Contrave is a weight management medicine that is approved by the FDA to be used only in obese adults (overweight adults). It helps in reducing cravings so it works as an appetite suppressant. However, you first need to follow certain limitations and also need to have a minimum BMI (body mass index) to use Contrave weight loss medicine. Moreover, you need to maintain a proper routine of exercise and a balanced diet while using Contrave for managing your body weight.
But sadly, Contrave has certain side effects and risk factors. So, to know more about Contrave, let us look at some of the important things you need to know before using Contrave for managing your body weight.
What is Contrave weight loss?
Contrave pills contain two active ingredients called naltrexone and bupropion. Naltrexone helps in blocking the effects of opioids and alcohol. Also, it helps in reducing food cravings and hunger. While bupropion helps in decreasing appetite as it is an antidepressant medicine.
However, Contrave will not treat any diseases related to obesity such as high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes, and others. Also, Contrave is neither approved for use in treating psychiatric conditions such as depression nor is approved to be used as a medicine for quitting smoking.
Warning
Like mentioned earlier, to use Contrave medicine you need to follow certain limitations such as the following:
Have medical conditions
You should not use Contrave medicine if you have an eating disorder, opioid addiction, uncontrollable high blood pressure, and seizure. Moreover, you should not use Contrave if you are using sedatives, seizure medicines, MAOI, or you suddenly stop using alcohol. Using Contrave medicine while using opioid medicines or another form of bupropion can lead to bulimia or anorexia.
Pregnant or breastfeeding mother
You should not use Contrave medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding your child. That’s because the naltrexone and bupropion contained in the Contrave can pass into your breast milk and can later harm your child.
Are taking any medicines
Tell your doctor about the medicines you currently take and also the medicines you stop using. This is important because most medicines can easily interact with the ingredients contained in the Contrave i.e. naltrexone and bupropion. Also, some medicines may not mean to be used together with Contrave weight loss pills.
Drug addiction
You should not use Contrave medicine if you are taking narcotic medicines or you just stop using alcohol.
Side effects of Contrave weight loss
Now that you know when you should not use Contrave medicines, then let’s look at the side effects that can cause by Contrave weight loss pills. Contrave may show minor side effects and sometimes serious side effects. The followings are the list that includes the side effects that are caused by the Contrave medicines. However, the list does not include all the possible side effects of Contrave.
Minor Contrace side effects
The followings are the minor side effects that are caused by the Contrave medicines. They might include:
- Hot flashes
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Vomiting or nausea
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Dizziness
These mentioned symptoms could come and go within short periods but if these become chronic then make sure to call your concerned doctor as quickly as possible.
Severe side effects of Contrave for weight loss
Contrave medicines do not commonly cause serious side effects but they do occur in rare cases. The followings are the serious side effects that are caused by Contrave medicines. They are as follows:
- Increased blood pressure or heart rate. Symptoms might include headache, feeling lightheaded, and a rapid heart rate
- Seizures. Symptoms might include loss of consciousness, frothing or drooling at the mouth, and muscle spasms
- Severe allergic reaction
- Hepatitis or liver damaged
- Angle-closure glaucoma. Symptoms might include blurred vision, severe pain, and eye pain
- Suicidal behaviors or thoughts
So, if you ever experienced these mentioned symptoms while taking Contrave medicines then you might need to talk with your concerned doctor right away before it gets more complicated. You can also call 911 if you think you need urgent medical support.
Note - These are only some of the side effects that are caused by the Contrave weight loss pill, so talk with your concerned doctor if you want to know more symptoms of Contrave medicines.
Risk factors of Contrave weight loss
Contrave weight loss medicines have certain risk factors. The followings are the risk factors of Contrave medicines. Make sure you avoid using the Contrave weight loss pills if you have either one of the following conditions.
- Head injuries
- Low blood sugar or diabetes
- Drug addiction like alcohol
- A tumor or infection in your spinal cord or brain
- Kidney or liver disease
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Bipolar disorder, depression, or mental illness and
- Heart attack, high blood pressure, heart disease, or stroke
If you do not have these conditions then the Contrave weight loss pill is safe for you. However, Contrave medicine is only approved to be used by adults older than 18 years of age. Besides, it is important to consult your general physician before you start using the medication.
