Dante Carrillo
Contrave is an FDA-approved prescription weight-loss pill for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥30 or with a BMI ≥27 who have a weight-related medical problem. It is a combination of two drugs: the antidepressant bupropion and the addiction-treatment drug, naltrexone. While it has been shown to help people lose weight, it also has several side effects, including nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, and diarrhoea. More seriously, it may also cause liver damage, seizures, and possible heart risks. It is also associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and actions. It is not known if Contrave is safe and effective when taken with other prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal weight-loss products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| FDA-approved | Yes |
| Availability | Available in pharmacies |
| Dosage | 1 pill in the morning during the first week, slowly increasing to 2 pills twice a day from the fourth week |
| Effectiveness | 42% of patients without diabetes lost 5% of weight over a year compared to 17% with a placebo. 36% of patients with diabetes lost 5% of weight compared to 18% with a placebo. |
| Side effects | Nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, diarrhea, liver damage, seizures, heart risks, suicidal thoughts, mania, depression, glaucoma |
| Contraindications | Uncontrolled high blood pressure, seizures, eating disorders, opioid addiction, opioid medicine, anorexia nervosa, bulimia, MAOI, alcohol withdrawal, pregnancy, breastfeeding |
| Interactions | Bupropion and naltrexone can interact with other medications, including herbal products |
| Cost | Not disclosed |
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What You'll Learn
- Potential side effects: nausea, constipation, headaches, liver damage, seizures, and heart problems
- Contraindications: high blood pressure, seizures, eating disorders, opioid addiction, and more
- Effectiveness: helps some lose weight, but not a miracle drug
- FDA approval: approved in 2014, but concerns remain about heart risks
- Bupropion: the antidepressant ingredient that may cause suicidal thoughts
Potential side effects: nausea, constipation, headaches, liver damage, seizures, and heart problems
Contrave is a prescription weight-loss pill intended to aid weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or those who are overweight (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related health condition. It is designed to be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise.
The most common side effects of Contrave include nausea, constipation, and headaches. These side effects are usually mild and temporary, and they may improve as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if nausea persists or becomes severe, it is recommended to consult a doctor, as they can suggest ways to manage this side effect or make changes to the dosage or treatment plan.
Other possible side effects include dizziness, insomnia, and dry mouth. More serious side effects that have been reported include high blood pressure, seizures, and suicidal thoughts or behaviour. It is important to note that seizures are more likely to occur if you have a history of seizures, are taking certain other medications, or consume alcohol regularly. Bupropion, one of the active ingredients in Contrave, has been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours.
In rare cases, Contrave may cause liver damage or hepatitis (liver inflammation). This is considered a serious side effect, and individuals experiencing symptoms of liver damage are advised to contact their doctor immediately.
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Contraindications: high blood pressure, seizures, eating disorders, opioid addiction, and more
Contrave is a prescription weight-loss pill designed for adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or those who are overweight (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related health condition. It is FDA-approved and combines two active ingredients, naltrexone and bupropion, to help manage weight. However, it is not a miracle drug and comes with several contraindications and side effects.
Firstly, Contrave is contraindicated for individuals with uncontrolled high blood pressure. The medication can increase blood pressure and make the condition worse for those already suffering from it. It is important to monitor your blood pressure while taking Contrave and seek medical attention if it reaches concerning levels.
Secondly, seizures are a known contraindication and side effect of Contrave. Some people taking Contrave have reported experiencing seizures. This risk is heightened when taking Contrave with a high-fat meal as it increases drug levels in the body. It is recommended to avoid or minimise alcohol consumption while taking Contrave as alcohol can also increase the risk of seizures.
Thirdly, Contrave is not suitable for individuals with eating disorders. The medication is intended to aid weight loss by controlling hunger and cravings, so it should not be used by those with conditions such as bulimia or anorexia nervosa.
Additionally, Contrave should not be taken by individuals with opioid addiction or those taking opioid medication. Bupropion, one of the active ingredients in Contrave, can cause serious side effects, including seizures, in individuals who suddenly stop consuming opioids or alcohol.
Other contraindications and side effects include an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions, especially in adolescents and young adults, potential liver damage, and a rare eye condition called angle-closure glaucoma. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking Contrave to ensure it is safe for your specific circumstances.
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Effectiveness: helps some lose weight, but not a miracle drug
Contrave is a prescription weight-loss medicine that may help some adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater (classified as obese), or adults with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) with at least one weight-related medical problem such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes, lose weight and keep it off. It is the only FDA-approved, 2-in-1, oral weight-loss pill that may help certain adults lose weight when used with diet and exercise. It combines two medications, naltrexone and bupropion, in a single extended-release pill.
While Contrave can help some people lose weight, it is not a miracle drug. In three clinical trials, people who took Contrave for up to 56 weeks lost only five to nine pounds more on average than those who took a placebo. Additionally, Contrave has been shown to cause serious side effects in some individuals, including nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping (insomnia), dry mouth, diarrhea, and even liver damage, seizures, and possible heart risks. Due to these potential side effects, medical advisers generally recommend skipping Contrave, as the limited benefit of the drug may not outweigh the risks.
It is important to note that Contrave should be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity to be effective. The precise neurochemical mechanisms of Contrave are not entirely known, but it is thought to work with two parts of the brain: the hypothalamus, which helps manage hunger, and the mesolimbic reward system, which helps control cravings. These effects can support weight loss efforts.
To ensure the safe use of Contrave, individuals should inform their doctor if they have experienced certain medical conditions, such as suicidal thoughts, depression, mania, or addiction. Additionally, Contrave may not be suitable for those with uncontrolled high blood pressure, seizures, an eating disorder, opioid addiction, or those taking certain medications, including opioid medicines and other forms of bupropion. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider and follow their instructions for taking Contrave to maximize its effectiveness and minimize potential risks.
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FDA approval: approved in 2014, but concerns remain about heart risks
The FDA approved Contrave, a prescription weight-loss pill, in 2014. Contrave is a combination of two drugs: naltrexone, which is used to treat addiction, and bupropion, an antidepressant. Neither drug has been approved for weight loss on its own.
Despite the approval, concerns remain about potential heart risks. In 2011, the FDA initially rejected the application due to these concerns. Orexigen Therapeutics, the developer of the drug, agreed to conduct a study to evaluate cardiovascular risks. The results were reassuring enough for the FDA to approve Contrave, but the data has not been released. As a condition of approval, Orexigen and Takeda agreed to conduct a new study to assess heart risks.
Contrave is associated with other risks and side effects. Bupropion, one of the drug's ingredients, has been linked to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour in young people. Naltrexone has been associated with seizures. The drug can also cause nausea, constipation, and headaches.
Given these side effects and warnings, Contrave should not be taken by those with certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, seizures, or an eating disorder. It is also not approved for use by anyone under the age of 18 or for women who are breastfeeding.
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Bupropion: the antidepressant ingredient that may cause suicidal thoughts
Contrave is a prescription weight-loss pill that combines two drugs: bupropion and naltrexone. It is approved by the FDA and intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Bupropion is an antidepressant that has been linked to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and actions. It is important to note that having depression or another mental illness already increases the risk of suicide, and this risk is further elevated when taking bupropion, especially at the beginning of treatment or when doses are changed. This risk is present even in those without a history of mental illness. In addition, bupropion has been associated with other mental health side effects such as changes in behaviour, hostility, agitation, and depressed mood.
In a study of post-mortem investigations in Finland, suicide was the most common manner of death among users of bupropion. It was significantly more common than among users of other antidepressants, with 55% of bupropion-positive deaths resulting from suicide. The study also found that individuals who died with bupropion in their system were younger than those who died with other antidepressants in their system.
Due to the potential risks associated with bupropion, it is important for individuals taking Contrave to be aware of any changes in their mental health and to seek medical advice if they experience any adverse side effects. It is also crucial to follow the prescribed dosage instructions and not to discontinue the medication without consulting a doctor.
In conclusion, while Contrave may be effective for weight loss in certain adults, the presence of bupropion as one of its ingredients raises concerns about potential suicidal thoughts and actions. Individuals considering this medication should carefully weigh the benefits against the risks and remain vigilant about monitoring their mental health throughout treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Contrave is a prescription weight-loss pill for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥30 or with a BMI ≥27 who have a weight-related medical problem.
Contrave is a combination of two medicines: naltrexone and bupropion. It is not known exactly how these medicines work together to achieve weight loss. However, it is believed that Contrave may target areas of the brain such as the hypothalamus and dopamine.
Contrave is not safe for everyone. It should not be taken by those with uncontrolled high blood pressure, seizures, an eating disorder, opioid addiction, or those taking opioid medicine or other forms of bupropion. Contrave may also cause serious side effects, including liver damage, seizures, and possible heart risks.
The most common side effects of Contrave include nausea, constipation, and headaches. More serious side effects include seizures, hallucinations, increased blood pressure, and suicidal thoughts or actions.
The effectiveness of Contrave varies from person to person. In clinical trials, people who took Contrave for up to a year lost an average of 5 to 9 pounds more than those who took a placebo. However, nearly 1 in 4 people stopped taking Contrave due to its side effects.
