Contrave Weight Loss

What is Contrave?

Contrave is a prescription weight loss medication that is used to help people lose weight and keep it off. It is a combination of two drugs, naltrexone and bupropion, that work together to reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, which means it works to block the effects of opioids in the brain. It is commonly used to treat addiction to opioids, such as heroin and prescription painkillers. Bupropion, on the other hand, is an antidepressant that is also used to help people stop smoking. It is thought to work by inhibiting the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which regulate mood and appetite.

Contrave weight loss was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2014 for the treatment of obesity in adults who are obese or overweight and have at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. It is typically used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

In summary, Contrave is a prescription weight loss medication that is used to help people lose weight and keep it off. It is a combination of two drugs, naltrexone and bupropion, that work together to reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness. It is typically used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity and is taken as a pill once a day. Contrave has potential side effects, and should not be used by people with certain medical conditions or a history of addiction. It is important to discuss all medications and supplements being taken with a healthcare provider before starting treatment with Contrave.

What should you know about taking Contrave?

Like all medications, Contrave has potential side effects. Some of the most common side effects include nausea, constipation, headache, dizziness, and dry mouth. These side effects are usually mild and tend to go away after a few weeks of treatment. More serious side effects, such as changes in mood, thoughts of suicide, and changes in vision, have also been reported, although they are rare. It is important to report any unusual symptoms to a healthcare provider right away.

Contrave should not be used by people who have a history of addiction to drugs or alcohol, as it may increase the risk of relapse. It is also not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing. People with certain medical conditions, such as liver disease, kidney disease, or uncontrolled high blood pressure, should also not use Contrave weight loss. It is important to discuss any existing medical conditions with a healthcare provider before starting treatment with Contrave.

Contrave can interact with other medications and supplements, so it is important to tell a healthcare provider about all the medications and supplements being taken. It is also important to avoid taking Contrave with other weight loss medications, as this can increase the risk of side effects.

How should you take Contrave?

It is important to follow the dosing instructions provided by a healthcare provider when taking Contrave, as the dosage may vary depending on the individual patient’s needs and tolerability.

Contrave is typically taken as a pill once a day, usually in the morning. The recommended starting dose is one pill in the morning and one pill in the evening. The dose may be increased to two pills in the morning and two pills in the evening if the patient is tolerating the medication well and is not losing weight at a satisfactory rate. It is important to take Contrave at the same time every day to maintain a consistent level of the medication in the body.

It is important to swallow Contrave pills whole, without crushing or chewing them. They should be taken with a full glass of water to help prevent constipation, which is a common side effect of the medication. Contrave should be taken with food to help reduce the risk of nausea, which is another common side effect.

It is important to follow a reduced-calorie diet and increase physical activity while taking Contrave. This will help to maximize the weight loss benefits of the medication. It is also important to continue taking Contrave as prescribed, even if weight loss is achieved, to help maintain the weight loss.

It is important to report any unusual symptoms or side effects to a healthcare provider while taking Contrave. This includes any changes in mood, thoughts of suicide, or changes in vision. It is also important to inform a healthcare provider of any other medications or supplements being taken, as Contrave can interact with certain medications and increase the risk of side effects.

Contrave should be taken as prescribed by a healthcare provider, usually as a pill once a day in the morning. It should be taken with food to help reduce the risk of nausea and with a full glass of water to help prevent constipation. It is important to follow a reduced-calorie diet and increase physical activity while taking Contrave, and report any unusual symptoms or side effects to a healthcare provider.

What happens if you miss a dose when taking Contrave?

If you miss a dose of Contrave, you should take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. In this case, you should skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. It is important not to take two doses of Contrave at the same time to make up for a missed dose. If you are unsure about what to do after missing a dose, you should consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice. It is also important to remember to take Contrave at the same time every day to maintain a consistent level of the medication in the body.

What other drugs will affect Contrave?

Contrave can interact with certain medications and supplements, which can affect how Contrave works or increase the risk of side effects. It is important to inform a healthcare provider about all medications and supplements being taken before starting treatment with Contrave.

Some medications that can interact with Contrave include opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol. These medications can increase the risk of serious Contrave side effects when taken with Contrave, such as drowsiness, breathing problems, and changes in mood or behavior. It is important to avoid taking these medications while taking Contrave.

Other medications that can interact with Contrave include antipsychotics, antihistamines, and anticonvulsants. These medications can alter the effectiveness of Contrave or increase the risk of side effects. It is important to inform a healthcare provider if any of these medications are being taken before starting treatment with Contrave.

Supplements that can interact with Contrave include St. John’s wort and tryptophan. It is important to inform a healthcare provider if any supplements are being taken before starting treatment with Contrave.

Thinking of taking Contrave for weight loss?

If you’re considering taking Contrave for weight loss, contact the experts at WLLA who can advise you on whether or not you would be a good candidate for the drug. When you’re ready to make the call, our caring team is on standby to assist you on your weight loss journey. We look forward to supporting your weight loss goals.