Contrave® Weight Loss Drug: A Comprehensive Overview

Contrave® is a prescription medication designed to help with weight loss by targeting two main issues—hunger and cravings. It’s FDA-approved and combines two active ingredients, naltrexone and bupropion, both of which work together to support weight management.

It’s an option for individuals who struggle with obesity or are overweight and are looking for extra support in reaching their goals.

At SANE MD, we want to be able to provide our readers with the best possible weight loss drugs resources and information.

Keep reading this Contrave education page to explore the benefits, risks, and everything you need to know about Contrave®.

Key Takeaways:

Contrave® is a combination of two medications—bupropion and naltrexone—meant to reduce appetite and cravings.
It’s prescribed to adults with a BMI of 30 or higher or 27+ with weight-related health conditions.
For best results, ensure you know your Weight Loss Drug Type (quiz here), and note that Contrave® is recommended alongside a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity.

What is Contrave® (naltrexone/bupropion)?

Contrave® is a prescription medication designed to help people manage their weight by reducing their hunger and curbing food cravings.

The magic lies in its two active components: bupropion, which is often used as an antidepressant but also impacts chemicals in the brain linked to hunger, and naltrexone, which is primarily used to treat addiction but also plays a key role in blocking cravings. Taking Contrave with a high-fat meal can increase the risk of seizures and should be avoided.

It is important to screen for bipolar disorder before starting Contrave, as patients with this condition may experience a heightened risk of manic episodes.

By combining these two components, Contrave® aims to address some of the biggest challenges that people face when trying to lose weight: eating too much and craving the wrong kinds of food.

How Does Contrave® Work?

Contrave® works in two primary ways, which gives it an edge in helping with weight loss.

First, the bupropion component affects specific areas of the brain that regulate hunger.

This means you may feel less of an urge to eat large quantities of food.

The second element, naltrexone, is all about blocking cravings—especially for those high-calorie, irresistible foods we often struggle to avoid.

By tackling both hunger and cravings, Contrave® can be a powerful tool when paired with healthy lifestyle changes like a proper diet and exercise routine.

Additionally, Contrave® has been shown to help certain users achieve significant reductions in body weight, making it an effective option for those looking to lose a substantial percentage of their body weight.

Indications and Dosage

Contrave® is specifically indicated for a certain subset of chronic weight management in overweight and obese adults.

This includes individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher or those with a BMI of 27 kg/m² or above who also have at least one weight-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes or elevated blood pressure.

The medication is designed to be an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, making it a comprehensive approach to weight loss.

The recommended dosage of Contrave® starts with one tablet taken by mouth in the morning for the first week. At the beginning of the second week, an additional tablet is added in the evening.

This gradual increase continues until the optimal dosing of two tablets twice daily is reached by the fourth week.

This step-by-step approach helps your body adjust to the medication, minimizing potential side effects and maximizing its effectiveness in supporting your weight loss journey. It is crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products, to avoid potential interactions.

Who is Contrave® For?

Contrave® is typically prescribed to obese patients with a compatible Weight Loss Drug Type and a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, which falls into the obesity range, or to those with a BMI of 27+ who also have weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.

It’s important to remember that Contrave® isn’t designed for cosmetic weight loss or people who only want to shed a few pounds.

Instead, it’s intended for long-term management of obesity and works best when it’s combined with lifestyle adjustments like healthier eating and regular physical activity.

Contrave® has been evaluated in clinical trials involving overweight and obese patients, such as the COR-Diabetes study, to assess its efficacy and safety for weight management and related health conditions like type 2 diabetes.

Benefits of Using Contrave® for Chronic Weight Management

People who use Contrave® often report several benefits, which can make the weight loss journey a little easier.

Reduced Appetite: Many patients notice that they don’t feel as hungry, which makes it easier to stick to a reduced-calorie diet without constantly battling hunger pangs.
Less Cravings: For those who have a hard time resisting cravings, especially for unhealthy foods like sweets or fast food, Contrave® can make those urges less intense.
Sustained Weight Loss: Studies have shown that people who use Contrave® in combination with diet and exercise tend to lose more weight and maintain that loss over time compared to those who rely solely on lifestyle changes

Side Effects, High Blood Pressure, and Considerations

As with any medication, Contrave® comes with the potential for side effects. Some of the more common ones include nausea, constipation, headaches, vomiting, dizziness, and dry mouth.

These symptoms are usually mild and tend to go away as your body adjusts to the medication.

However, some people may experience more serious side effects, such as increased blood pressure, liver issues, or mood changes, which is why regular check-ins with your healthcare provider are essential.

Additionally, there is a potential for an allergic reaction, and it is important to seek medical attention if symptoms arise. Chest pain can be a symptom of a serious allergic reaction, and emergency medical help should be sought if it occurs.

Before starting Contrave®, it’s crucial to have an open conversation with your doctor to make sure it’s the right choice based on your medical history, especially if you have conditions like high blood pressure or mental health concerns.

Understanding potential allergic reactions, consulting healthcare professionals, and knowing Your Weight Loss Drug Type are essential. Serious allergic reactions can include symptoms like rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing, and immediate medical attention is necessary if these occur.

Moreover, there is a risk of worsening depression, and immediate consultation with a doctor is necessary if such symptoms occur.

Patients should also be aware of the potential for serious skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms like blistering or peeling skin occur. Additionally, patients should be vigilant for symptoms of skin rash and seek immediate medical attention if they occur. Patients with severe hepatic impairment should not use Contrave due to increased health risks.

Common and Serious Side Effects

Like any medication, Contrave® can cause side effects, ranging from mild to severe. Understanding these potential side effects can help you make an informed decision and know when to seek medical advice.

Drug Interactions

It’s essential to be aware of possible interactions with other medications when using Contrave®.

One significant interaction involves opioids.

The naltrexone component of Contrave® can block the effects of opioid-containing medications, which means you might not achieve the full benefit from these drugs if you need them for pain management or other conditions.

Another important consideration is the use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

Combining bupropion, one of the active ingredients in Contrave®, with an MAOI can lead to hypertensive reactions, which can be dangerous. Therefore, it’s essential to avoid using these medications together.

Bupropion also acts as a strong inhibitor of the cytochrome P450 (CYP 450) 2D6 isozyme and is primarily metabolized by the CYP2B6 isozyme to its active metabolite, hydroxybupropion.

This means it can affect the metabolism of other drugs processed by these enzymes, potentially leading to increased side effects or reduced effectiveness of those medications.

Be sure to notify your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking to avoid any adverse interactions.

FDA Warnings and Precautions

Contrave® comes with an important FDA-boxed warning regarding the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

This risk is particularly higher in children, teenagers, and young adults up to the age of 24, especially during the initial months of treatment or when the dosage is adjusted.

It’s crucial for patients and their loved ones to monitor for any unusual changes in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings.

If any concerning symptoms arise, it’s important to contact a healthcare professional immediately.

Additionally, bupropion, a component of Contrave, is also used to treat depression, and it is important to monitor for mood changes and suicidal thoughts during treatment.

Contrave® may increase the risk of seizures, particularly in individuals with a history of seizure disorders.

To minimize this risk, patients should avoid taking Contrave® with high-fat meals, as this can increase the likelihood of seizures.

It’s essential to follow dietary recommendations and consult with your healthcare provider to ensure the safe and effective use of the medication.

By understanding these warnings and precautions, patients can take proactive steps to manage their health while using Contrave as part of their weight loss strategy.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Considerations

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it’s crucial to discuss your weight loss plans with your healthcare provider. Contrave® is not recommended during pregnancy, as losing weight while pregnant can be harmful to your unborn baby. If you find out you are pregnant while taking Contrave®, you should stop the medication immediately and inform your healthcare provider to discuss the best course of action.

Breastfeeding mothers should also exercise caution. Contrave® passes into breast milk, and its effects on a nursing baby are not fully understood. Therefore, it is generally advised to avoid breastfeeding while taking Contrave®. Always consult your healthcare provider to weigh the benefits and risks before making any decisions.

Cost and Savings

The cost of Contrave® can vary widely based on factors such as your location, insurance coverage, and the pharmacy you use. However, there are several ways to make this medication more affordable. The Contrave® Savings Program is one such option, designed to help reduce the out-of-pocket cost for eligible patients. Additionally, your healthcare provider or pharmacist can provide information on other cost-saving programs and options that may be available to you. Don’t hesitate to ask them for advice on how to manage the cost of your medication effectively.

Clinical Trials and Research

Contrave® has undergone extensive research to validate its effectiveness and safety. Notably, it has been evaluated in four 56-week multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled obesity trials known as COR-I, COR-II, COR-BMOD, and COR-Diabetes. These studies assessed the impact of Contrave® in conjunction with lifestyle modifications, such as a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. The results demonstrated that Contrave® could significantly help people lose weight and improve weight-related health conditions, making it a valuable option for those struggling with obesity.

Contrave® vs. Other Weight Loss Drugs

There are several prescription weight-loss medications on the market, but Contrave® stands out due to its dual-action approach.

Drugs like Ozempic® and Phentermine focus on specific aspects of weight loss (Ozempic® is geared towards blood sugar regulation, and Phentermine is an appetite suppressant), but Contrave® tackles both hunger and cravings.

This makes it particularly helpful for people who not only struggle with overeating but also find it hard to resist cravings for certain foods, which can be a major barrier to weight loss.

How to Take Contrave

Contrave® is taken orally, and the dosage is gradually increased over the course of several weeks.

Usually, patients start by taking one tablet in the morning for the first week, then slowly increase their dosage until they are taking two tablets twice a day by the fourth week.

It’s important to stick to your doctor’s instructions and avoid crushing or chewing the tablets, as this can interfere with how the medication is absorbed and increase the risk of side effects.

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your next scheduled dose.

Administration and Storage

Taking Contrave® correctly is essential for maximizing its benefits and minimizing potential risks. The medication should be taken by mouth, typically in the morning and evening. While it can be taken with or without food, it’s important to avoid high-fat meals, as they can increase the risk of seizures. The tablets should be swallowed whole and not cut, chewed, or crushed.

Proper storage of Contrave® is also crucial. Keep the medication at room temperature, away from moisture and heat, to maintain its effectiveness. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and consult them if you have any questions about how to take or store your medication.

Lifestyle Changes and Reduced Calorie Diet to Maximize Effectiveness

For Contrave® to work its best, it needs to be paired with lifestyle changes.

Here are a few essential tips:

Follow a reduced-calorie diet: Make an effort to eat balanced meals that include whole foods, lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats. Avoid processed snacks and sugary drinks.
Stay active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. This could be walking, cycling, swimming, or anything else that gets your heart rate up.
Get behavioral support: If you find emotional eating to be a challenge, working with a healthcare provider or counselor can be beneficial. Developing healthier coping mechanisms for stress and emotions can make a significant difference.

Who Should Avoid Contrave®?

Contrave® isn’t for everyone. Those with uncontrolled high blood pressure, a history of seizures, or certain eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia should avoid the drug.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women are also advised not to take Contrave®, as it may pose risks to the baby.

If you’re on other medications, especially those containing bupropion or naltrexone, it’s essential to inform your doctor, as combining them could lead to dangerous side effects.

Real-Life Weight Loss Success Stories

Many individuals have found success in their weight loss journeys with the help of Contrave®, combined with a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise. Real-life stories highlight how Contrave® has helped people gain control over their cravings and achieve significant weight loss. For instance, some users report feeling less hungry and more in control of their eating habits, leading to sustained weight loss over time. However, it’s important to remember that individual results can vary. Always discuss your weight loss goals and any concerns with your healthcare provider to ensure that Contrave® is the right choice for you.

FAQs About Contrave®

Let’s explore some of the more frequently asked questions when it comes to Contrave. Our more comprehensive list of Contrave questions can be found here.

1. How long does it take for Contrave® to start working?

Contrave® typically starts working after about 4-6 weeks, but the exact timing can vary.

Some people notice a reduction in hunger and cravings earlier, while others may need more time to see significant changes in their weight.

It’s important to stick with it, as weight loss tends to happen gradually. Your healthcare provider will monitor your progress to see if adjustments are needed.

2. Can I stop taking Contrave® once I’ve lost weight?

It might be tempting to stop once you’ve hit your goal weight, but it’s crucial to consult your doctor before doing so.

Stopping suddenly could lead to a resurgence of hunger and cravings, which can cause weight regain.

Your healthcare provider might suggest a plan to taper off the medication gradually or maintain a healthy lifestyle to ensure the weight stays off in the long run.

3. Is Contrave® safe for long-term use?

Yes, Contrave® can be used for long-term weight management under the guidance of a healthcare provider for certain Weight Loss Drug Types.

Many people continue using it for extended periods to maintain their weight loss. Regular check-ups are essential to make sure it’s still effective and to monitor for any potential side effects.

As with any medication, individual experiences can vary, so ongoing communication with your healthcare provider is key.

4. Will Contrave® help me lose weight without diet or exercise?

Contrave® is most effective when used in combination with diet and exercise. While it can help reduce hunger and cravings, these lifestyle changes are necessary for optimal results.

Studies show that people who follow a balanced, calorie-reduced diet and engage in physical activity tend to lose more weight and keep it off compared to those who rely on medication alone.

5. Are there any withdrawal symptoms if I stop taking Contrave®?

Contrave® isn’t known for causing physical withdrawal symptoms, but some people do experience an increase in hunger or cravings after stopping the medication.

That’s why it’s important to have a plan in place with your doctor for gradually tapering off and continuing to follow healthy habits like portion control, regular exercise, and mindful eating.

Conclusion

Contrave® can be a helpful tool for compatible individuals who need support in managing hunger and food cravings as part of their weight loss journey.

When combined with healthy lifestyle changes, the medication can lead to significant and lasting weight loss.

However, like any weight loss solution, it’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine if it’s the right fit for you.

Patience and consistency are key, but with the right approach, Contrave® can play a meaningful role in your path to better health.

References

https://contrave.com/

https://contravehcp.com/efficacy/cor-diabetes-study/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-contrave#What-is-Contrave

https://www.curraxpharma.com/PI/Contrave-label-current.pdf/#page=40