What is Contrave?

Obesity is a problem worldwide, and many medications have been produced in order to help people manage their weight. Each individual has unique problems, lifestyle, and medical history. A medicine that works for one may not work for the other. Amongst these medications, Contrave has seen quite a rise.

Contrave is approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a weight loss drug. It is a combination medication that has two active components, naltrexone and bupropion. While separately these two are prescribed to treat opioid dependency and depression respectively, together in Contrave they work wonders to reduce appetite. It is given to people who are overweight, obese, or who have weight-related ailments.

Both the components work hand-in-hand to produce the desired results. Bupropion ensures an increase of POMC cells that secrete a hormone called alpha-MSH which activates receptors responsible for food intake. It leads to energy expenditure, reduced appetite and cravings, and an enhanced mood.

Naltrexone by itself is supposed to be an opioid antagonist and fulfills this role by blocking an opioid receptor responsible for reducing the functionality of POMC cells, indirectly ensuring an increase of POMC cells. Together they put in motion a process that leads to weight loss by reducing hunger and cravings.

Common Side Effects

Contrave has a list of side effects, most of them common and mild. They are often temporary and heal with time. Most of these can be classified under gastrointestinal, neurological, and cardiovascular side effects for easier understanding.

Gastrointestinal Side Effects

1. Nausea and Vomiting: this is one of the most common ones and may be seen as you start the treatment. It is supposed to ease as time goes by and your body gets used to Contrave. It is caused mostly if you eat high-fat food along with Contrave.

2. Constipation: people often complain of constipation. There are a number of ways to deal with constipation. While you can take a gentle laxative for quick relief, following some dietary adjustments will help naturally subside this side effect. Consume more dietary fiber, engage in more physical activities, and drink plenty of water.

3. Gas and Bloating: other than constipation or diarrhea, people also sometimes feel pain in their belly, and experience bloating or discomfit due to gas. Eating fresh fruits or drinking water should help subside these symptoms. Time should relieve some pain as well.

Neurological Side Effects 

1. Headaches: usually reported as mild and temporary, headaches can be relieved by over-the-counter medicines like Tylenol. If they do not go away, consult a doctor for alterations in the treatment.

2. Dizziness: you may feel dizzy if you get up swiftly. It is usually mild and can be managed. Focus on eating a balanced diet with citrus fruits, nuts, and seeds. If you feel dizzy, lie down for a while and get up slowly. Avoid sudden movements that may jolt your brain and body.

3. Insomnia: trouble sleeping and unusual dreams when you do are common side effects of Contrave. There are ways around these by taking your medication earlier in the day, avoiding caffeine at night, and maintaining a proper sleep schedule. Try different ways to help you sleep better like listening to soothing music, avoiding screen time before sleep, de-stressing before sleeping, etc.

Cardiovascular Side Effects

1. Increased Blood Pressure: it is advised to monitor your blood pressure regularly. If gone unnoticed for too long, it could lead to a heart stroke or an attack. If you observe a significant raise in your blood pressure, talk to your doctor. They may alter your dosage or suggest a separate treatment plan.

2. Increased Heart Rate: Contrave’s side effects that appear in the first week include increased heart rate. Monitor your heart rate as it may see an increase due to the medication. If you do notice any significant changes, report it to your doctor. Ignoring it could lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Rare but Serious Side Effects

Contrave’s side effects can sometimes be serious and demand immediate consultation with a medical professional. These are rare, but once you notice their symptoms, it is advised that you don’t delay visiting your doctor. These include seizures, risk of suicidal thoughts/behaviors, liver problems, and severe allergic reactions.

Seizures

Seizures can be dangerous on their own. It is one of the reasons you should disclose your medical history transparently to your healthcare provider. If you have ever had seizures before, Contrave increases the risk of having them again.

Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience a seizure. Your doctor may try a different weight-loss method for you.

Severe Allergic Reactions

Each individual reacts uniquely to various drugs. Having the option of switching between medications makes it easier in case you see signs of an allergic reaction towards one of them. An allergic reaction by Contrave can have signs like skin rashes, skin flushes, itchiness, swelling (of skin under your eyes or of mouth/tongue), and difficulty in breathing.

Immediately visit your doctor if you observe any of these signs. They may give you a medicine to relieve your symptoms or a cream to deal with the rashes. If they still do not subside, the doctor may switch your weight-loss drug.

Liver Damage

The list of Contrave’s side effects includes liver damage or hepatitis (inflammation of the liver). Symptoms include dark urine, signs of jaundice (yellowing of the skin/eyes), abdominal pain, or fatigue.

The liver is one of the organs responsible for flushing the drug out of the body, so if it is damaged, the drug can build up in your system. This could increase other side effects of Contrave. Make sure you keep a lookout for any signs of liver or kidney ailments. If you do observe any, consult your doctor for further steps.

Managing Contrave Side Effects

Do side effects of Contrave go away? Most often the common side effects of Contrave do subside over time. They are usually manageable. If you face any symptom that remains for a long duration and causes you discomfort or pain, or is one of the severe side effects of Contrave, notify your healthcare professional immediately. There are safety precautions that you should take note of to make an informed decision.

Immediate Actions to be Taken

• Over-the-Counter Remedies: Contrave’s side effects in the first week of the treatment are usually mild and subside over time. Side effects like headaches, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, gas, etc. are common and are usually manageable. Focus on your diet and take some over-the-counter medications that will not interact poorly with Contrave. These should decrease the intensity of the symptoms.

        Before taking any supplements or medications you aren’t sure of, take the advice of your doctor.

• When to Seek Medical Help: It is advised to seek medical help as soon as possible once you notice any severe side effects. This can include seizures, liver/kidney damage symptoms, or a severe allergic reaction to the drug. Sometimes common side effects that don’t subside even after sufficient measures were taken against them can also be a cause to seek professional help.

          If you observe any symptom, take appropriate action towards it. Ignoring it may worsen your side effects or cause other severe ailments. If you notice any severe symptom of a side effect, consulting a healthcare provider will lead to them reconsidering the treatment plan. They may advice precautions, alter dosage, or change medications.

Long-Term Strategies

• Dietary Adjustments: you can manage most of your common side effects if you consume a low-calorie healthy diet. Take tips from a nutritionist if you would like a personalized diet plan. To deal with side effects like constipation, you can eat food that gives your body fiber.

         Staying sufficiently hydrated can mild down many of Contrave’s side effects. When your body lacks the necessary water content, it can get dehydrated. That can cause dizziness, fatigue, headaches, etc. To avoid such side effects, make sure you eat fresh fruits that are water-based like watermelons and drink plenty of water.

• Lifestyle Changes: the effectiveness of Contrave depends highly on the lifestyle you live. The daily routine is essential for the body to get used to Contrave and for the drug to work its magic. Apart from eating a well-balanced diet and staying hydrated, having a well-established exercise plan and following that plan consistently can help abundantly. Any form of physical exercise, even if you start with 10 minutes a day, can help your body get healthier.

         Exercise helps build tolerance and allows flexibility. Side effects of Contrave such as dizziness, headaches, and the risk of cardiovascular issues are less likely to cause trouble if you exercise regularly.

         Additionally, having quality sleep is important for your mind and body. Sleeping for 7-9 hours is necessary for every adult, especially when you are at risk for insomnia. Maintain a proper sleep schedule and try your best to adhere to it. Some things that may help you sleep better are soothing music, warm showers, and avoiding screen time before bed.

• Monitoring and Regular Check-ups: cardiovascular ailments are serious and managing them takes time on a regular basis. Monitor your heart rate and blood pressure regularly. Keep an eye on any symptom that may suggest that the drug is affecting your heart. Ignoring these signs may cause a heart stroke or a heart attack.

         To track your progress, dosage, and side effects, have regular check-ups with your healthcare provider. That will allow them to adjust your dosage if required before your symptoms take a turn for the worse.

User Reviews and Experiences while Taking Contrave

Contrave Reviews

Contrave’s reviews are generally positive. It is rated 6.6 out of 10 on some sources and 3.5 out of 5 on others. People who have taken Contrave for 6 months or longer gave their thumbs up for Contrave. They noted their cravings went down, consumption of sugary drinks went down, and alcohol consumption stopped with ease.

The first few weeks on Contrave brought people some common side effects like constipation, headaches, and disturbed sleep. Vomiting and a dry mouth are a few rarer side effects noted by them.

Positive feedback included how people learned to listen to their bodies and eat what their bodies actually needed. They also emphasize that Contrave is not a “magic pill” and must be paired with a good diet.

Contrave Canada Reviews

Canada observes similar reviews on Contrave. People on different treatment plans that did not work for them were delighted to find Contrave in the market. Some of them noted an absence of food cravings which lead to an improved quality of life. When few of them did face side effects, they also noted how the side effects subsided with time. Amongst the people of Canada, only one noted experience of nausea, flashes, and unbearable ear ringing that was severe even after discontinuation of the drug.

People on Contrave had fewer complaints of pancreatitis compared to semaglutide drugs according to some studies. Contrave is available all over Canada, though some provinces may or may not have government-funded drug plans for Contrave.

Conclusion

Contrave is quite effective as a weight-loss drug. It is taken as a tablet(s) and shows its impact in 4 weeks! During this time and post this, there are certain side effects that people may face. Most common side effects are mild and temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter medicines. Serious side effects, though they are rare, can be a cause of alarm. Seek immediate medical help if you notice any signs of a serious side effect or persistent signs of a common side effect.

To ensure minimum side effects, take care in choosing your healthcare provider. Talk to them in detail about your lifestyle, medical history, and your journey with Contrave. Keep them in the loop by visiting them periodically so that they can alter your dosage accordingly.

Monitor your heart rate and blood pressure consistently to avoid any cardiovascular ailment, and proactively manage your side effects without ignoring them for maximum effectiveness of the treatment. Try your best to stay committed to your balanced diet and exercise regime. Drink plenty of water and sleep on time to grow into a healthier body.