Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion) is a prescription medication used as part of a comprehensive approach to weight loss and long-term weight management in certain adults. It should be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Contrave is not available as a generic drug and comes in the form of an extended-release oral tablet.
What is Contrave?
Contrave is a combination medication containing two active ingredients: naltrexone and bupropion. Naltrexone belongs to a class of drugs called opioid antagonists, while bupropion is an antidepressant. The extended-release tablets release the medication slowly into the body over a few hours.
How Does Contrave Work?
While the exact mechanisms by which naltrexone and bupropion promote weight loss are not fully understood, it is believed that they affect specific neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and beta-endorphin. These neurotransmitters play a role in regulating cravings and appetite.
Naltrexone and bupropion target nerve messages sent in two parts of your brain that are tied to cravings and the urge to eat. The combined effects of these medications can reduce feelings of hunger and decrease the pleasure associated with eating foods high in fat, sugar, or salt. This can help reduce cravings for those foods.
By helping to reduce appetite and manage cravings, Contrave can lead to a reduction in calorie consumption, ultimately resulting in weight loss over time.
Read also: Benefits of couples massage detailed
Who is Contrave For?
Doctors may prescribe Contrave for adults who meet the following criteria:
- A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, indicating obesity
- A BMI of 27 or higher, indicating overweight, and one or more weight-related health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes.
Healthcare professionals often reference body mass index (BMI) when discussing body weight. Your BMI is calculated from your weight and height. It gives a simple description of your weight status, which will fall into one of the following categories: If your BMI indicates overweight or obesity, your doctor may recommend losing weight to benefit your long-term health. For example, in some cases, losing weight can lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, joint and mobility problems, and certain cancers.
Dosage and Administration
Contrave tablets contain 8 mg of naltrexone and 90 mg of bupropion. It is important to swallow Contrave tablets whole and not split, crush, or chew them. The medication can be taken with or without food, but it is best to avoid taking it with high-fat meals, as these can increase the amount of Contrave absorbed into the body, potentially raising the risk of side effects.
For the first week of treatment, the usual dosing schedule for Contrave is one tablet per day, in the morning. After that, you’ll take Contrave twice daily, in the morning and evening.
Effectiveness of Contrave
Contrave has been shown to be an effective medication for weight loss and long-term weight management when used in conjunction with diet and exercise.
Read also: How digestive health affects weight loss
According to 3 multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled obesity trials (BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with at least 1 comorbidity of hypertension, dyslipidemia, or type 2 diabetes) conducted to evaluate the effect of CONTRAVE in conjunction with reduced caloric intake and increased physical activity, the average percentage of weight loss in patients at 56 weeks ranged from 3.7% to 8.1% with CONTRAVE, compared to 1.3% to 4.9% with placebo.
Clinical studies have demonstrated that using Contrave with diet and exercise is more effective for weight loss than using diet and exercise alone. However, individual results may vary. It is important to discuss the potential effectiveness of Contrave with your doctor.
Potential Side Effects
Like all medications, Contrave can cause side effects in some people. These side effects can range from mild to serious.
Mild Side Effects
Common mild side effects of Contrave may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Dry mouth
- Hot flashes
- Fatigue
- Tremor
In many cases, mild side effects are temporary and may resolve on their own. However, if side effects persist, worsen, or become bothersome, it is important to inform your doctor or pharmacist.
Read also: Weight Loss Meds & BCBS
Serious Side Effects
Although less common, Contrave can cause serious side effects, including:
- Increased blood pressure
- Fast heart rate
- Closed-angle glaucoma
- Seizures
- Liver problems, such as hepatitis
- Mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, mania, psychosis, and aggression
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- Allergic reaction
If you experience any serious side effects while taking Contrave, seek immediate medical attention.
Boxed Warning: Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors
Contrave carries a boxed warning, the most serious warning issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), regarding the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This risk is associated with bupropion, one of the active ingredients in Contrave, which is a type of antidepressant.
Clinical studies have shown that antidepressants like bupropion can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some people with mental health conditions, particularly those younger than 24 years old. The risk is also higher at the beginning of treatment and after a dose change.
While studies of Contrave for weight loss did not show an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, it is crucial to monitor for any changes in mood, feelings, thoughts, or behavior while taking the medication. Close observation by family members and loved ones is also recommended. If any changes are noticed, it is important to contact a doctor immediately.
Warnings and Precautions
Before starting Contrave, it is important to discuss any existing medical conditions or other health factors with your doctor. Contrave may not be a safe option for individuals with certain conditions, including:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Kidney or liver problems
- History of seizures
- History of stroke or head injury
- Eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia
- Mental health conditions, such as depression or bipolar disorder
Additionally, it is important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, especially opioids, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), diabetes medications, or other medications containing bupropion.
Contrave is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Potential Drug Interactions
Contrave can interact with certain medications, potentially affecting their efficacy or increasing the risk of side effects. It is crucial to inform your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbal products, and supplements you are taking before starting Contrave.
Some notable drug interactions with Contrave include:
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Opioids
- Partial agonist opioid analgesics
- Benzodiazepines
- Barbiturates
- Seizure medications
- Diabetes medications
- Stimulants
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Bupropion
Foods to Avoid
While taking Contrave, it is recommended to avoid consuming high-fat meals, as they can increase the amount of Contrave absorbed into the body, potentially raising the risk of side effects. Examples of high-fat foods include eggs, avocado, cheese, and certain types of meat, such as bacon, chicken wings, and ribs.
It is also important to follow a balanced diet, which typically involves reducing the intake of sugar, salt, and saturated and trans fats. Your doctor can help you create a diet program that works for you.
Cost and Availability
Contrave is a brand-name drug that is not available as a generic. The cost of Contrave can vary depending on several factors, including your treatment plan, insurance plan, pharmacy, and location.
To save money on Contrave, explore Optum Perks coupons or consider purchasing the medication through the manufacturer's CurAccess program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any foods I should avoid while taking Contrave?
You should avoid taking your doses of Contrave with meals that are high in fat. High fat foods can increase the amount of Contrave that your body absorbs. This can raise your risk of experiencing side effects from the medication.
Will I see any results from Contrave after 1 month of treatment?
Yes, it’s possible. Contrave typically starts working to help you reduce your calorie intake soon after you start taking it. Consuming fewer calories can lead to weight loss over time.
Why might Contrave not work for me?
Contrave may not be right for you if your body mass index (BMI) is below a certain level. Contrave is approved for use in people who have obesity (BMI greater than or equal to 30) or overweight (BMI greater than or equal to 27). Those in the latter category also must have at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. If you don’t meet these criteria, Contrave may not work for you.
Contrave is also meant to be used in combination with a balanced diet and exercise. If you don’t think you would be able to make any necessary changes to your diet or the amount of physical activity you get, Contrave may not be right for you.