...
🎄Holiday Notice: Shipping for temperature-sensitive medications (Ozempic, Mounjaro, etc.) is paused. Service resumes Monday, Dec 29.

Generic Semaglutide: Lower-Cost Semaglutide is Here!

BUY NOW

Us Flag

We Ship To The U.S. Only

Generic Semaglutide: Lower-Cost Semaglutide is Here!

Us Flag

We Ship To The U.S. Only

SAVE 10% OFF First Order With Coupon Code:WELCOME10

Contrave User Reviews

Buy Medications From Canada
Ozempic Logo Custom

10% Off On Your First Order

Click on the Copy Code button to copy your code.

No Expiry

Copy Code
DFM10
10%
OFF
10%
OFF

Exclusive On Duty Free Meds Only

Contrave is a prescription oral medication that has been approved for use in weight loss. It is an extended-release medication that is made up of a combination of two main ingredients—bupropion and naltrexone. This article will cover reviews and user experiences with the medication. It will also cover some of the common themes of this feedback.

Buy Medications From Canada
Ozempic Logo Custom

10% Off On Your First Order

Click on the Copy Code button to copy your code.

No Expiry

Copy Code
DFM10
10%
OFF
10%
OFF

Exclusive On Duty Free Meds Only

Key Takeaways

What Contrave Is and How It Works

Contrave is made up of two main ingredients. The first ingredient in this dual-ingredient formula is bupropion. This ingredient is commonly used as an antidepressant. It also has several other off-label uses. The other ingredient that makes up Contrave is naltrexone. This part of the medication is an opioid antagonist and is used to help reduce cravings for the patient.

This medication is only approved for patients who meet certain BMI requirements. Patients taking this medication must either have a BMI of at least 30 or have a BMI of at least 27 with an accompanying weight-related health concern. These concerns often include issues such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. This medication is not meant to do all of the weight-loss work alone. Patients taking this medication need to follow a reduced-calorie diet plan and increase their physical activity in order to get the full results.

Overview of Contrave Reviews

PlatformAverage RatingPositive ThemesNegative ThemesNeutral Themes
WebMD7/10
  • Significant weight loss
  • Reduced appetite and cravings
  • Increased energy levels
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Dry mouth
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Severe stomach pain
  • Varied effectiveness
  • Diet and exercise required
  • Side effects resolve over time
Drugs.com6.6/10
  • Effective for weight loss
  • Fewer cravings
  • Increased energy
  • Improved mood
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Anxiety
  • Ineffective for some users
  • Mixed results
  • Varying results for different people
  • Lifestyle changes required
RedditN/A
  • Significant weight loss
  • Reduced appetite and cravings
  • Increased control with food
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhea and stomach cramps
  • Hair loss
  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Negative cognitive effects
  • Side effects go away over time
  • Varied effectiveness across individuals
  • Weight plateaus after initial loss
  • Continuous exercise and diet plans
Ask a Patient6.6/10
  • Effective for weight loss
  • Fewer cravings
  • Improved mood and mental clarity
  • Increased energy
  • Better sleep
  • Increased awareness of fullness
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • GI issues
  • Fatigue
  • Hot flashes
  • Insomnia
  • Constipation
  • Chest pains
  • Negative cognitive effects
  • Mood changes
  • Works differently for every patient
  • Requires diet and lifestyle changes
  • Short-term improvements in some cases

Positive Reviews: Success Stories

Most users say that Contrave is effective for weight loss. Many users have lost at least 10-40 lbs from taking the medication. Many long-term patients have lost closer to 75 lbs within the first year. Significant weight loss has often started within the first few weeks of using the medication. One user has reported losing 100 lbs after using the medication for 8-10 months. Other users have also reported getting similar results.

This medication has also helped many users reduce their daily caloric intake. Several different users said it reduced both their food cravings and their cravings for other substances like alcohol. Some patients said they noticed a significant reduction in these cravings after just a couple of weeks of using the medication even after trying and failing several other weight loss programs/treatments.

Increased energy levels and improved self-esteem were also commonly reported by those taking the medication. One patient on Drugs.com said they had already begun feeling an energy boost within the first week of taking the medication and began feeling more confident. The medication also helped her with her addiction to sweets and made it easier for her to increase her water intake.

Some patients may have to wait a little longer to see the effects of the medication. Most patients may have to wait about 4-8 weeks before noticing any significant changes.

Negative Reviews: Side Effects and Challenges

Most negative reviews were about the side effects experienced by users taking the medication. This has caused some patients to stop their treatment. These side effects commonly include nausea and headache. One patient complained that they began experiencing some of the“worst abdominal pain” in their life only 30 minutes after taking a Contrave pill. This was followed by many other symptoms.

Many negative reviews also discussed side effects like insomnia and anxiety. There were also other common complaints of negative cognitive experiences. One patient said they had to stop the medication after just a couple of weeks due to panic and high blood pressure from taking it.

Contrave has affected many patients differently. Another common negative experience reported by patients was that they were not losing weight on the medication. This lack of weight loss has sometimes occurred even after months of patients taking the medication.

Another concern for some patients was changes in their mood or interactions with some of their previously prescribed medications. One patient who said they rely on Wellbutrin for their mental health said they had a difficult time for the first six weeks. They said this medication helped them with their weight loss. However, they plan to eventually taper off of it and switch back to solely using Wellbutrin.

Mixed or Neutral Reviews

Some users have reported that this medication was effective in helping them with cravings and weight loss. However, they had to stop taking the medication because of the side effects they were experiencing. Those who stopped taking the medication sometimes reported gaining back the weight they had lost while taking Contrave.

Many other patients taking the medication have experienced the common side effects early on in their treatment. Most of these side effects resolved after a few months in many cases.

Contrave is best suited for those who have issues controlling their cravings and hunger. These patients should meet the BMI requirements of 30 or 27 with a weight-related health condition. They should also be able to keep up with their new diet plan and increase their physical activity while they are taking the medication. Patients taking this medication should also make sure that any other medications they are taking do not interact with Contrave. The same goes for any pre-existing health conditions. Those not meeting all of these requirements are more likely to have a negative experience.

What Doctors and Pharmacists Say

Most medical professionals agree that Contrave can be an effective weight loss solution for many patients as long as they maintain their diet and lifestyle changes along with taking their regular dose of the medication. This medication is often prescribed to patients who have already tried other weight loss medications and have not found any success with them.

Contrave should not be used with certain antidepressants. This may cause an increased risk of symptoms and seizures. Common antidepressants known to interact with other medications include Prozac and amitriptyline. It also includes paroxetine antidepressants like Brisdelle and Paxil. There may also be some interactions with antipsychotic medications and alcohol. These interactions increase the risk of seizures and other issues like liver damage. The medication should never be used in combination with any of these substances.

Is Contrave Right for You?

Contrave may be the right choice for patients if they have:

  • A history of hard-to-manage food cravings or are an emotional eater
  • A history of struggling with appetite control
  • No medical or medication contraindications with Contrave

Patients should always discuss their personal health conditions with a medical professional before taking a new medication like Contrave. They will be able to determine if the medication is safe for the patient to take or if there may be a more beneficial alternative.

Some common alternatives for this medication include Qsymia and Xenical. It also may include short-term treatments like Tenuate and Adipex-P. There may also be some more popular alternatives for those who are able to take injections—like Wegovy and Zepbound. Another popular name-brand alternative is Saxenda. This medication also comes in the form of an injection.

Conclusion

There have been reviews of Contrave since the medication was initially released. The overall user experience has been generally successful. However, many users also complain about the medication’s side effects. Patients should only ever take Contrave with medical supervision to make sure the medication continues to be safe and the right choice for them. Healthcare professionals may also be able to help patients manage their symptoms as they emerge. Patients can find more information about the medication or fill their prescription through telehealth services online or trusted pharmacies.

Patients can purchase their prescription weight-loss medications for cheaper Canadian prices on the Duty Free Meds website.

FAQs

How long does it take to lose 20 pounds on Contrave?

Weight loss on the medication happens at different rates for every patient. Some patients experience significant weight loss within the first 4 weeks of taking the medication. Others may not see these results until closer to 12 weeks. The full effects of the medication may take closer to 6-8 months after starting the medication.

Contrave works differently for every patient. However, most patients taking the medication do report experiencing significant weight loss.

Either one of these medications may be the better choice for the patient—depending on their specific health condition—since these medications have different uses. Contrave helps patients lose weight by reducing their appetite. Ozempic is used for type 2 diabetes treatment and may help patients lose weight as an additional benefit.

Contrave has been known to cause many different side effects for some patients. These side effects often include issues like headaches and nausea. There may be some additional side effects depending on the patient. Most of these symptoms should resolve over time.

GLP-1 receptor agonist medications are generally known for being the most effective types of weight loss medications. This answer may be different depending on the patient.

Sources
Currax Pharmaceuticals. (n.d.). About Contrave® (naltrexone HCl/bupropion HCl). Retrieved July 14, 2025, from https://contrave.com/about/
Ask a Patient. (n.d.). Contrave reviews & ratings. Retrieved July 14, 2025, from
Watson, A.R. (2024, July 9). Contrave interactions: Alcohol, medications, and other factors. Medical News Today. Retrieved July 14, 2025, from

Disclaimer: The information presented here is intended solely for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as medical advice, a diagnosis, or specific treatment recommendations. It does not imply endorsement of any particular medication or therapy. Health conditions and treatment responses can differ significantly between individuals; thus, this information is not a guarantee of safety, suitability, or effectiveness for anyone in particular. Always seek the guidance of a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice and consult them before making any health or treatment decisions.

Related Articles
August 20, 2025
12 min read
Ozempic is a semaglutide used for managing type 2 diabetes. It is also well known…
February 17, 2026
9 min read
Learn what “Ozempic vulva” means, why rapid weight loss may change vulvar appearance, symptoms to…
March 10, 2025
15 min read
Retatrutide is a triple agonist. It targets glucagon receptors, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and gastric inhibitory…
Customer Reviews