CONTRAVE®

Millions across the world are struggling to lose weight and keep it off. In many cases, the struggle is not due to lack of effort or commitment. Science has shown that obesity is not a problem that must solely be overcome by willpower— the brain (specifically the appetite center of the brain) may be at fault. Thankfully, this can be improved with a medication like Contrave.

What is CONTRAVE®?

CONTRAVE® is an FDA-approved prescription medication for long-term weight management. It is a pill that reduces hunger and emotional cravings for food. It helps with weight loss when used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Studies show that patients lost approximately 2 to 4 times more weight over one year by adding CONTRAVE® than with diet and exercise alone. Studies have shown an average weight loss of 25 lb. (an 11.5% reduction from initial body weight) and kept the weight off one full year while on CONTRAVE®.

How Does CONTRAVE® Work?

Hunger and cravings are two key factors that impact our weight and are controlled by our brain. CONTRAVE® promotes weight loss by combining two medications: Bupropion HCl and Naltrexone HCl that act to reduce hunger and control cravings by their effect on the “hunger center” of the brain, known as the hypothalamus.

Bupropion HCl and Naltrexone HCl both have well-established safety profiles and have been prescribed for other conditions for over 30 years.

Am I a Candidate? 

CONTRAVE® is a prescription drug and is administered only after reviewing a candidate’s medical and family history with the completion of a physical exam to determine eligibility.

Candidates include adults with a BMI over 30 kg/m or adults with a BMI over 27 kg/m with risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension or dyslipidemia.

All candidates are screened for various health conditions to determine eligibility. Patients who are pregnant, nursing, or plan to become pregnant may not be candidates for CONTRAVE®. Also patients with a history of any of the following may not be candidates:

  • Uncontrolled hypertension
  • Seizure disorder, eating disorder (such as bulimia), or bipolar disorder
  • Use bupropion-containing products (such as Wellbutrin, Aplenzin, Zyban)
  • Use opioid-containing products (such as those found in pain/cough/cold/ or diarrhea medicines or opioid dependence treatments)
  • Kidney or liver dysfunction

Most people tolerate CONTRAVE® well without significant side effects. The most commonly reported side effects include nausea, headache, and constipation. Other side effects include but are not limited to: dizziness, dry mouth, trouble sleeping, or diarrhea.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your Wellness Specialist at 813-345-4044.