Phentermine and Contrave Together: Understanding Drug Interactions

The use of weight loss drugs like Contrave and Phentermine together has gained attention from those seeking effective weight loss treatment. However, understanding the Contrave and Phentermine together drug interactions is critical for safety and effectiveness.

Clinical trials have studied the efficacy and safety of using Contrave and Phentermine together. They have shown varying results in terms of average weight loss and participant experiences. These trials highlight the importance of patient involvement in dietary and lifestyle changes during treatment.

While each drug works differently to promote weight loss, their combination may increase the risk of adverse effects, including high blood pressure, seizure risk, and mental health changes.

Key Takeaways

• Combining Contrave and Phentermine may lead to significant drug interactions that affect blood pressure, the central nervous system, and mental health.
• Healthcare providers strongly caution against taking these medications together due to an increased risk of severe side effects, including seizures and suicidal thoughts.
• Patients should always tell their doctor about any other medications to avoid potential drug interactions that could compromise safety.
• Patients may gain weight after stopping Contrave and Phentermine, so they should consult their healthcare provider for strategies to maintain their weight loss.

Understanding Contrave

What is Contrave?

Contrave is a combination drug designed to support weight loss treatment for compatible individuals struggling with obesity or a high body mass index (BMI). It contains two active ingredients: bupropion hydrochloride and naltrexone, both of which serve distinct roles in weight management.

Bupropion hydrochloride is commonly used as an antidepressant drug and is also prescribed for smoking cessation, while naltrexone is typically used to treat alcohol and opioid dependence. When combined, these two components help reduce food cravings and increase the likelihood of long-term weight loss success.

Contrave is intended for individuals who have been unable to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. To enhance its effectiveness, it is typically prescribed alongside a reduced-calorie diet and lifestyle interventions.

Healthcare professionals carefully assess a patient’s health history before prescribing this weight loss drug, as it carries risks related to blood pressure, mental health changes, and seizure disorders.

How Contrave Works

Contrave primarily influences the central nervous system to help regulate appetite and food cravings.

Bupropion hydrochloride, the initial active ingredient, elevates dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This action aids in treating depression, assists with smoking cessation, and diminishes hunger signals. The second active ingredient, naltrexone, acts as an opioid antagonist to curb cravings by preventing the brain’s reward system from reinforcing overeating behaviors.

By addressing both appetite suppression and food cravings, Contrave treatment aims to assist with long-term weight loss in individuals who struggle with emotional eating or binge eating tendencies.

However, because bupropion hydrochloride affects neurotransmitters in the brain, there is a risk of seizures, particularly in individuals with a history of seizure disorders, eating disorders, or those who have suddenly stopped drinking alcohol.

Contrave Interactions and Risks

Because Contrave contains bupropion hydrochloride, it has the potential to interact with a variety of other medications.

Patients should always tell their doctor about any other drugs they are taking to minimize potential drug interactions. Some of the key Contrave interactions and risks include:

• Antidepressant drugs: Combining Contrave with SSRI antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may increase the risk of seizures, suicidal thoughts, and other mental health changes. Since bupropion hydrochloride is an antidepressant drug, and doctors often prescribe Contrave for depression, it can interact negatively with other medications in the same drug class.
• Opioids (narcotic pain relievers): If taking both Contrave and tramadol, drug interactions can occur. The same is true of the drug interactions between Contrave and Codeine. Tramadol and codeine are opioid medications. This and other opioids should never be combined with Contrave unless under a healthcare provider’s guidance.
• Blood pressure concerns: Contrave treatment can increase blood pressure, making it risky for individuals with high blood pressure or heart disease. Patients with a history of hypertension should be closely monitored when taking this medication. See our guide for a more detailed explanation of this and other symptoms and whether the side effects of Contrave go away.
• Mental health effects: A boxed warning alerts doctors about the potential for suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly in young adults. Those with a history of mental health conditions should use Contrave treatment with caution.
• Seizure risk: Bupropion hydrochloride is known to increase the risk of seizures, especially in individuals with a seizure disorder or those who are taking other drugs that affect the central nervous system.
• Allergic reactions: Patients may experience allergic reactions, including rash, hives, dark urine, or difficulty breathing. If any of these symptoms occur, patients should seek immediate medical emergency assistance.
• Abrupt discontinuation: Stopping Contrave treatment suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including mood swings, dizziness, and an increased risk of seizures. Patients should always follow a licensed healthcare professional’s guidance when adjusting their dosage.

Contrave vs. Phentermine Comparison Table

Aspect	Contrave	Phentermine
Active Ingredients	Bupropion Hydrochloride, Naltrexone	Phentermine Hydrochloride
Primary Function	Appetite Suppression & Craving Reduction	Appetite Suppression
Duration of Use	Long-Term Use	Short-Term Use (12 weeks max)
Mechanism of Action	Alters neurotransmitters to reduce cravings	Stimulates Central Nervous System to reduce hunger
Common Side Effects	Nausea, Constipation, Dizziness, Insomnia	Increased Heart Rate, Insomnia, Dry Mouth
Major Risks	Seizure Risk, Increased Blood Pressure, Mental Health Effects	High Blood Pressure, Dependency, Mental Health Effects
Drug Interactions	SSRIs, MAOIs, Alcohol, Other Weight Loss Drugs	MAOIs, Alcohol, Other Stimulants, Certain Antidepressants
Warnings	Boxed Warning for Suicidal Thoughts	Risk of Hypertension, Potential for Abuse
Contraindications	Seizure Disorders, Eating Disorders, Alcohol Withdrawal	Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Hyperthyroidism

Clinical trials have compared the efficacy and safety of Contrave and Phentermine, showing varying results in average weight loss percentages and participant experiences. These studies highlight the importance of patient involvement in dietary and lifestyle changes during treatment.

Understanding Phentermine

What is Phentermine?

Phentermine is a weight loss drug classified as a stimulant. It is commonly prescribed for short-term weight loss treatment in certain individuals struggling with obesity or severe weight gain. Unlike Contrave, which combines two active ingredients, Phentermine is a single central nervous system stimulant that helps suppress appetite.

Because Phentermine is similar to amphetamine-based drugs, it is classified as a controlled substance in many regions due to its potential for abuse and dependence.

Healthcare providers typically prescribe it for no longer than 12 weeks, as long-term use may lead to adverse effects, including increased blood pressure, insomnia, and heart disease risks.

How Phentermine Works

Phentermine stimulates the central nervous system to increase norepinephrine levels. This helps suppress appetite by reducing hunger signals in the brain, making it easier for individuals to adhere to a reduced-calorie diet. Additionally, Phentermine can increase energy levels, which may help individuals engage in more physical activity to support their weight loss goals.

Although Phentermine is effective in promoting short-term weight loss for compatible individuals, it does not address food cravings like Contrave. Patients who struggle with emotional eating or binge eating disorder may not find Phentermine as effective as other weight loss drugs that specifically target food addiction behaviors.

Risks of Phentermine

While Phentermine is effective in reducing body weight, it is associated with various health risks that should be carefully considered before starting treatment.

Some of the key concerns include:

• Blood pressure spikes: Phentermine can increase blood pressure, which is particularly concerning for individuals with high blood pressure or heart disease. To avoid adverse effects, patients should have their blood pressure monitored regularly while taking it.
• Mental health concerns: Phentermine has been linked to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly in individuals with a history of depression or other mental health changes. Combining Phentermine with antidepressant drugs or other medications affecting serotonin levels can lead to dangerous interactions.
• Seizure risks: Because bupropion hydrochloride is present in Contrave, combining Phentermine with Contrave could increase the risk of seizures. Patients with seizure disorders or other neurological conditions should avoid taking these two weight-loss drugs together.
• Allergic reactions: Some individuals taking Phentermine may experience allergic reactions, such as rashes, difficulty breathing, or dark urine. Any signs of an allergic reaction should be treated as a medical emergency.
• Dependency and withdrawal risks: Since Phentermine is a stimulant, prolonged use may lead to dependency. Stopping the medication abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including fatigue, depression, and mood swings. Patients should follow a healthcare provider’s recommendations to gradually taper off Phentermine if needed.

By understanding the differences between Contrave and Phentermine, as well as their potential drug interactions, individuals can make informed decisions about their weight loss treatment.

Consulting a licensed healthcare professional before starting either medication is essential for ensuring safety and effectiveness.

Contrave and Phentermine Together: Drug Interactions

Taking Contrave and Phentermine together introduces potential drug interactions that may pose significant health risks. While both medications are prescribed for weight loss treatment, they function differently in the body.

Clinical trials have studied the interactions between Contrave and Phentermine, revealing findings such as average weight loss percentages and participant experiences. These findings underscore the importance of patient involvement in dietary and lifestyle changes during treatment.

Contrave treatment targets appetite suppression and food cravings through the combined action of bupropion hydrochloride and naltrexone, whereas Phentermine is a central nervous system stimulant that works primarily by reducing hunger signals.

Although each drug is effective on its own, taking them together can increase the risk of dangerous side effects, including high blood pressure, seizures, and mental health changes. For these reasons, healthcare professionals caution against using this drug combination unless closely monitored by a licensed healthcare professional.

Central Nervous System Effects

Both Contrave and Phentermine affect the central nervous system, which can result in severe neurological and psychiatric side effects. Bupropion hydrochloride, a component of Contrave, is classified as an antidepressant drug, meaning it alters neurotransmitter levels in the brain.

Phentermine, on the other hand, is a stimulant that increases dopamine and norepinephrine levels to suppress appetite. When taken together, these two drugs can create an overstimulated state in the brain, leading to serious complications, such as:

• Seizure Disorders: Bupropion hydrochloride is known to increase the risk of seizures, particularly in patients with seizure disorders or those taking other medications that lower the seizure threshold. Since Phentermine also affects the central nervous system, the risk of a seizure disorder is heightened when these drugs are combined.
• Mental Health Changes: Contrave treatment already comes with a boxed warning due to its link to suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly in young adults. The stimulant properties of Phentermine may exacerbate anxiety, depression, and mood instability, leading to dangerous mental health changes in susceptible individuals.
• Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors: Patients with a history of mental health conditions, including depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety, should not take Contrave and Phentermine together. The increased risk of suicidal thoughts is a serious concern, and anyone experiencing mental health changes should tell their doctor immediately.

Because of these risks, individuals with a history of mental health disorders, seizure disorders, or substance abuse should avoid this drug combination altogether.

Blood Pressure Concerns

Taking Contrave and Phentermine together can increase blood pressure significantly. Both drugs affect cardiovascular function, which can be especially dangerous for individuals with pre-existing high blood pressure or heart disease.

• Phentermine’s Effect on Blood Pressure: Phentermine is a stimulant, meaning it naturally increases blood pressure and heart rate. This makes it unsuitable for individuals with high blood pressure, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease.
• Contrave’s Effect on Blood Pressure: Contrave treatment has also been linked to increased blood pressure, although the mechanism is different from that of Phentermine. Bupropion hydrochloride, a key component of Contrave, can increase blood pressure by altering neurotransmitter activity.
• Compounded Cardiovascular Risks: When taken together, these two medications increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events, including stroke, heart attack, and arrhythmia. Healthcare professionals recommend that patients regularly monitor their blood pressure while taking either medication.

For individuals who already have high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease, this drug combination could pose life-threatening risks.

Patients should consult a licensed healthcare professional before starting Contrave treatment or Phentermine to assess whether their heart health can tolerate these medications.

Seizure Risks and Other Side Effects

The combination of Contrave and Phentermine presents an increased risk of seizures, particularly due to the bupropion hydrochloride component in Contrave.

Bupropion hydrochloride is known to lower the seizure threshold, meaning that individuals who are already prone to seizure disorders face a significantly higher risk when taking this medication.

Patients should be aware of the following high-risk factors that may contribute to seizures when using this drug combination:

• Seizure Disorders: Individuals with a personal or family history of seizure disorders should not take Contrave treatment or Phentermine. The bupropion hydrochloride in Contrave directly affects neurotransmitter activity in the brain, which may trigger seizures even in those without a history of neurological disorders.
• Anorexia Nervosa and Eating Disorders: Bupropion hydrochloride is contraindicated in individuals with anorexia nervosa or bulimia, as it can increase the risk of seizures due to electrolyte imbalances caused by disordered eating patterns. Since Phentermine is a stimulant weight loss drug, it may exacerbate disordered eating behaviors, leading to additional health complications.
• Suddenly Stopped Drinking Alcohol: Patients who have recently suddenly stopped drinking alcohol are at a higher risk for seizures when taking bupropion hydrochloride. Alcohol withdrawal itself can trigger seizures, and combining it with Contrave or Phentermine may increase the risk of severe neurological side effects.
• Other Medications That Lower Seizure Threshold: Certain antidepressant drugs, such as SSRI antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, may interact negatively with Contrave treatment. When taken alongside Phentermine, these medications can increase the risk of seizures, especially in individuals with mental health disorders.

Increased Risk of Serotonin Syndrome

Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when certain medications interact, leading to an excess of serotonin in the brain. This condition is particularly concerning when combining drugs that affect serotonin levels, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and Contrave, which contains bupropion.

Serotonin syndrome symptoms include agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, changes in blood pressure, and muscle rigidity. If you are taking Contrave and experience any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. To minimize the risk of serotonin syndrome and other adverse effects, always inform your healthcare provider about all other medications you are taking.

Interaction with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of antidepressant drugs commonly prescribed to treat depression and anxiety disorders. Examples include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil). When taken with Contrave, which contains bupropion, SSRIs can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a serious condition caused by an excess of serotonin in the brain.

If you are taking an SSRI and Contrave, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage or monitor you closely for signs of serotonin syndrome. Symptoms to watch for include agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, and changes in blood pressure. Always tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Other Risks of Combining Contrave and Phentermine

In addition to the central nervous system effects, blood pressure concerns, and seizure risks, there are several other factors to consider when evaluating the safety of taking Contrave and Phentermine together:

• Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to either medication, including skin rashes, swelling, difficulty breathing, and dark urine. Severe reactions should be treated as a medical emergency.
• Mental Health Changes: Combining these medications can lead to unexpected mood swings, agitation, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Patients with a history of mental health conditions should exercise extreme caution.
• Urine Drug Test Complications: Since Phentermine is a stimulant, it may result in a false positive on a urine drug test, which could affect employment or legal situations. Patients should tell their doctor if they are required to take a urine drug test while using Phentermine.
• Adverse Effects on Heart Health: The combined effects of increased blood pressure, heart rate changes, and cardiovascular strain may increase the risk of long-term heart disease.

Weight Gain After Stopping Weight Loss Drugs

Weight gain after stopping weight loss drugs is a common concern for many individuals. When you discontinue a weight loss drug, you may experience rebound weight gain, which can be both frustrating and demotivating. This rebound effect occurs because the body often returns to its previous state of metabolism and appetite regulation once the medication is stopped.

To manage weight gain after stopping a weight loss drug, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes adhering to a balanced, reduced-calorie diet and engaging in regular physical activity. Consulting with a healthcare provider or a nutritionist can also provide personalized strategies to help maintain weight loss and prevent rebound weight gain. Remember, sustainable weight loss is a gradual process that involves long-term lifestyle changes.

Final Thoughts on Drug Interactions

The combination of Contrave and Phentermine together presents serious health risks, particularly in individuals with seizure disorders, high blood pressure, or mental health changes.

Healthcare professionals strongly discourage this drug combination due to its increased risk of seizures, cardiovascular complications, and psychiatric side effects.

Patients should always tell their doctor about their health history, other medications, and any concerns before considering Contrave treatment or Phentermine.

Clinical trials have studied the interactions between Contrave and Phentermine, highlighting significant findings such as increased risk of adverse effects and the importance of patient involvement in dietary and lifestyle changes during treatment.

A licensed healthcare professional can help determine safer weight loss treatment options that minimize potential drug interactions and maximize patient safety.

With all that said, is Contrave the right fit for your weight loss journey? Well, you’ll definitely need to weigh the Contrave drug interactions, of which there are many, as well as the side effects and how Contrave works for weight loss.

Precautions and Warnings

Who Should Avoid This Combination?

• Seizure disorder patients: Those with a history of seizure disorders or abrupt discontinuation of medication should not take this combination.
• Individuals with high blood pressure: Those with high blood pressure or heart disease should avoid this drug combination as it may increase blood pressure further.
• People with mental health conditions: Since both drugs impact mental health, individuals with suicidal thoughts and behaviors or other mental health changes should consult a healthcare provider before using them.

Consulting a Healthcare Professional

Before taking Contrave and Phentermine together, always tell your doctor about:

• Other weight loss drugs and other medications that could lead to certain drug interactions.
• History of seizure disorders, high blood pressure, or low blood sugar to avoid complications.
• Previous treatments involving antidepressant drugs such as Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, or SSRI antidepressants.
• Any adverse effects, allergic reactions, or mental health changes experienced while on medication.

Alternative Weight Loss Options

• Diet and lifestyle changes: A reduced-calorie diet combined with lifestyle interventions can provide sustainable weight loss results.
• Safer medication alternatives: Those at risk of seizures, high blood pressure, or mental health complications should explore other weight loss drugs that do not interact with Contrave treatment.

FAQ: Common Questions About Contrave and Phentermine

When considering Contrave and Phentermine or other weight loss drugs, it’s natural to have questions about drug interactions, effectiveness, and safety.

This FAQ section addresses common concerns, including which medications should not be combined, how these drugs compare, and potential risks when using them together.

1. What do clinical trials say about the efficacy and safety of Contrave and Phentermine?

Clinical trials have shown that both Contrave and Phentermine can be effective for weight loss. Studies on Contrave have reported average weight loss percentages and highlighted the importance of patient involvement in dietary and lifestyle changes during treatment. Similarly, clinical trials for Phentermine have demonstrated its effectiveness, with participants experiencing significant weight loss. These trials also emphasize the need for medical supervision to ensure safety and maximize benefits.

If you are considering either medication, always consult a licensed healthcare professional before starting or combining treatments.

2. What medications should not be taken with Contrave?

Contrave interacts with several medications that can increase the risk of seizures, high blood pressure, or mental health changes. Antidepressant drugs, including SSRI antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), should be avoided due to the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Additionally, medications that affect dopamine or norepinephrine levels, such as Wellbutrin XL or Wellbutrin SR, may further increase the potential for adverse effects. Patients should always tell their doctor about all other medications before starting Contrave treatment.

3. What should you not mix with phentermine?

Phentermine should not be mixed with other stimulant medications, as it can lead to dangerous increases in blood pressure and heart rate. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and certain antidepressant drugs can cause severe drug interactions, leading to hypertension or serotonin syndrome.

Additionally, drinking alcohol while taking Phentermine may amplify side effects like dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and mood swings.

4. Can I take semaglutide and phentermine together?

Semaglutide and Phentermine can sometimes be prescribed together for weight loss treatment, but this combination should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider. While semaglutide helps regulate blood sugar levels and reduce appetite, Phentermine stimulates the central nervous system, which can lead to side effects like high blood pressure.

Patients should be closely monitored for any adverse effects when using these drugs in combination.

5. Which is more effective, Contrave or phentermine?

The effectiveness of Contrave vs. Phentermine depends on individual factors. Contrave is typically better for individuals who struggle with food cravings and emotional eating, while Phentermine works well for those who need a short-term appetite suppressant.

However, Contrave treatment is often recommended for long-term weight loss, while Phentermine is usually prescribed for short-term use.

6. Can you take phentermine and bupropion together?

Taking Phentermine and bupropion together is generally not recommended due to the increased risk of seizures and high blood pressure.

Bupropion hydrochloride, an ingredient in Contrave, can lower the seizure threshold, making this combination risky for patients with seizure disorders or cardiovascular conditions.

7. Does Contrave work better than phentermine?

Contrave and Phentermine work differently. Contrave treatment is designed for long-term weight loss by controlling cravings, while Phentermine is a short-term appetite suppressant.

Whether one works better than the other depends on the patient’s weight loss goals and health history.

8. What can I combine with phentermine to lose weight?

The best ways to enhance weight loss while taking Phentermine are a reduced-calorie diet, exercise, and lifestyle interventions.

Some other weight loss drugs may be combined with Phentermine under medical supervision.

9. Can you mix Contrave and phentermine?

No, healthcare professionals strongly advise against combining Contrave and Phentermine together due to potential drug interactions, which can increase the risk of seizures, high blood pressure, and mental health complications.

Conclusion

While both Contrave and Phentermine are effective weight loss drugs, their combination presents increased risk due to serious drug interactions. Healthcare professionals strongly advise against using them together.

Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before starting a weight loss treatment to assess the health factors, the drug information contained, and other factors that may impact safety.

Tell your doctor before considering this drug combination, especially if you have underlying conditions like seizure disorders, heart disease, or mental health concerns.