How does Contrave work for weight loss?

Contrave contains two active ingredients naltrexone hydrochloride and bupropion hydrochloride, both used separately and approved for different conditions.

Bupropion is an antidepressant medicine that can also decrease appetite. Naltrexone is usually given to block the effects of opioids in people with addiction problems, but it can also curb hunger and food cravings. Combined, they are defined as an anorexiant since they act on the brain to suppress appetite. However, Contrave is not approved to treat depression or other mood disorders or to help you quit smoking.

It is approved for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or those with a BMI of 27 or higher with a weight-related condition.

Contrave ingredients target different areas of the brain's control of hunger and cravings. The hypothalamus regulates appetite and energy balance, bupropion affects this by reducing appetite. The mesolimbic reward system is involved in feelings of pleasure and reward, and Naltrexone modulates this system, reducing cravings.

Therefore, addressing both the physiological and psychological desires will help patients to have better control of weight management.

Contrave needs to be swallowed whole and should not be used in larger or smaller amounts than prescribed by the doctor. It is recommended not to have Contrave with a high-fat meal. The tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed, or broken.

The dose of Contrave begins with one tablet once a day in the morning and gradually increases weekly. Week 1 is one tablet in the morning, week 2 is one tablet twice a day, and thus week 3 is two tablets in the morning and one in the evening. Week 4 begins with the maximum recommended daily dose of two tablets in the morning and two tablets in the afternoon.

It is used to help manage weight in obese individuals and overweight people with a weight-related medical condition. Contrave will not treat the underlying condition, but will help reduce weight, which could be a contributing factor.

Contrave works on areas of the brain involved in the control of food intake and energy use. The doctor reviews the treatment after 16 weeks, and if you have lost at least 5% of the initial body weight, you can continue. However, Contrave will only assist in reducing body weight if it is used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Is Contrave effective for weight loss?

Contrave has proven to be effective in clinical trials. Lifestyle changes combined with diet and exercise, whilst on Contrave, have been shown to significantly aid in weight loss. On average, 5.4% of body weight was lost over a year, compared to 1.3% of the placebo group. It could be an effective medication for chronically overweight individuals who can obtain improved metabolism from Contrave.

In Australia, Contrave is available on prescription only, and it is not on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. The cost can vary slightly, but the monthly cost sits around $250.

The common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Some people can experience headaches, dizziness, or dry mouth. Individuals may experience loss of appetite, stomach cramps, or taste disturbances.

Serious side effects could be a severe headache, blurred vision, or the risk of seizures. Individuals who may have changes in mood or behaviour, such as anxiety, insomnia, or thoughts of hurting themselves, should seek medical attention immediately. Other severe skin or allergic reactions need medical attention.

Contrave is not suitable for everyone. It is contraindicated in individuals with uncontrolled high blood pressure, seizures, and eating disorders. It should not be used in combination with other opioids or bupropion medication. Contrave is best avoided with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) medicines.

Individuals who may need to use opioid medicine for any type of pain relief may need to stop taking Contrave for that time.Contrave is not for people who are pregnant or those going through withdrawal from alcohol or drug addiction.

If Contrave is not suitable, there are other weight loss medications to consider. These can be in the form of tablets or injectables. The tablets can be prescription or over-the-counter, whereas injectables are prescription only. Saxenda is a daily injection used for weight management, whereas Wegovy is a weekly injection used for weight loss.

To begin the weight loss journey it's important to consult with a health professional about the best treatment option suitable for you.