Managing Side Effects of Contrave Medication
Contrave, a prescription medication used for weight loss, contains the active drugs naltrexone and bupropion. While it can help adults with obesity or those with weight-related conditions such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes, it's essential to be aware of its potential side effects, especially when used long-term.
In clinical trials, nausea was the most common side effect reported and was the most frequent reason people stopped taking Contrave. This symptom may be a sign of liver inflammation or damage. Other common gastrointestinal symptoms include vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and changes in taste. Headache, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, fatigue, and changes in taste are also common side effects.
While less common, serious side effects include seizures, cardiovascular problems like rapid heart rate or elevated blood pressure, allergic reactions, and potential mental health effects such as suicidal thoughts, especially early in treatment or in certain age groups. Because bupropion is an antidepressant, there is a boxed warning about increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly in children, adolescents, and young adults.
Close monitoring for worsening depression or suicidal ideation is recommended for all adults starting Contrave. Approximately 24% of patients discontinue due to adverse effects, commonly nausea, headache, and vomiting, indicating that some side effects may persist chronically enough to affect adherence.
Long-term use requires caution with medications metabolized by CYP2D6, potential interactions with MAO inhibitors, CYP2B6 inducers/inhibitors, and drugs lowering seizure threshold. Monitoring for central nervous system toxicity is needed if combined with certain dopaminergic drugs.
It's important to note that most mild side effects are usually temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Contrave is a brand-name prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss. While it's not available as a generic, the manufacturer provides patient reviews on its website where people discuss their experiences with the drug, including side effects.
Before starting treatment with Contrave, it's crucial to discuss your health history with your doctor, especially if you have bipolar disorder or any risk factors for it, as bupropion, an active ingredient in Contrave, can trigger a manic, mixed, or hypomanic episode in certain people.
In summary, while Contrave is generally safe when correctly prescribed and monitored, adults using it long-term should be aware of common gastrointestinal and neuropsychiatric side effects, risk of seizures, and cardiovascular events, with ongoing clinical monitoring recommended to manage and adjust treatment as needed. If you experience serious side effects while taking Contrave, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life-threatening or you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
- Contrave is used for weight loss in adults with obesity or related conditions like diabetes, but its long-term use requires careful consideration due to potential side effects.
- Nausea, the most common side effect, may indicate liver inflammation or damage when using Contrave over time.
- Other common gastrointestinal symptoms include vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and changes in taste.
- Headaches, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, fatigue, and changes in taste are also frequent side effects.
- Serious side effects include seizures, cardiovascular issues, allergic reactions, mental health problems such as suicidal thoughts, especially early in treatment.
- Depression worsening or suicidal ideation should be closely monitored in adults starting Contrave, as approximately 24% discontinue due to adverse effects.
- Long-term use of Contrave requires monitoring for potential interactions with other medications and central nervous system toxicity if combined with certain dopaminergic drugs.
- While most mild side effects are temporary, lasting a few days to weeks, it's essential to discuss with your doctor or pharmacist if the side effects persist, bother you, or become severe.
- Contrave should not be used without discussing your health history, especially if you have bipolar disorder or risk factors for it, as bupropion, an active ingredient, can trigger manic, mixed, or hypomanic episodes in certain people.
- The FDA has approved Contrave for weight loss, but it's not available as a generic, and the manufacturer provides patient reviews on its website discussing their experiences with the drug, including side effects.
- Attention should be given to maintaining mental health-and-wellness, hepatitis, diabetes, psoriatic disease, multiple sclerosis, macular degeneration, asthma, arthritis, and obesity-related health concerns in conjunction with weight-management efforts using Contrave, supported by science.
