Contrave is used for weight management and like other medications it can cause side effects to occur.
What is Contrave?
Contrave is a prescription medication used for weight management. It has two active ingredients, naltrexone and bupropion. Naltrexone on its own is used to treat alcohol and opioid dependence while bupropion is an antidepressant prescribed for smoking cessation. However together they aim to reduce appetite and control cravings which can aid in weight-related health issues.
Similar to other weight management tablets or injections, a reduced-calorie diet and exercise are necessary in combination with medicine.
The side effects of Contrave
There are many common, serious, or rare side effects associated with Contrave. Like all medications, Contrave also has mild to moderate side effects which usually subside as the body adjusts to the medication.
Common side effects of Contrave
The common and most reported side effect is nausea. It tends to be severe at the beginning of treatment and often decreases over time. Constipation is another common side effect which is usually managed by dietary changes and increased fluid intake. Headaches, dizziness, and insomnia are also common in the initial phase of treatment and the body adjusts to it over time.
Some individuals have reported sexual side effects such as erectile dysfunction and vaginal dryness. They may disappear as the body gets used to it, if these persist, a doctor may prescribe a medication or lubricant to help the situation.
Contrave may cause an increase in heart rate or an increase in blood pressure. For individuals with pre-existing conditions, the doctor may monitor carefully, and new onset may be treated if needed. Individuals with diabetes who may already be on medication can experience hypoglycemia, so the doctor may suggest changes to the current diabetes treatment plan.
Serious side effects of Contrave
There are serious side effects that are less common but may require immediate medical attention. Contrave can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate hence regular monitoring is essential, especially with pre-existing hypertension.
Liver damage symptoms can be seen through yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe stomach pain, and persistent nausea and vomiting. Bupropion is linked to an increased risk of seizures particularly those with certain medical conditions. Individuals can experience side effects including mood changes such as depression, suicidal thoughts, and other mood issues. Any type of allergic reaction may be life threatening and require urgent medical attention and warrant stop taking contrave.
Rare side effects
Some individuals have reported experiencing very rare side effects. These are visual disturbances such as changes in vision, blurred vision, or eye pain. Tinnitus such as ringing in the ears can be bothersome but not serious. Sometimes individuals may also get hallucinations and can be at risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Managing contrave side effects
Side effects of Contrave can usually be minimised by lifestyle adjustments. Starting with a low dose and gradually increasing the dosage can help minimise side effects. Individuals should stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water which can help manage side effects like constipation and help lose weight.
How long do contrave side effects last?
The most common side effects are those which usually go away as the body adjusts to treatment. For example, nausea is a side effect that is present at the beginning of treatment but usually resolves as the gradual dose is increased and maintained. If it doesn’t improve, a doctor may be consulted to manage the side effects.
In general, the side effects become less noticeable after a few weeks of taking the medicine. However, as each individual is unique the time it takes for a side effect to subside can differ. This is dependent on factors such as the dosage taken and how the body responds to the medication.
Contrave doesn’t usually cause long-term side effects, most side effects present themselves within a week of taking the medicine.
Consult a doctor
Individuals concerned about side effects should consult with a health professional about how to best manage them and other options suitable.