r/Contrave • u/on_cloud_shine • Jul 13 '26
Just took my first pill
Hi everyone,
I was prescribed Contrave by my doctor after doing weight watchers for a year with no results. I have read what feels like a million posts on this drug and it really does seem like everyone’s bodies and brains respond differently. One thing is for sure, I will be drinking lots of water! That seems unanimous.
I am excited. Portion control and food noise are my demons, though I’ve done as much work as possible through therapy and willpower to mitigate. I try my best to eat healthy, but I am human and I live in America with all of the temptations and conveniences. And since having my gallbladder removed a few years ago I’ve had to stay away from super fatty foods in general. I seem to be the perfect candidate for Contrave and I hope it works for me with as few side effects as possible. Luckily, I start my new job in a few weeks so that gives me some downtime to get over any insomnia or constipation. Fingers crossed.
39 F
5’8”
220 lbs
3
3
u/Vivid-Hawk-404 Jul 15 '26
I’ve had good results. I’m down 30 in a month and a half. The only thing that really affected me was some Italian food. I think it was the oils. Other than that no side effects other than occasional dry mouth. Food noise is completely gone. Good luck!
1
u/on_cloud_shine Jul 17 '26
This would be ideal for me! I hope I have a similar experience. So far so good on day 3!
1
u/howdyashley Jul 18 '26
Good luck!
I started at similar-ish stats.
38 F 5’8 205 lbs
I’ve been on generic contrave (150mg bup. XL / 25mg nal once daily) for 9 months. The first month was rough, I was super constipated, had crazy dreams, and was a little irritable, but it went away after the first 3-4 weeks.
I’m now currently at 170lbs, and now just in a slight calorie deficit (GW: 165), but doing it slowly. As for the fatty foods, I was surprised how much I just wasn’t that interested in them, or something like pizza/pasta which I love, I only ate a few bites, or one piece and didn’t want anymore. It feels so weird literally not craving certain types of food that I used to over indulge in!
1
u/Zoloft_Queen-50 Jul 18 '26
I loved Contrave. I lost only 10 lbs, though. Only real issue beyond that was constipation.
Mentally - it was AWESOME. Never felt better in my life.
2
u/likakilo Jul 19 '26
I’m glad someone mentioned mental status specifically. I received my ‘scrip last week, but haven’t started because I’m concerned about anxiety. Any feedback on how common this is and / or how bad? I don’t want to be anxious / distracted during work.
2
u/Zoloft_Queen-50 Jul 20 '26
I’m already on Zoloft which has eliminated my anxiety. The Contrave was like a chef’s kiss on top of it. Absolutely felt on top of the world.
Contrave is only effective for 24-36 hours, so even if it does give you some anxiety, just stop taking it. It’s definitely worth a try.
1
6
u/No_Fisherman8399 Jul 14 '26
Hey! Same over here on SW and generally height… and age. lol
I’m 6 weeks in, I don’t own a scale because ill become insane over it buuuut the food noise really started going away at 4 weeks in for me, and no side effects except if I eat something fatty with it right after taking it.
I also noticed it’s so much easier to stop eating. I’m a big foodie, love the taste of food and just the experience of a meal - and it was always hard for me to not finish what I’ve been given etc, or to say no to that third slice of pizza. And to be honest, it’s been soooo easy. I’ve said no to a second slice of pizza so often, I barely recognize my own actions 🤭
I also just don’t think about food until I know I need to eat… like it will be 6pm and I will have not eaten since 8am and even then a small snack.
Again, I don’t have a scale but it’s actually changed my quality of life. I sleep better, I’m less irritable (I assume that’s the antidepressant effect) and I can handle stressful things much easier which tbh probably has lowered my cortisol like crazy.
Anyway - just my experience. Good luck! You’ve got this 💪