Palpitations and tightness, a side effect of the contrave?

40-year-old woman4 years ago
Other medication: Synthroid Zopiclone Mirena
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a day

40-year-old woman · 4 years ago
Hello, I want to add some details to my question.
I started contrave on August 5, 2020.
Step 1 went well, no side effects aside from dry mouth.
Step 2 also went well.
Day 1 of Stage 3 (Sunday, August 16), in the afternoon, the situation is spoiling:
-Right side of face going numb
-Sensation of "light" head briefly
-Palpitations (130 bpm at rest)
-Feeling of tightness in chest/throat
I consulted emergency room, given symptoms, to rule out a heart problem. The doctor gives me 2 electrodes to be sure I ask if I usually have panic attacks (no) ... nothing to report, I am sent home.
Symptoms subside in the evening.
In the evening, I take my tablet, nothing to report.
The next morning, I take my 2 tablets, it still makes me feel tight in the chest/throat in the late afternoon... I decide not to take my evening pill. The next day (The 18th) I also skip the morning and evening dose...
The 19th, I start again at step 1, until today.... I still have oppression on/off.
Is this a side effect of the contrave?
Will it (may) get better with time?
40-year-old woman · 4 years ago
I forgot, higher heart rate generally, too.
And sometimes tingling lips
Alexandre Chagnon · 4 years ago
Hello Ma'am,
As odd as it may sound, I can confirm that indeed all of these effects (tingling in the lips, increased heart rate, feeling out of breath, dizziness) are probably related to taking Contrave™.
Usually, this medication becomes well tolerated after 2 weeks of taking the "target" dose. Also, be aware that taking a lower dose than the target dose does not reduce weight.
40-year-old woman · 4 years ago
It's not so much a shortness of breath feeling.... But the feeling of tightness, like someone is sitting on my chest.
Can all the symptoms be related to an allergic reaction/intolerance?
40-year-old woman · 4 years ago
Is there anything we can take to mitigate the side effects?
Alexandre Chagnon · 4 years ago
Yes, I understand. Indeed, I misspoke. We're really talking about an oppressive feeling here.
No, each of these effects will eventually pass after a few days and there's nothing you can take to alleviate them unfortunately.
40-year-old woman · 4 years ago
Thank you.
Since I had started back at 1 co. per day, I will "slowly" work my way up to step 3 and then 4.
Hopefully the effects will diminish over time.
40-year-old woman · 4 years ago
Last question, is there a heart rate limit to not exceed, outside of physical activities?
Alexandre Chagnon · 4 years ago
Great!
Usually, we try not to exceed a pace of 80 to 100 beats per minute.
40-year-old woman · 4 years ago
Thank you!
Can numbness/tingling in hands/forearms also be a side effect?
Alexandre Chagnon · 4 years ago
Yes, possibly (in less than 1% of cases though).
If these effects persist, we should talk to the doctor about it in my opinion.
40-year-old woman · 4 years ago
Thank you!
I see my doctor in November, if needed, I will call to move my appointment closer.
Alexandre Chagnon · 4 years ago
Super :)
Happy day,
Alexander

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