What is Contrave?

Contrave is an FDA-approved medication to tackle weight management issues. It focuses on reducing hunger and controlling cravings. The two main active ingredients in Contrave that function to achieve these outcomes are naltrexone and bupropion. While separately they are prescribed to treat opioid dependency and depression respectively, together in Contrave they work to reduce your appetite.

Contrave was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for weight loss in 2014, and since then has been largely effective. It is one of the only drugs to deal with weight loss that work as a combination of two distinct components.

How Contrave Works

The two ingredients naltrexone and bupropion are observed to affect the hypothalamus and the mesolimbic dopamine pathway. In the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, there are cells called pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) cells. These are responsible for producing two things: melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) and beta-endorphin. Alpha-MSH is meant to activate a receptor called melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R). MC4R looks after energy expenditure, so activating it means an increase in the expenditure of energy, decrease in food intake, and weight loss. Beta-endorphin, on the other hand. Bonds with mu-opioid receptor (MOP-R) which inhibits the activity of POMC cells.

The role Contrave plays in this process is two-fold. Bupropion enhances the production of POMC cells, while naltrexone inhibits the bonding of beta-endorphin with MOP-R. Together they increase the production of POMC cells, which secrete a surplus of alpha-MSH decreasing your appetite.

With less food consumption as compared to before taking Contrave, you will begin to notice a lot of changes. Weight loss ensures a lower risk of cardiovascular issues, enhanced mobility, better quality sleep, and even a healthier sexual life. Having a healthy weight can help boost morale and self-esteem which invariably improve your lifestyle. Of course, Contrave alone can’t produce the desired results; you must take note of foods to avoid when on Contrave, an exercise regime that suits your lifestyle, staying hydrated, etc.

Foods to Avoid on Contrave

There may be situations where you think, “Why is Contrave not working for me?” As mentioned above, weight loss because of Contrave happens when you adhere to the list of foods to avoid when on Contrave. Some foods that you mustn’t eat are high-fat meals, sugary foods and drinks, and high-calorie foods.

High-Fat Meals

High-fat ingredients are meant to be largely avoided while on Contrave. Some ingredients can be eaten on moderation, but avoid things like:

• Butter/ghee/cooking oils
• Fried food
• Sour cream
• Fatty cuts of meat/poultry/fish
• Ice cream
• Cheese
• Chocolate
• Fried snacks
• Cakes/pies

High-fat meals have an adverse impact on your body when you consume them with Contrave. Medication absorption in your bloodstream is significantly increased when paired with high-fat meals.

Sugary Foods and Drinks

Sugary foods like cakes, pies, cookies, ice cream, chocolates, etc. and drinks like soda, packaged fruit juice, energy drinks, etc. contain too much sugar for safe consumption. Especially once paired with Contrave, which is supposed to lower your blood sugar levels, if you consume sugary items, you could counteract the medication.

There are healthier alternatives to such items. Water with lemon/lime, sparkling water, coconut water, fresh fruits, yogurt, sweet potatoes, etc. can be consumed as a substitute. To add sweetness in your food, you can use natural sweeteners like honey or jaggery.

High-Calorie Foods

Another set of foods to avoid on Contrave is high-calorie foods. Contrave works towards weight loss and foods that are high in calories lead to weight gain. It becomes difficult for any medication to prove successful if you counteract it with a diet that is high in fats and calories.

High-calorie foods include oils, muffins, cakes, pies, peanut butter, rice, potatoes and starchy foods, whole grain bread, etc. As an alternative, try watermelon, apple, strawberries, lettuce, celery, leafy green vegetables, radishes, turnips, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, etc.

Alcohol Interaction with Contrave

Alcohol dependency is unhealthy for your mind and body, and when you pair it with medication, it becomes dangerous as well. It is advised that you do not consume Contrave and alcohol at the same time. If you are taking measures to get over your alcohol dependency, make sure to mention that to your doctor. They may decrease your dose or suggest alternate methods.

Contrave with alcohol has been shown to worsen side effects like drowsiness, trouble sleeping, dizziness, poor concentration, etc. as it interacts poorly with bupropion. If you do consume alcohol, do so at moderation. However, it is highly recommended that you avoid the combination of Contrave and alcohol altogether.

Risks of Combining Contrave and Alcohol

Mixing Contrave and alcohol can put your liver and kidneys at risk. Alcohol dependency may result in liver failure or other liver issues like fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, or cirrhosis. Kidney may be affected by rising blood pressure, which is caused by excessive alcohol in your body. Both these organs are responsible for flushing out the drugs post-use from the body. If they do not function optimally, the drug can build up in your system, causing a risk of organ failure.

It is also observed that when you take Contrave and alcohol at the same time, you are at a higher risk of seizures. There are potential risks of reduced alcohol tolerance or severe changes in mood.

Alcohol gives our body some calories as well, but without making us feel “full”. This means there is a tendency to drink more without feeling full and gaining a significant number of calories and excess energy in the body. As with other high-calorie foods, alcohol gives rise to weight gain and its intake must be controlled.

Dietary Recommendations when Taking Contrave

So should you take Contrave on an empty stomach? You can take Contrave with or without food, though it is advised that you avoid high-fat or high-calorie foods. There are a couple of dietary recommendations for people who wish to successfully lose weight with the help of Contrave.

Follow a Balanced Diet

It is of utmost importance that you follow a fixed schedule of what and when to eat. A proportionate and healthy diet is proven to show beneficial impacts with and without the aid of medication, whereas medications most certainly need the body to consume good food.

There are certain items that you can include in your diet regime that help your body gain the necessary vitamins, protein, fiber, and other nutrients.

• Eggs
• Vegetables
• Berries
• Nuts and seeds
• Yogurt

Stay Hydrated as much as possible

Water is the main source of hydration. Of course, eating fresh fruits help, but drink as much water as you can. When you drink plenty of water, your body is able to estimate how hungry it is. Additionally, when you exercise, you sweat a lot. While that is great for weight loss, it often leaves people dehydrated.

Other than water, you can try

• Green tea
• Coffee (without much sugar/cream)

to help keep your body as hydrated as it requires.

Tips For Taking Contrave Effectively 

Taking medication while balancing a nutritious diet, exercise regime, and sleep schedule can be difficult to do on your own. Science&Humans provides great consultations and regular check-ups to make sure you don’t go through it alone. To help you understand the drug better, there are tips on taking Contrave like the usual dosage, when to schedule it, and its side effects.

Timing and Dosage

You can take Contrave at any time that suits you, with or without food. Contrave comes in the form of extended-release tablets (they release the drug slowly in your body). It is recommended that you take the tablets 12 hours apart from each other.

The dosage is usually increased every week till you start taking 32mg naltrexone and 360mg bupropion. The gradual increase of the dosage is decided by the doctor after considering your lifestyle, medical history, and how effective the drug is to your body.

In general, the dosing schedule looks like this:

Why is Contrave not working for you? There could be several reasons including the dosage. Talk to your healthcare provider to adjust your dosage. It is important to adhere to the dosage prescribed by your doctor, and try not to miss out on any tablet.

Managing Side Effects

Some people usually face temporary and common side effects during the course of this treatment. These may include:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Trouble sleeping
• Diarrhea
• Hot flashes
• Fatigue
• Taste changes
• Tremor
• Unusual dreams
• Irritability

Some serious and rare side effects include:

• Increased blood rate
• Seizures
• Increased blood pressure
• Liver/kidney problems
• Severe allergic reaction
• Risk of suicidal thoughts/behaviors

Seek immediate medical help if you observe signs of any serious side effect. The common ones usually go away after a while or are easily manageable. If you face a consistent problem with any of those, visit your doctor.

Managing your side effects should decrease their intensity. To deal with constipation, you can increase your intake of water and fiber, and engage in more physical activities. Gentle laxatives may also help. For headaches and nausea, some over-the-counter medications may relieve your issues.

If you notice any mood changes or suicidal thoughts, please talk to somebody. Take professional help, make minor yet significant lifestyle changes, and always remember that you are not going through this alone. You are trying your best to achieve a healthy body that you deserve, like many others.

For allergic reactions, if they are mild then you can visit your doctor who may prescribe you some medicine or cream to help with the rashes, itchiness, or swelling. If you have trouble breathing, please seek immediate medical help.

Conclusion

Contrave is one of the few medications that are approved by the FDA for weight loss. While it is proven to be effective, it cannot work alone. It has to be paired with a good nutritious diet, drinking plenty of water, exercising consistently, and sleeping on time.

There are a number of foods to avoid when on Contrave including high-fat and high-calorie foods, and sugary drinks and foods. Avoid combining Contrave and alcohol as it reacts poorly in your body. Always keep yourself hydrated, and follow the prescribed dosage strictly.

If you face any side effect that does not disappear in a week or two and seems unmanageable, seek medical help immediately. For guidance on how to manage mild side effects of Contrave, visit your doctor. They may suggest some medicines or creams depending on the side effect, or alter your dosage.

Science&Humans provides consultation for weight loss journeys, where we offer personalized advice that suits you the best. Working towards a healthier body may be hard work, but when you are working in the right direction, it will be worth it!