I have to confess that the Scale Down program included with Contrave also helped make my decision to move to Contrave from the generics.

crochetpaws

Took my first dose of contrave this morning! Hoping I don't have many side effects and that the pill works for me like it has worked for so many of you!

Mommasays22

I'm glad I found this discussion. I filled my prescription probably 6 weeks ago but stopped taking for awhile bc of extreme fatigue. Started it again and just added my second AM pill and feel terrible. Headache, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. It helps to know that I'm not the only one. I'm going to scale back to 1 AM and 1 PM and hopefully it will help. I have lost 10 pounds and haven't changed much. But I can't eat much either.

crochetpaws

are u eating with the dose?

I noticed that if I eat a fatty meal I feel nauseous after I eat.
I had a bad headache the first day I took it. Still on my first week tho day 4.

ktmbmw

I started Contrave a few months ago, it took a little getting used to but I have lost over 45 pounds so far. It really helped me with my manic eating and now I am able to feel full much sooner since I am eating slower.

ktmbmw

bradstone68 wrote: »

If anyone is using Scaledown do you know how to change your goal weight?

I don't think there is a way to change your goal weight; it looks like it is calculated based on your "Survey" data.
I guess you could adjust (Edit) your Survey and work the system to adjust the goal weight.
Personally, I turned off the daily notifications; too many reminders.
but it is a nice scale.

peppertine

I am starting my 3rd week of Contrave (2am/1pm). So far, I have not seen much progress, but I am hoping this will change starting with this week and taking 3 pills/day.

crochetpaws

I'm in the middle of my second week. Hoping for a change soon too.

KRocka1981

I just completed my first week on Contrave and lost 8 lbs. I feel like this has been a great decision for me. I have significantly reduced my daily calories (per my doctor), I started walking 3 times a week, and I drinks tons of water. I know those items alone will aid in weight loss. For me, this pill has helped with the mental side of my eating. I do not think about food at all until it is time for a meal. I do not crave anything and I am not tempted to overeat. I am sure, just like everything else, this pill is not for everyone. For me, this has really helped. I am also aware that I cannot stay on a pill for the rest of my life. I do intend to continue with Contrave as long as I need to. I am working on ways to cope with stress eating, emotional eating, etc. I have learned a lot about myself and my eating habits this week. Also, for those who are thinking about taking it and looking into the side effects: I was really worried about this. I have three kids, a full time job, and I am an active volunteer. I do not have the time to feel sick and tired. I have a toddler and insomnia just will not fly in my life. So, I figured I would try this pill out and see how I do. So far, I have no uncomfortable side effects. I actually sleep better now. I am assuming this is from my change in diet. I wake up feeling well rested every night. I do sweat more. Evening walks in the Florida humidity is pretty rough, but worth it! I just wanted to share my thoughts. When I was debating whether or not to start Contrave I looked through every review I could find. I hope this helps!

mizunderstoodfl

Happy to have found this discussion. I gained 20+ lbs following the death of my son. I started walking 3-5 miles daily as a form of therapy but couldn't loose any weight. My Dr. had me use myfitnesspal to record everything I ate for 3 weeks, and because it syncs with FitBit she could see I was walking. I was following the Amer Heart Assoc. diet which may have kept my heart healthy but did nothing for weight loss. Dr. put me on Contrave, I'm on week 3 and I've lost 5.6 lbs. I've been eating low carb foods that may have helped with the weight loss. I am post menopausal 16 yrs due to cancer so I can't blame the sudden hot flashes on that-and after reading through the posts I see many of you have them as well. I had bouts with nausea but learned for me it's better to take pills about half an our after eating. No problems sleeping.

loser_wanna_be

I am glad I found this discussion about Contrave...I am just starting, only day 2 but must say the decrease in craving(concern, thinking) was immediate for me...but I am definitely addicted to food! I have never been able to have just a normal portion of something bad or eat it just once in a while...it has always been all or none! I was told by my doctor that it will not work without proper diet and exercise. I have always exercise pretty regularly with no great effect due to my poor diet! I am older(57) so no concern with most the female issues, I have many sleep issues already so I doubt this will make worse...maybe it will make better? I am sure I as the time goes on I will have more issues or questions so please keep posting about all the different effects! Good luck!

JoyfulTwilight

I am reading through here and see a lot of similar reasons to mine for trying this. Just right above (loser_wanna_be) said exactly what is an ongoing issue for me: all or nothing mind-set. If I can't be perfect, I just tend to give up. Even though I KNOW I do this, I still do this.

I was very excited (and a little nervous) to start. Yesterday I took first pill in morning. Mid afternoon I had stomach ache. That was main thing. Perhaps I was slightly dizzy later in day? Dunno.

Last night had really awful night. I had very bad episode of reflux (I have bile reflux ... slightly different than acid reflux). I am on the lowest possible dose of Prilosec (lower than OTC - doctors writes prescription) because my reflux is mostly mild and I have iron issues related to higher doses of Prilosec. 95% of the time, the dose I am on works fine. Every once in a while, I have a horrible reflux attack - and it just happened to be last night. I don't *think* it is related to Contrave. Anyway, I didn't sleep well because of the reflux thing and I woke up feeling like I have the flu or a hangover -- muscles ache, stomach upset, fatigued. I am unsure about taking second dose today.

Also, I have a big, important work day on Wednesday which also involves travel and will be with another person. Worried I will have upset stomach or some other reaction. I am thinking of waiting until Thursday and starting that date. I am so eager to start NOW, but I think the smarter thing to do is wait -- give myself time to recover from whatever causing today's woes and not interfere with work on Wed.

I would like to sign up for Scale Down program but don't see where on the website to enter RX number. I see it says to do this but I don't see how/where. I can login but don't see the place to enter the number. Also, I don't even know what the program is.

And yeah, of course losing weight is all about eating less, moving more...healthy choices, etc. This ain't my first rodeo. I've lost significant amounts of weight twice before - different ways each time. I've really tried making better choices, moving more, etc. I've looked to past success to try to re-create. My body and life are different now. However, my doctor discussed idea that brain chemistry is a real factor in this realm. People can tell you all they want that you just have to do x, y or z....but they aren't living in your body, they don't have your circumstances. I'm not going to tell a diabetic person to just make more insulin, so I am thankful that an option to address weight loss via neurotransmitters and chemicals is an option.

doublingdown

week two of contract. i'm typically hot, but the sweating is taking on new meaning. feel like i'm running a fever. that is the only side effect. cravings may have subsided slightly.

loser_wanna_be

It now has been 6 days since starting contrave and I have lost 6 lbs. I have been logging my food and exercise everyday. The food has not been perfect, I think the exercise has helped. I did have 2 beers last night without much dinner and ended up with really really bad heart burn! Of course I do get heart burn a lot (more and more things cause it the older I get) so it is difficult to say if that is what caused it or not?? My Dr. did say not to drink much with it but I had wine on Sunday without bad heart burn. But I now know I will not have alcohol without food again! I know I sound like I have drinking problem but I do not...I have just had tons of company and meals out! It will cool of after summer when I go back to school...I am a teacher.

I have tried to make healthier choices alone with watching my calorie intact. Obviously I had not been completely successful I would like to eventually eat 80% well and 20% OK...read a book, "on Target Living", lots of great information. I do not think I would I could ever conform to all the suggestions in the book but the main one is to eat less processed food and with that comes less carbs...huge enemy of mine! If you saw my last post I stated that I could not just do a little...I did it ALL!

Good Luck to all trying to lose with or without contrave!

athinnerme68

I wanted to like Contrave, or maybe better said - I wanted Contrave to like me. I started 5 weeks ago. I have lost 7lbs and was very impressed with the fact that constant hunger had disappeared!! Side effects that I have experienced are abdominal cramping, diarrhea, dry mouth, constipation, insomnia and this morning - the deal breaker: panic attack! I've never had one. Actually had to have my husband leave work to come home. I kept reading that the side effects would subside as time went by but mine seemed to compound. Guess it just wasn't meant to be. So happy for those experiencing success! Wish that I could have been a member of that club. Sadly, that's not the case.

vlovell24

If your pill has a score line in it, then you can cut it in half. If not, then no. Here is why. Unscored pills have their ingredients mixed together, and then they are pressed into pill form. The medication can be in any part of the pill, but not uniformly.A scored pill has all of its ingredients equally mixed in all parts of the pill.

Ann022681

Has anyone had major sweating going on with this pill? I'm on week 4. Lost 20lbs. But I'm starting to have hot flashes and feeling so hot.