Contrave is a prescription medication available under a brand name. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for its usage in long-term weight management. The drug is employed in conjunction with a low-calorie diet and regular exercise.
Contrave can be prescribed by doctors for adults who meet the following criteria:
1. Obesity: Having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater.
2. Overweight with Weight-Related Health Condition: Possessing a BMI of 27 or greater along with at least one weight-related health condition. This includes conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
It's important to note that Contrave has specific limitations on its use.
Side Effects of Contrave
Similar to many medications, Contrave can potentially result in side effects. These effects may include mild symptoms as well as more serious ones.
For a deeper understanding of Contrave's side effects, it's advisable to have a discussion with your doctor or pharmacist. They can offer insights into managing specific side effects associated with this medication.
Important Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monitors side effects of approved drugs. If you've experienced a side effect from Contrave and wish to report it, you can do so via the MedWatch program.
Mild and Serious Side Effects
A list of both mild and serious side effects associated with Contrave is presented below. However, this table is not exhaustive and does not cover all potential side effects of Contrave.
| Mild Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
| Fatigue | - Increased heart rate |
| Digestive issues, including nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting | - Elevated blood pressure |
| Hot flashes | - Seizures |
| Insomnia | - Liver problems |
| Dizziness | - Allergic reaction |
| Dry mouth | - Thoughts or behaviors of suicide |
| Headache |
It's essential to promptly notify your healthcare provider if you experience any side effects while taking Contrave.
Frequently, mild side effects of a medication tend to dissipate within a few days or a couple of weeks. Should any side effects intensify or persist, it's advisable to communicate with your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious side effects stemming from Contrave are a possibility. In the event of serious side effects, promptly contact your doctor. However, if you're confronted with a medical emergency or if your symptoms seem life-threatening, it's imperative to dial 911 or your local emergency number.
How Long does Contrave Stay in Your System?
The elimination half-life of Contrave's active ingredients, naltrexone and bupropion, is approximately 5 to 20 hours for naltrexone and 12 to 30 hours for bupropion. This means that it takes around 1 to 3 days for the majority of Contrave to be eliminated from your system after you stop taking it. However, individual factors such as metabolism, dosage, frequency of use, and other physiological variables can influence the exact duration.
It's important to note that while the active ingredients are eliminated relatively quickly, their effects might persist beyond this timeframe due to various factors. If you have concerns about Contrave's presence in your system, its effects, or any related issues, it's recommended to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Explanation of Contrave's Side Effects
Below, you'll find comprehensive information about some of the specific side effects associated with Contrave. To delve into additional side effects linked to this medication, consult your doctor.
Risk of Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors
Contrave bears a boxed warning concerning an escalated risk of thoughts or behaviors of suicide in certain individuals. This is a critical advisory from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Certain medications employed for treating depression can elevate the likelihood of suicidal thoughts or behaviors in certain individuals. Bupropion, one of the active constituents of Contrave, is employed in depression treatment. While Contrave is not sanctioned for depression treatment, it might still heighten this risk.
This risk particularly pertains to individuals aged 24 or younger, including children. (It's essential to note that Contrave is not authorized for use in children.)
During your Contrave usage, your doctor is likely to monitor for newly emergent or exacerbating suicidal thoughts or behaviors. They may also be attentive to other mood alterations such as anger, irritability, or restlessness. Particularly, your doctor might adopt heightened vigilance for these symptoms if you've recently initiated the medication or experienced a dosage adjustment. Your family or caregivers should also observe you closely for any unusual shifts in behavior on a daily basis.
Recommended Course of Action
Should you encounter mood changes, shifts in thoughts, or alterations in behavior while on Contrave, it's crucial to converse with your doctor. However, if you find yourself grappling with thoughts of suicide, it's essential to dial 911 or your local emergency number without delay.
Contrave: Purpose in Weight Loss and Weight Management
Prescription medications, including Contrave, receive approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for specific medical conditions.
Utilization of Contrave for Weight Loss and Weight Management
The FDA has sanctioned Contrave as a long-term weight management medication. It is intended for use in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise.
Doctors are authorized to prescribe Contrave for weight management in adult patients who meet the following criteria:
- Individuals with obesity (defined by a body mass index [BMI] of 30 or higher).
- Individuals classified as overweight (with a BMI of 27 or higher) who also have at least one weight-related health condition. Such conditions encompass high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
BMI serves as a gauge of an individual's body fat, computed by assessing height and weight. Elevated BMI levels are linked to increased susceptibility to specific health issues. To promote a healthier BMI, medical professionals might suggest approaches such as integrating Contrave into one's regimen.
Contrave's Limitations of Use
The manufacturer of Contrave acknowledges specific constraints on the drug's usage. These scenarios outline situations where prescription may not be recommended.
Contrave's limitations of use encompass:
- Unclear Impact on Specific Health Conditions: Certain medications used for managing high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or type 2 diabetes can reduce the risk of mortality and health issues related to heart disease. However, the manner in which Contrave influences these risks remains uncertain.
- Unknown Effects When Combined with Other Weight Loss Aids: The safety and effectiveness of Contrave in conjunction with alternative weight management products are yet to be determined.
- Combining Contrave with Diet and Exercise
- The FDA's approval for Contrave includes its use alongside a low-calorie diet and regular exercise.
- Your healthcare provider can help determine an appropriate and healthy calorie intake level. Furthermore, they can recommend exercises and lifestyle adjustments to aid in maintaining a healthy weight.**
Usage of Contrave in Children
Contrave is solely approved for adult use. Typically, medical practitioners refrain from prescribing Contrave to children.
Locating a Healthcare Professional for Contrave
If you are considering the use of Contrave, you can find a doctor who may prescribe it by searching here. To prepare for your appointment, you can explore Healthgrades' appointment guide for weight management.
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The content is intended to augment, not replace, information provided by your clinician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Reading this information does not create or replace a doctor-patient relationship or consultation. If required, please contact your doctor or other health care provider to assist you to interpret any of this information, or in applying the information to your individual needs.