In the journey toward weight loss, many individuals find that diet and exercise alone are not always enough to achieve their goals. For those struggling with obesity or weight-related health issues, prescription medications can provide additional support in addition to lifestyle modifications. One such medication is called Contrave, a combination tablet containing two different drugs that has been shown to aid with weight loss. In this blog post, we will explore what Contrave is, how it works, and considerations for use.

Obesity and Weight Loss:

Overweight and Obesity are complex health conditions characterized by an excessive amount of body weight, specifically body fat. This is associated with multiple health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Managing weight effectively requires a comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and sometimes, medications.

Also see our blogs Ozempic for weight loss? & Zepbound for Weight Loss

What is Contrave?

Contrave is a prescription medication approved by the FDA for weight loss in adults. It is a combination of two drugs: naltrexone and bupropion. Naltrexone is commonly used to treat alcohol and opioid dependence, while bupropion is an antidepressant and smoking cessation aid. Together, these medications work together to help reduce appetite and control food cravings. Contrave works in the brain to help individuals feel less hungry and more satisfied with smaller amounts of food, thereby leading to weight loss.

Benefits of Contrave:

1.  Effective Weight Loss: Clinical studies have shown that Contrave can significantly aid in weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Goal weight loss with this medication is a 5% decrease in baseline weight after 12 weeks of taking the maintenance dose. 
2.  Improved Health Outcomes: Weight loss achieved with Contrave can lead to improvements in various health conditions, such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar control.
3.  Appetite Control: Contrave helps reduce appetite and control cravings, making it easier for individuals to stick to their weight loss plan.

How To Use Contrave:

To achieve the best results with Contrave, it is important to use it as recommended:
1. Dosage: Contrave is typically started at a low dose and gradually increased over several weeks to minimize side effects. The usual final maintenance dose is two tablets taken twice daily. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dosage and schedule based on your individual needs and response to treatment.
2. Administration: Do not take with a high-fat meal.
3. Consistency: For optimal effectiveness, it is important to take Contrave consistently as prescribed. Do not skip doses or alter the dosing schedule without consulting your healthcare provider.
4. Lifestyle Modifications: Combine Contrave with a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and behavior changes to enhance weight loss and improve overall health.
5. Potential Side Effects While Contrave is generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects in some individuals.

Common side effects may include:

–       Nausea: This is the most common side effect, particularly during the initial weeks of treatment
–       Constipation
–       Headaches
–       Dizziness
–       Insomnia

Conclusion:

Contrave is a one available tool in the management of obesity and overweight weight-related health issues, offering benefits in reducing appetite and controlling food cravings. By targeting key areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation and reward, Contrave helps individuals achieve and maintain weight loss. As with any medication, it is important to use Contrave as prescribed and maintain open communication with your healthcare provider to ensure the best possible outcomes.
 
Resources:

1)    CONTRAVE (naltrexone HCl and bupropion HCl) Extended- Release Tablets [packager insert].
2)    Sherman MM, Ungureanu S, Rey JA. Naltrexone/Bupropion ER (Contrave): Newly Approved Treatment Option for Chronic Weight Management in Obese Adults. P T. 2016 Mar;41(3):164-72. PMID: 26957883; PMCID: PMC4771085.
3)    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2015/0415/p554.html