Contrave and Metoprolol Drug Interactions: Heart Health Risks?

Understanding potential drug interactions is crucial for maintaining overall health and safety when taking multiple medications. Contrave and metoprolol are two commonly prescribed medications with distinct purposes. Contrave is used for weight loss, while metoprolol is a beta-blocker that manages cardiovascular conditions.

However, combining these medications may increase the risk of adverse Contrave and Metoprolol drug interactions, particularly concerning blood pressure, heart function, and mental health.

This article explores the possible interactions between Contrave and metoprolol and provides essential guidance on how to safely use both medications.

Key Takeaways

• Drug interactions between Contrave and metoprolol may increase the risk of cardiovascular complications, including blood pressure fluctuations.
• Tell your doctor about all other medications, including vitamins and herbs, before starting Contrave treatment.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking these medications, as it may increase the risk of serious side effects.

What is Contrave?

Contrave is a prescription medication designed for weight loss in certain individuals struggling with obesity.

How does Contrave work for weight loss?

Simple. It contains two active ingredients:

• Bupropion: An antidepressant that affects dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which can help reduce cravings and control appetite.
• Naltrexone: A medication that is typically used to manage opioid and alcohol dependence. In Contrave, it works by influencing brain pathways related to hunger and food cravings.

Contrave is typically prescribed alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It is not intended for short-term weight loss but rather for long-term weight management for compatible individuals with a high body mass index (BMI).

However, Contrave treatment carries potential risks, including increased blood pressure, the risk of seizures, and mental health changes, so it is essential to talk to your doctor before starting treatment.

What is Metoprolol?

Metoprolol is a beta-blocker commonly prescribed to treat cardiovascular conditions such as:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Angina (chest pain)
• Heart failure
• Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
• Prevention of heart attacks

This medication works by blocking the effects of adrenaline (epinephrine) on the heart, reducing heart rate and blood pressure. Thus, metoprolol decreases the strain on the heart and lowers the risk of cardiovascular complications.

Metoprolol comes in different forms, including immediate-release and extended-release tablets. The dosage and formulation depend on the condition being treated. Because beta-blockers like metoprolol can affect heart function, individuals taking Contrave and metoprolol together may need to adjust their dose to prevent possible interactions and side effects.

Contrave and Metoprolol Drug Interactions Overview

Category	Contrave	Metoprolol
Primary Use	Weight loss medication	Beta-blocker for cardiovascular conditions
Active Ingredients	Bupropion, Naltrexone	Metoprolol
Mechanism of Action	Influences brain chemistry to regulate appetite	Blocks adrenaline effects, reducing heart rate
Potential Risks	Increased blood pressure, risk of seizures, mental health changes	Dizziness, fatigue, slow heart rate, blood pressure reduction
Common Side Effects	Nausea, constipation, dry mouth, increased heart rate	Fatigue, dizziness, depression, shortness of breath
Interaction Risk with Each Other	May counteract blood pressure effects, increase heart rate	May lead to blood pressure instability and seizure risk
Patients to Avoid Use	Those with uncontrolled hypertension, seizure disorder, or bipolar disorder	Patients with severe bradycardia, asthma, or circulation disorders
Dosage Forms	Extended-release tablets	Immediate-release and extended-release tablets
Alcohol Interaction	Avoid drinking alcohol due to increased seizure risk	May enhance dizziness and low blood pressure effects

Understanding Contrave and Metoprolol Drug Interactions

Contrave, a prescription medication for weight loss, contains bupropion and naltrexone. Metoprolol, a beta-blocker, is commonly prescribed to manage high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. Combining these medications can lead to certain drug interactions that may increase the risk of adverse effects.

Patients should talk to their doctor before combining these drugs to prevent interactions and potential complications.

How Contrave and Metoprolol Affect the Body

Metoprolol slows the heart rate and reduces blood pressure. Contrave bupropion naltrexone, on the other hand, influences brain chemistry to regulate appetite and assist with weight loss.

However, metoprolol and Contrave bupropion may interact, requiring a dose adjustment or even a different treatment approach.

Some possible interactions between these medications include:

• Increased blood pressure: Contrave bupropion may increase the risk of high blood pressure, counteracting metoprolol’s effects.
• Risk of seizures: Contrave bupropion carries a serious warning for individuals with a seizure disorder, and interactions with metoprolol may further increase this risk.
• Mental health changes: Individuals with a history of bipolar disorder or depression should tell their doctor before starting Contrave treatment, as both medications can affect mental health.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

The combination of Contrave and metoprolol may increase the risk of several serious health concerns.

Because these medications impact different physiological systems—one influencing appetite regulation and brain chemistry, the other affecting cardiovascular function—their interaction may result in unpredictable side effects.

Cardiovascular Complications

• High Blood Pressure: Contrave contains bupropion, which has been linked to increased blood pressure in some individuals. This can counteract the blood pressure-lowering effects of metoprolol, potentially leading to uncontrolled hypertension.
• Low Blood Sugar: Metoprolol, like other beta-blockers, can mask symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), making it harder for individuals with diabetes or prediabetes to detect and manage blood sugar fluctuations.
• Irregular Heart Rate: The combination of these medications may alter heart rate, either increasing or decreasing it unpredictably. This is particularly concerning for individuals with a history of heart disease.

Allergic Reactions

Some individuals may experience hypersensitivity reactions to either medication.

Symptoms may include:

• Rash or hives
• Swelling of the face, lips, or throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Serious Skin Reactions: In rare cases, severe skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, may develop and require immediate medical attention.

Suicidal Thoughts and Mental Health Risks

• Contrave carries a boxed warning, alerting doctors and patients about the potential risk of suicidal thoughts or worsening depression, particularly in younger adults.
• Patients should be monitored for mood changes, increased anxiety, hallucinations, delusions, or paranoia. Our guide on Contrave depression explains how this weight loss drug impacts mood.
• Those with a history of bipolar disorder or depression should discuss mental health concerns with their doctor before starting Contrave.

Eye Pain and Vision Changes

• Some patients taking metoprolol may experience changes in vision, including blurred vision or sensitivity to light.
• Acute eye pain could indicate increased intraocular pressure, a risk factor for glaucoma.
• If vision disturbances or persistent eye discomfort occur, immediate evaluation by an eye care specialist is recommended.

Safe Usage Guidelines

To reduce the risk of serious metoprolol and Contrave side effects, patients taking both Contrave and metoprolol should follow these essential safety precautions:

Disclose All Medications to Your Doctor

Inform your doctor about all other medications you are using, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Some substances may interfere with Contrave or metoprolol, leading to dangerous interactions.

Avoid Drinking Alcohol

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking these medications, as it may increase the risk of:

• Severe drowsiness or dizziness
• Liver damage (in combination with Contrave)
• Worsened cardiovascular effects
• Heightened risk of seizures, particularly for individuals who have suddenly stopped drinking alcohol

Discuss Preexisting Conditions Before Starting Contrave Treatment

• Individuals with a history of eating disorders, seizure disorder, or mental health conditions should consult their doctor before taking Contrave.
• Because bupropion in Contrave can increase the risk of seizures, patients with a history of epilepsy, head trauma, or excessive alcohol use should take extra precautions.

Monitor for Signs of Allergic Reactions and Skin Reactions

• Watch for any rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing and seek medical attention immediately if these symptoms occur.
• Severe skin reactions may develop in rare cases, requiring emergency care.

Ask About Dosage Adjustments

You may need a dose adjustment if:

• You have uncontrolled high blood pressure or low blood sugar.
• You experience significant side effects after starting treatment.
• Your doctor determines that a lower dose of one or both medications could help safely use both medications.

By taking these precautions and maintaining open communication with a healthcare provider, patients can reduce the risk of serious interactions and safely manage their treatment.

Drug Interactions and Special Considerations

Certain beta-blockers, including metoprolol, may interact with Contrave, requiring caution in certain adults with preexisting health factors. Additionally, some over-the-counter medications, as well as other drugs, may cause serious warning signs such as hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and mood changes. Patients should also be cautious about consuming high-fat foods, as these may alter drug effects.

If you are considering taking other substances, such as CBD, while using Contrave, it’s important to understand potential risks. Learn more about possible interactions in our guide: Can I Take CBD with Contrave?

Patients who have suddenly stopped drinking alcohol or who regularly drink alcoholic beverages may experience varying degrees of withdrawal symptoms, which can further complicate Contrave treatment. In some cases, other treatments may be more appropriate.

Steps to Prevent Dangerous Interactions

To prevent interactions, patients should:

• Talk to their doctor before making any changes to their medications.
• Avoid taking certain medications without first talking to a healthcare provider.
• Consider alternative options if other factors make the combination of Contrave and metoprolol unsafe.
• Be aware that even lab tests may be affected by these medications, leading to false positive results.

When to Seek Medical Help

If a patient experiences a medical emergency, such as severe low blood sugar, suicidal thoughts, or life-threatening symptoms, they should call their local emergency number immediately.

Accidental overdose is another risk factor that should not be ignored.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When considering the use of Contrave and metoprolol together, patients often have concerns about potential drug interactions, side effects, and safety measures.

Below are answers to some of the most common questions regarding the combination of these medications.

1. Can you take Contrave and metoprolol?

Taking Contrave and metoprolol together may be possible but should be done under close medical supervision. Contrave contains bupropion, which can increase blood pressure, while metoprolol is used to lower blood pressure and control heart rate. This interaction could counteract metoprolol’s effects, potentially leading to uncontrolled blood pressure or other cardiovascular complications.

Additionally, bupropion can increase the risk of seizures, which may be exacerbated by certain cardiovascular medications. Patients should talk to their doctor to determine if a dose adjustment or alternative treatment is necessary.

2. Can you take Contrave while on blood pressure medication?

Yes, but with caution. Contrave can interact with many blood pressure medications, including metoprolol and other beta-blockers. Bupropion in Contrave may increase the risk of high blood pressure, which could be dangerous for patients already managing hypertension.

Your doctor may need to monitor your blood pressure closely, adjust the dose of one or both medications, or recommend an alternative treatment. Contrave may not be the best option for you if you have a history of uncontrolled hypertension. Always tell your doctor about any blood pressure medications you take before starting Contrave.

3. What medications should not be taken with Contrave?

Several medications can interact negatively with Contrave, increasing the risk of severe side effects.

Medications to avoid or use with caution include:

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): Taking these with Contrave can lead to dangerously high blood pressure.
• Opioid pain medications: Since Contrave contains naltrexone, it can block the effects of opioids, leading to withdrawal symptoms.
• Seizure medications: Drugs like carbamazepine and phenytoin may lower Contrave’s effectiveness while increasing seizure risk.
• Certain antidepressants and antipsychotics: Bupropion in Contrave may interact with SSRIs, SNRIs, and other medications that affect serotonin or dopamine levels.
• Other medications that lower the seizure threshold: These include tramadol, theophylline, and some corticosteroids.
  Before taking Contrave, tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs, to prevent interactions.

See our complete guide on Contrave Drug Interactions for more information.

4. Can I take bupropion and metoprolol together?

Bupropion and metoprolol can be taken together but require careful monitoring. Bupropion can increase blood pressure and heart rate, which may reduce metoprolol’s effectiveness in controlling hypertension. Additionally, bupropion can inhibit the metabolism of metoprolol, leading to higher levels of metoprolol in the body, potentially increasing the risk of side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, and slow heart rate.

If both medications are necessary, your doctor may adjust your dosage or recommend regular monitoring of your cardiovascular health. Never stop or change the dosage of either medication without consulting your healthcare provider.

5. Can you take Contrave with high blood pressure medicine?

Contrave may be taken with high blood pressure medicine, but it depends on the severity of the hypertension and the specific medication prescribed.

Since Contrave can increase blood pressure and heart rate, individuals with a history of uncontrolled high blood pressure should be particularly cautious. Doctors often monitor blood pressure closely in patients who take Contrave alongside antihypertensive drugs like metoprolol, ACE inhibitors, or calcium channel blockers.

In some cases, adjustments in dosage or alternative treatments may be necessary. If you have high blood pressure, consult your doctor before starting Contrave to determine if it is safe for you.

These FAQs provide essential guidance, but always talk to your doctor before making any medication changes to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Conclusion

Combining Contrave and metoprolol requires careful consideration of potential drug interactions. Patients should discuss their health history, including any use of other medications, with their doctor to safely use both medications.

By following medical guidance and avoiding interactions, patients can reduce health risks and support effective treatment. Always consult the medication guide and patient package insert for further details on Contrave interactions and potential risks.